Point of Arches
Point of Arches is a dramatic stretch of sea stacks and natural arches rising from the Pacific at the southern end of Shi Shi Beach, where sculpted rock formations, tide pools, and driftwood-strewn sand come together in one of the most photogenic coastal scenes in the Pacific Northwest. At low tide, you can walk out among the arches themselves and shoot back toward the beach, using the rock frames to isolate the surf or distant stacks. Wide angles work well to capture the full scale of the formations, while a longer lens lets you compress the layers of stacks receding into the mist. Overcast days are ideal, as the soft diffused light eliminates harsh shadows in the tide pools and brings out rich colors in the wet rock and kelp. Plan your visit around low tide tables, and note that reaching the point requires a roughly 9-mile round-trip hike with a permit. (Clallam County, Washington, United States)
