I had this trip on my list ever since a little boy. For hours would stare at a map and dream about walking the adventurous route on the Olympic Coast in Washington State. I was excited to get started on my journey, so I packed my backpack and headed out the door.
I would do so as the natives once did in minimal footwear, for me wearing Vibram Five Finger Seeya's, this would ensure that every sharp rock would be felt during the walk. Enhancing my experience, without tearing my flesh to pieces.
Like many of my adventures. I would be using public transportation for this backpacking trip.
Note: I suggest anyone that is looking for a spiritual experience, on their minimalist journey to do this trek alone. However; respect the terrain because it is now joke to walk on. Rehab your feet for quite some time before attempting this route.
The next hiking season, I walked southbound on the Olympic Coast, documenting from Shi Shi Beach to Rialto Beach; by using public transportation.
Disclaimer/Comments: Biking, Hiking or Backpacking in Minimalist Footwear takes strong feet. Give you body time to adjust to this type of footwear before attempting anything you see on this site.
Updated March 2017 by Barefoot Jake
Wilderness Coast Protected Inside Olympic National Park
The walk starts at either Rialto or Shi Shi Beach and takes multiple day for a hiker complete the strenuous journey; across rugged terrain. The tides and incoming storms must be observed for a safe journey on the coast. I would start walking each day, when the tide was going out and try to make it to the next campsite, before the land I was walking on, became a part of the Pacific Ocean. Want to learn more? Trail guides to hiking the Olympic Peninsula.I would do so as the natives once did in minimal footwear, for me wearing Vibram Five Finger Seeya's, this would ensure that every sharp rock would be felt during the walk. Enhancing my experience, without tearing my flesh to pieces.
Like many of my adventures. I would be using public transportation for this backpacking trip.
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| Spirit of the Makah - The original Minimalist to this section of Coast |
Trip Conditions:
- 48 hours of Rain
- 12 hours of High Wind
- 5 hours of Sun
- Endless Slippery Rock
- Every shape and type of rock imagined
- Tidal challenges
- Muddy Inland Trails
- Climbing Ropes and Ladders
- Swimming a River in full Gear
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| On my Bikepacking Section. Heading to the Coast |
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| After my walk on the road in the rain |
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| First sight of Coast | Rialto Beach |
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| Seeya's on a very slippery Washington Coast |
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| Balance is key on a wet rock |
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| Campsite during a wet 48 Hours |
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| Full Tyvek rain gear in action |
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| Through a tunnel on the coast |
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| Sun started to break out for a bit |
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| Cape Alava | Official end of the Pacific Northwest Trail |
My Short Video Clip:
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| After my swim across the Ozette River |
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| Toward Point of the Arches |
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| Treacherous Terrain |
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| This Sign must mean 'Up' |
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| Climb, Monkey, Climb |
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| Looking back at which I came |
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| 2 Bald Eagles watching over things |
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| Arches |
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| Walking through more Arches |
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| Giant Sea Stacks |
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| Looking back | See you later Shi Shi |
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| Representing the last 3 miles |
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| Time to Hitch Hike out of here |
Note: I suggest anyone that is looking for a spiritual experience, on their minimalist journey to do this trek alone. However; respect the terrain because it is now joke to walk on. Rehab your feet for quite some time before attempting this route.
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| Refer to Overview and Links above |
The next hiking season, I walked southbound on the Olympic Coast, documenting from Shi Shi Beach to Rialto Beach; by using public transportation.
Updated March 2017 by Barefoot Jake