Third Beach, La Push: Complete Guide

A lovely hike through coastland forest takes you to the stunningly beautiful Third Beach near La Push, Washington. 

Huge piles of driftwood, off-shore sea stacks, and a coastal waterfall cascading right into the ocean make this is one of the most dramatic beaches on the Pacific Northwest coast.

Third Beach is a wonderful day trip, a popular place for beach camping, and the starting point for the long backcountry trek along the South Wilderness Coast.

I found visiting Third Beach a little difficult when I first went, so I’ve written this guide to help you know what to do, what to take and wear, and what to expect, as well as give you tips for visiting.

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Guide to Third Beach

Details of Third Beach Trail, Olympic National Park

Third Beach is the furthest of the La Push and Kalaloch beaches from the parking lot. Some of the more northern beaches like Shi Shi have even longer hikes, but of the southern (La Push and Kalaloch) beaches, the 1.4-mile hike to the beach is the longest. 

That’s not a bad thing – the Third Beach hike is a lovely walk through coastal forest – but it does deter some people. 

Distance: 1.4 miles each way

Type: Out-and-back

Elevation change: 240 feet elevation loss on the way to the beach

Time: 45-60 minutes walk each way

Difficulty: Easy – Moderate

Third Beach Trailhead: The Third Beach parking lot on La Push Road.  It’s a 15-minute drive from Forks.  Coming from Forks, it’s before Second Beach. 

Highlights: Coastal forest; beach with sea stacks; driftwood; and waterfall

Fee: There is no special trail fee and you don’t pass through any entrance station to enter Third Beach, so you can visit Third Beach for free.  However, if you’re going to enter other sections of Olympic National Park like Sol Duc, Hoh Rain Forest and Hurricane Hill, you’ll need to pay the Olympic National Park entrance fee.

Buy it online or, if you are planning to visit more than just Olympic National Park this year (Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades National Park are both close), it can be great value to purchase an America The Beautiful pass.    

Open: Open year-round

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Map of Third Beach, Washington Trail

You can use this map – it’s perfectly sufficient for this hike, which is along a clearly marked trail to the beach and back.  

However, if you’re going to be doing more hiking in Olympic National Park, this map won’t be enough and it’s worth getting a National Geographic topographic hiking trails map of Olympic National Park before you go.

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Third Beach, WA Description

The parking lot at Third Beach is small, with just 20 spaces.  There is a small toilet block at the trailhead plus bear-proof trash cans.

From the trailhead, there’s a clear trail through the towering hemlock trees of the coastal forest.  At eye level are enormous ferns plus moss, lichens and various fungi.  If the weather is right, you might see yellow banana slugs on the ground or undergrowth.

After about a mile, the trail narrows and starts to descend.  Most of the elevation change is in the last 0.4 miles. This section can be muddy and slippery after rain.

Look through the trees and there’s a breathtaking view of the beach with driftwood in the foreground.

You’ll then descend to the beach.  The trail gets a little rougher here.  Keep an eye out for tree roots around here, as tripping right near the end of the hike would not be fun.

The trail spits you out at a small creek and a large pile of driftwood.  You’ll need to climb over this mass of tree-trunk-sized driftwood.  

Look out for signs of the trail – the tops of the logs that people have walked on are worn down and sometimes covered in sand where people have walked.  This is the most direct way over the wood to the beach.

Be careful when climbing over the logs as they may shift as you climb on them.

Look back and you’ll notice a circular sign with alternating black and red quarters up high in the trees.  This is the marker indicating the trailhead back to the parking lot.

After the driftwood, you’ll arrive on the beautiful sandy beach.  Third Beach is about a mile long and you arrive in the middle of it.

To the right is Teahwhit Head (and beyond that is Second Beach).  

To the left is Taylor Point (and beyond the Scott Creek and the South Coast trail).   These points frame the cove.

Both are impassable at the shore level, and you shouldn’t attempt to climb around the rocks.  There is a trail that goes through the forest behind the southern headland.

Straight ahead at low tide are some rocks and tide pools. These are not my best tide pools in Olympic National Park because they are usually covered in long kelp and sea weed and are very slippery.  

You may see some sea stars and other tide pool marine life, or you may not. Be very careful when walking on or around them.

Go left and after about 0.5 miles, you’ll come to the Taylor Point headland.  There are more rocks and tide pools here.  Again, these rocks can be very slippery. 

A highlight of Third Beach is not so much the rocks at the southern end of the beach, but the coastal waterfall.

Strawberry Bay Falls is a lovely horsetail cascade that drops down the cliffside for about 100 feet on to the rocks and into the ocean below.  The falls are usually their fullest in the rainy season November through May.

Try to visit Third Beach at low tide, so you can walk along the beach and explore the driftwood as well.

Off shore at the southern end, you’ll see a group of sea stacks and small islands rising dramatically out of the sea. This is called the Giants Graveyard and provides a stunning backdrop for the southern views. It’s also an excellent habitat for resident seals and coastal seabirds. 

