A short but rather steep trail through coastal forest leads to a lovely driftwood footbridge and Beach 4. A wonderful place to tidepool and look for seals, with particular treats for those interested in geology - Swiss cheese textured stone! The phenomenon is caused by piddock clams, which burrow into solid rock to protect themselves from the pounding surf.

 

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Full Accessibility Description

Length: 220 feet to overlook, 815 feet to beach
Surface Type: Compacted gravel
Typical Trail Width: To overlook 5 feet, to beach 5 feet wide changing to 3 feet wide at 215 feet
Typical Cross Slope: To overlook under 1%, to beach heavily crowned (higher in the middle than on the edges)
Accessible Parking: Two standard and three van-accessible parking spaces
Description: From the Kalaloch parking area, a ramp leads to the sidewalk with access to two nearby toilets, a park information board and the trailhead. To reach the overlook, head west from the trailhead for fifty feet to an intersection. Continue forward for 170 feet to reach the overlook. From the intersection, the trail slopes downhill at 7% with a few brief stretches 9-10% before reaching the overlook. The view at sitting height may be obstructed by vegetation at times.

To reach the beach, turn left at the intersection. The trail remains at 5-feet wide for another 165 feet but crosses a 20-foot heavily-crowned section with a severe drop-off on the right-hand side at 110 feet. At 215 feet, the trail narrows to 3 feet and descends 113 stairs with 12-inch-deep treads to 510 feet. There is a bench on the right at the 24th step. There are three cross drains in this set of stairs.

At the bottom of the staircase, the trail continues downhill obstacle free at 9% grade, dropping to under 5% grade before the start of another staircase at 585 feet. The second staircase consists of 29 stairs with tread 3-4 feet deep. The stairs end at a bridge that crosses over to the bedrock above the beach. To reach the beach, it is a Class 3 scramble (use of hands may be required by some to navigate down the rock to the beach) down the beach where one can enjoy views of rock outcroppings and Deception Island.