Second Beach

Trek down to Second Beach to explore stunning seascapes and the wild Olympic coast.

The hike begins from the roadside trailhead, dipping past the Lonesome Creek Fish Hatchery and quickly crossing over the log bridge that spans the creek. The graveled trail is wide and well-maintained, a testament both to the tireless efforts of volunteers as well as the thousands of boots that trek down the trail every year. The fern-lined trail rises gently as it cuts through a mossy forest of spruce and hemlock. As the trail levels out and enters the Olympic National Park, the trees thin, giving you the first glimpses of the ocean below. From here the trail quickly works its way down the bluff, steeply descending down to the log-strewn beach.

Once you arrive take a few moments to find a quiet place take in the landscape. To the right, find the headland known as Quateata and the natural arch the waves have carved into the rock. Ahead is Crying Lady Rock, the largest of the seastacks in this area, collectively referred to as the Quillayute Needles. To the left, a little over a mile down the beach is Teahwhit Head, the other end of the beach. If it is low tide, there is a lot to explore, as the rocky shore will be riddled with tidepools. After you’ve had your fill of starfish and anemones, make the journey down to Teahwhit Head to find more rocky seastacks and another arch.

No trip to La Push is complete without taking the time to explore Second Beach. While the steep drop to the beach might be challenging for very young hikers, most folks should not have much difficulty navigating this short trail. A popular overnight destination in the summer, expect to see folks tucked into the forest just above the beach. And if you time your visit in the early spring or early fall, you may be lucky enough to catch the telltale spray of migrating whales on the horizon.