Walking across it, you instantly understand why people compare this place to Hawaii’s famous Punaluu Black Sand Beach. Here is a fun fact worth knowing: Black Sands Beach is widely considered the only true black sand beach in the continental United States. Wildlife watching at Black Sands Beach is the kind of experience that makes you put your phone down and just stare. Multi-day backpackers often start at Mattole Beach to the north and hike south, finishing right here at Black Sands Beach. Black Sands Beach rewards patience, curiosity, and the simple joy of noticing what most people walk right past.