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WatsonsWander

  • Travel Journal
  • Our Airstream
  • Live Infographic
  • About Us
  • RV Resources
  • Contact

Rialto Beach

written by Amanda September 18, 2012

We’ve spent the past two glorious days camping just 2 miles down the road from fabulous Rialto Beach.

Rialto Beach

Famous for its stunning shoreline and sunsets

The first day we arrived at Mora Campground mid-afternoon and after settling in took the short drive down to the beach. Even though the sun was shinning in a bright blue sky when we left the campground, the beach was covered with thick fog and the wind was howling. No matter, we still enjoyed wandering down the shore, marveling at the frozen in time “ghost” trees at the edge of the forest and watching Phin excitedly prance around on the rocky beach.

Rialto Beach

“Ghost” tree- A Sitka Spruce suffocated by the winter tides and frozen in time. They look like huge bones sticking out of the sand.

Rialto Beach

Phineas among the huge driftwood logs

Rialto Beach

Tim & Phin getting some exercise

Rialto Beach

Foggy

Rialto Beach

Me. Believe it or not this was the picture where I look the least windblown!

Rialto Beach

Stacks of driftwood logs line the shore

Rialto beach is best enjoyed at low tide. If you go at high tide you have to walk far up on the shore among the driftwood which can be rather precarious, not to mention dangerous. You also miss out on exploring famous Hole-in-the-Wall rock, as well as the tide pools.

After consulting the handy tide chart posted at the check in station at our campground we learned that low tide for Monday was around 7:30 in the morning or 7:30 at night. Sunset is supposed to be gorgeous on the beach so after dinner we headed down to take a longer stroll. This time we got lucky and the sky was clear and blue with not a hint of fog anywhere.

Rialto Beach

Tim stands by a HUGE log

By the time we walked the mile and half down to Hole-in-the-Wall rock the sun was low in the sky making the towering sea stacks look even more dramatic.

Rialto Beach

Sea stacks

Rialto Beach

Shiny, polished pebbles

Rialto Beach

Low tide reveals rocks covered in bright green seaweed

Rialto Beach

And starfish! Lots and lots of them tucked among the rocks.

Rialto Beach

We also spotted a few sea anemones

Rialto Beach

Looking through Hole-in-the-Wall rock

Rialto Beach

At high tide this hole is impossible to walk through or around. You have to climb up the bluff to get around it.

Rialto Beach

James Island. Until the second half of the 19th century it was the site of a Quileute Indian village. Today the U.S. Coast guard operates a lighthouse and foghorn atop the island.

Rialto Beach

Sunset is pretty special out here

Rialto Beach

After sunset glow

We’ve greatly enjoyed this picturesque beach and all it has to offer. Today we’re heading over the to Hoh Rainforest for a little exploration. We’ll be back at the beach tomorrow though as we head down the coast to check out Ruby beach and spend a few nights in Ocean Shores.

Olympic National Park
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Amanda

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Ruby Beach

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7 comments

Leigh September 18, 2012 - 1:06 pm

How’s cell and data at the campground? (I know I always ask the same question)

Reply
Amanda September 18, 2012 - 7:20 pm

Strong Verizon signal with our amplifier but only a tiny but of AT&T. The campground itself doesn’t have much going for it except the close proximity to the beach. It’s very shady, moist and chilly, but 2 miles from the beach makes it bearable.

Reply
Leigh September 18, 2012 - 1:06 pm

Great pics by the way!

Reply
Jack B. Nimble September 18, 2012 - 6:12 pm

Just found your blog through Nina’s blog. I’m anxious to follow your travel through my favorite part of the country and on to new places. Your pictures are great–I’m anxious to go back and read previous posts. My name is Nancy. Jack is my lab.

Reply
Amanda September 18, 2012 - 7:20 pm

Nice to meet you Nancy and Jack :)

Reply
Frank DiBona September 18, 2012 - 11:08 pm

You commented on my Crater lake posting. Thank you. I had not seen your blog before that and don’t know how that happened. I have corrected that so I will see all of your future posts. I have read quite a few of your blogs and I think they are terrific. Yes, we are travelling a similar route. We just arrived in Arcata California and will be here for a week.

Just curious, how did you find our blog?

Frank

Reply
Amanda September 19, 2012 - 11:23 am

Hi Frank-
The wonderful folks over at Mali Mish recommended we look you up after learning that we are following a similar travel route. I’m glad we did because now we can get good ideas for our travels ahead!

Reply

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days on the road

About The Watsons

About The Watsons

This is the story of Tim & Amanda. Since 2012, we have traveled the U.S. while living and working from our renovated 25-foot Airstream. Follow us on our crazy journey in search of beautiful scenery, fun adventures, interesting people, tasty foods, and more…

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