June 3, 2022
Where is Kalaloch Lodge?
Kalaloch Lodge is located on the coast of Washington State. It is roughly 3 hours from Seattle. The historic lodge sits on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean. It is the only coastal lodging in Olympic National Park. For this reason, it’s very popular and books out far in advance. It offers rooms in the main lodge and The Kalaloch Lodge Cabins. It also has a restaurant, a gift shop, and a convenience store.
Photo Opportunities Near Kalaloch Lodge
The Washington Coast has endless photo opportunities. There are classic coastal features like tide pools, sandy beaches, and ocean views. But there are also unique-to-Washington features like moss-covered forests, glacially-carved lakes, and one of the most famous trees in the United States.
Keep reading for the best photo ops near Kalaloch Lodge!
1 – Kalaloch Tree of Life
Arguably the most popular destination near Kalaloch and only a 2-minute drive from the lodge. The Tree of Life is an incredible sight to see. A Sitka spruce suspended mid-air atop an eroding bluff with all of its roots visible and holding on for dear life. Who knows how long this tree will be able to hang on in this precarious position. Make sure you see this one before it’s gone.
Tree of Life Directions: Park in the Kalaloch Campground Day Use Area. At the west end of the parking lot find a paved path to a staircase. Head down the staircase and continue north up the beach for just a minute to find the Tree of Life. It’s as easy as that!
2 – Rialto Beach
In 2022, Rialto Beach will be the best beach to visit for photo opportunities near Kalaloch Lodge. In any other year, I would recommend Ruby Beach. But Ruby Beach is undergoing maintenance and will be closed for most of the summer. But hey, Rialto Beach is just as stunning! It’s just a little farther away. Rialto Beach is 1 hour north of Kalaloch.
Rialto is an ocean beach and coastal forest. It has incredible sea stacks, HUGE waves, and a popular Rialto Beach hike to a sea arch called Hole in the Wall.
A few notes on Rialto Beach:
- Make sure to check the Rialto Beach Tides before heading down the beach.
- Camping is allowed on Rialto Beach with the correct permits.
- Rialto Beach weather can be unpredictable. Check the Kalaloch Lodge Webcam for an idea of what the weather may look like at Rialto.
- Rialto Beach is part of Olympic National Park and requires a National Park Pass to park and visit the beach.
3 – Big Cedar Tree + Grove
Just an 8-minute drive from Kalaloch Lodge sits the remnants of one of the largest Western Red Cedar trees ever. In 2014 a storm split this 1000-year-old tree in half but don’t let that deter you from visiting. It’s still an awe-inspiring stop and a great photo op!
Pro Tip: Continue on the trail past the Big Cedar Tree for about a quarter of a mile to an entire grove of ancient cedar trees.
Directions to Big Cedar Tree + Grove: Off Highway 101 driving north from Kalaloch, proceed past the turnoff for Beaches 3 and 4, and in a mile, look for the sign for Big Cedar Tree, about four miles north of the Kalaloch store.
As always, feel free to reach out with any questions about my photography packages or planning tips!
Photo Opportunities near Kalaloch in Olympic National Park
These are just a few of the many incredible photo-op locations near Kalaloch Lodge! Want more PNW location inspo? Check out these blogs below!
The Perfect Mt Rainier Day Trip Itineraries 2022 >
5 Beautiful Place in Washington that Don’t Require hiking
Ruby Beach Elopement Camping Guide
