Editor’s note – After the mention of the Kalaloch Lodge in last week’s Look Back, I was reminded I had some pre-1953 Kalaloch postcards.

Perched on the rugged Pacific coastline, Kalaloch Lodge stands as a testament to nearly a century of history, resilience, and natural beauty. Originally known as “Becker’s Ocean Resort,” the site has evolved from a rustic retreat to an iconic landmark within Olympic National Park.

A Vision in Driftwood

In 1925, Charles W. Becker Sr. purchased 40 acres of land along Kalaloch Creek, drawn by the pristine beauty of Washington’s wild coastline. Using driftwood that washed ashore, Becker constructed a series of cabins and a main lodge, offering visitors a unique and remote getaway. This marked the beginning of Kalaloch’s history as a beloved resort destination.

Growing Popularity and Wartime Use

As the Olympic Loop Highway was completed in the 1930s, access to Kalaloch improved, bringing more visitors to the area. However, the onset of World War II led to a shift in the lodge’s role. During the war, the U.S. Army utilized the resort’s cabins for training purposes, demonstrating the areas strategic importance even in times of conflict.

Integration into Olympic National Park

Kalaloch’s significance was cemented in 1938 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated 898,000 acres as Olympic National Park. Subsequent expansions under Presidents Roosevelt and Truman added significant stretches of coastal wilderness, including the Kalaloch area in 1953. That same year, the main lodge at Becker’s Ocean Resort was constructed.

A New Era Under the National Park Service

After more than five decades of operation under the Becker family, the National Park Service purchased the resort in 1978, renaming it Kalaloch Lodge. Today, it remains the only resort within the park’s Coastal Strip, offering visitors a chance to experience the same rugged beauty that first captivated Becker nearly a century ago.

A Legacy of Hospitality and Heritage

Kalaloch, a name derived from the Quinault term k’–E–le–ok—meaning “a good place to land” or “sheltered landing”—continues to serve as a welcoming retreat for travelers. As waves crash against the shore and driftwood continues to wash up on its beaches, Kalaloch Lodge stands as a bridge between history and nature.

A view from across the Highway.

More cabins.

More cabins.