Hike of the Week: Third Beach

Enjoy first rate beach hiking at Third Beach

Third Beach

First Rate and second to none!

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Quick Facts
Location: Olympic Coast near Forks
Land Agency: National Park Service
Roundtrip: 2.6 miles
Elevation gain: 300 feet
Contact: Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (360) 565-3100; http://www.nps.gov/olym
Green Trails Map: La Push, WA- No 163S
Notes: Dogs Prohibited
Access: From Forks head 2.0 miles north on US 101 to the junction with SR 110. Continue west on SR 110. In 7.7 miles at Quillayute Prairie, SR 110 splits. Take the left fork (La Push Road) and proceed 3.8 miles to trailhead located on south side of highway.


This is a fairly easy hike to one of the Olympic Coast’s famed wilderness beaches. Suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities, Third Beach is first rate and delivers wonderment in every season. Traverse a salt-sprayed forest, wander a wide surf-pounded coastline, and explore rugged headlands sporting showy waterfalls on this classic Olympic hike.

Start on an old skid road through a scrappy maritime forest of Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and red alder. After about a half mile of fairly easy going, the trail veers left leaving the old road for a more attractive trail and through more attractive forest.
As the surf becomes more audible the trail begins to descend reaching the wide and wild beach at 1.3 miles. Hemmed in by two imposing headlands, Third Beach extends for about a mile on Strawberry Bay. Where do you want to begin wandering? North to Teahwit Head or south to Taylor Point?
It’s easy to while away the whole day on this stunningly beautiful beach. But, if you care to explore even more spectacular maritime scenery, hike south .5 mile to an overland trail. But, don’t even think of heading up that steep route over Taylor Point before admiring a waterfall plunging from its heights straight into the pounding surf below.
Now if still intent to continue, climb 250 feet via sand ladders and ankle-twisting terrain over the imposing headland. Then traverse a grove of old-growth Sitka spruce before making a steep descent back to sea level. After 1.75 difficult miles of overland travel savor a quiet and secluded beach! Who says you need to backpack for days to enjoy such spectacular Olympic coastal wilderness?

For information on lodging and other attractions near Third Beach visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula