Kalaloch

At a glance

• Place: Kalaloch
• Park: Olympic National Park
• Area: Olympic
• Type: Campground
• Facilities: Restrooms
• Amenity: Trailhead
• Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• Nearby gateway: Forks, Washington, about 23 miles away
• Park hours: Open 24 hours daily throughout the year
• Seasonal limits: Some roads, campgrounds, and facilities operate seasonally

Why visit

Kalaloch combines a campground with access to a broad, sandy beach. The beach is very popular, and the area includes restrooms and a trailhead.

The Tree of Life is a favorite photography subject. A creek has gradually washed away soil beneath its exposed roots, leaving the tree in a fragile position.

Visitors should view and photograph the tree without climbing, hanging hammocks, or performing exercises on it. These activities are unsafe and could threaten the tree.

Getting there

Kalaloch is in the Olympic area of Olympic National Park. Forks, Washington, is about 23 miles away in a straight line. Port Angeles, Washington, is about 56 miles away.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the listed airport. The Olympic National Park main visitor center is about 55 miles from Kalaloch.

Kalaloch Information is about 0.7 miles away. Check current park conditions and alerts before traveling because some roads and facilities operate only seasonally.

What to see and do

The wide beach is Kalaloch’s main natural feature. Visitors can walk on the sand and photograph the coast or the Tree of Life.

The Tree of Life stands above an area where a creek has eroded soil beneath its roots. Keep off the roots and the space beneath the tree. Do not attach a hammock or use the tree for climbing or exercise.

The Kalaloch Campground Nature Trail trailhead is about 0.2 miles away. The trail is about 0.7 miles as mapped by the National Park Service.

Restrooms are available at Kalaloch. Several additional restroom locations serve the nearby campground loops and group camp.

History and nature

Kalaloch’s beach is wide and sandy. The Tree of Life has become a well-known photo subject because erosion has exposed the earth below its roots.

A creek continues to wear away the supporting soil. The tree remains vulnerable, so visitors should avoid placing weight or equipment on it.

The available information does not identify a specific historical period or event associated with Kalaloch.

When to go

Olympic National Park remains open 24 hours a day throughout the year. However, some campgrounds, facilities, and roads have seasonal schedules.

Summers are generally warm and fair. Typical high temperatures range from 65°F to 75°F. The driest period runs from July through September.

Precipitation is heavier during the rest of the year. Winters are mild at lower elevations, while mountain areas can receive heavy snow.

Conditions can differ across the park at the same time. Pack for changing weather during every season and check current conditions before departure.

Accessibility

Restrooms are available at Kalaloch. The provided information does not describe accessible campsites, beach access, trail surfaces, grades, or accessible parking.

Nearby restrooms include Kalaloch Campground Loop “B” #3 and Loop “E,” each about 0.1 miles away. Loop “B” #2 and Loop “B” #1 are each about 0.2 miles away.

The Loop “D” restroom is about 0.3 miles away. The Kalaloch Group Camp restroom is about 0.7 miles away.

Fees and rules

Olympic National Park entrance fees are:

• Private vehicle: $30
• Motorcycle: $25
• Per person: $15
• Commercial van: $75

Do not hang a hammock from the Tree of Life. Do not climb, exercise on, or place weight on the tree and its exposed roots. Creek erosion has removed soil beneath it, making those activities unsafe.

Follow posted campground and beach rules. Park operations can change seasonally, even though Olympic National Park is open throughout the year.

Nearby trails and places

The Kalaloch Campground Nature Trail is about 0.7 miles as mapped by the National Park Service. Its trailhead is about 0.2 miles from Kalaloch.

Nearby services and facilities include:

• Kalaloch Campground Loop “B” #3 restroom, about 0.1 miles away
• Kalaloch Campground Loop “E” restroom, about 0.1 miles away
• Kalaloch Campground Loop “B” #2 restroom, about 0.2 miles away
• Kalaloch Campground Loop “B” #1 restroom, about 0.2 miles away
• Kalaloch Campground Nature Trail trailhead, about 0.2 miles away
• Kalaloch Campground Loop “D” restroom, about 0.3 miles away
• Kalaloch Lodge food service, about 0.5 miles away
• Kalaloch Lodge lodging, about 0.5 miles away
• Kalaloch Information, about 0.7 miles away
• Kalaloch Group Camp restroom, about 0.7 miles away

Distances describe how far each place is from Kalaloch. They are not driving distances.

Before you go

Check current conditions, alerts, and seasonal operating information on the park’s National Park Service website. Roads, campgrounds, and facilities may have seasonal closures or schedules.

Carry water and pack layers for changing conditions. Weather can vary considerably between different parts of Olympic National Park.

Follow posted rules and leave no trace. Protect the Tree of Life by staying off its roots and avoiding the eroded space beneath it.

Questions