Third Beach is also a good place to see wildlife.  Look out for bald eagles, seals, and (March/April and October) whales off shore.

When you’re ready to return, look for the driftwood and sign marking the trail back to the parking lot.

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South Coast Route (and add-on day hike)

Third Beach is the start of the South Coast Wilderness Trail.  This is a long coastal and overland route that requires multiple days of backcountry camping.  You need a permit and have to time your hike with the tides, as several sections are only passable at low tide.  

If you want to do that trek, you’ll need to get permits and plan carefully.  This guide is not about that.

However, it’s possible to do a short part of this trail as an add-on to your day trip to Third Beach.  If you’re up for a bit of a challenge and enjoy a forest walk, it’s worth the effort.

The trail starts near the southern end of Third Beach.

You’ll see a rope hanging down along a steep incline.

You’ll need to use this to climb up (and then back down at the end).

There are mostly flat sections through coastal forest and past enormous ferns.

However, there are also a couple more rope-assisted clambers up steep slopes and a rustic ladder to ascend.

After about ten minutes, you’ll come to a viewpoint with a lovely view through the trees of Third Beach below.

The trail wanders through the forest.

After another half an hour, you’ll come to another view of Third Beach.

I recommend turning back here unless you’re doing the multi-day through hike. This entire add-on hike should take about 1.5 hours.

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Tips for Visiting La Push Third Beach, Olympic National Park

Based on my visits to Third Beach, here are my tips:

Get there early

One of the major downsides to Third Beach is the size of the parking lot.  It’s small – just 20 spaces.  Combine that with the fact that it’s usually mostly full with the parked vehicles of people who are camping on the beach or further along the South Coast Route, that leaves very few spaces for casual day hikers.

I recommend carpooling or shuttling if possible and getting there as early as possible.  I’ve been there at 5:30am (in the dark) and nabbed the second last spot. 

If you do get there in the dark, you’ll need a good headlamp.  You can get a headlamp here if you need one (or two).

Note the entrance/ exit to the beach when you arrive there

When you reach the beach, turn around and look for the small sign posted high up a tree near the entrance.  This is a circular marker with alternating red and black quarters indicating where the trail is back to the parking lot so you can find your way back easily from the beach.

Time your visit for low tide

You can hike along the beach at high tide, but if you want to explore the rock pools, you’ll need to visit at low tide.  Plan to arrive at the beach at least 30 minutes before the lowest tide so you have sufficient time to spend there before the tide comes in.

Don’t expect warm sunny weather

(Even in summer)

The Pacific Northwest is much more famous for fog and rain than it is for sun. The beach is often shrouded in fog and it can rain at any time.  I recommend taking a rain coat with you. If you need a raincoat, I like this Columbia rain jacket for men and this Little Donkey Andy rain jacket for women.

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What You Need to Take/ Wear to 3rd Beach

1. I recommend taking a rain jacket and wearing layers that you can take off or put on depending on the weather, which can change throughout the day. If you need one, I like this Columbia rain jacket for men and this Little Donkey Andy rain jacket for women.

2. You’ll definitely want to take a camera.  I love the GoPro HERO 12.  It’s designed for travel.  It’s water resistant and durable and takes photos, video and even does streaming.  Check current prices on the GoPro HERO 12 here 

3. Binoculars.  The sea stacks are further off shore than some of the Olympic beaches.  Plus, bald eagles and other birds are often seen here.  So, a good pair of binoculars will add to your experience.
If you’re looking to buy some, check out my Guide to the Best Binoculars for the Money or pick up my top pick, these Vortex Diamondback HD 10×42.

4. Take water.   I love this hydroflask. It’s easy to carry, keeps temperatures well, and comes in multiple colors. 

5. Shoes or boots suitable for walking on rocks (that you may get wet).  If you’re visiting at low tide, you’ll want to explore the tidal rock pools, which involves walking on sharp rocks.  In addition to walking on rocks to explore the tide pools, you’ll also hike to/ from the beach, so you’ll want to wear good hiking boots or shoes.
If you need to get some, take a look at my Guide to Buying the Best Hiking Shoes/ Boots to help you know what to look for and get some recommendations.  My top pick is this pair of Salomon Gore-Tex boots.

6. Check my list of essential things to take and wear on a day hike to make sure you have everything you need.

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Third Beach Camping

There are two options for camping at and near Third Beach.  

1. Mora Campground

This is the nearest official NPS campground to Third Beach.  It’s very close as the crow flies, but the Quinault River lies between them, so it’s actually a 10-minute drive.  

I’ve stayed here and it’s a nice campground with sites for tents and RVs set amongst trees.  There’s a reservation system in effect for late May to late September.  There are 94 sites available and you can book on recreation.gov.  The rest of the year, it’s first come, first-served.  

Each campsite contains a fire ring (with a fire grate) and picnic table. Potable water and flush toilets are located throughout the campground.  No electrical hookups are available at any campsites, but there’s a RV dump station available (summer only) for $10 fee ($5 for Senior or Access Passes).

2. Camping on Third Beach

If you like beach camping, Third Beach Washington is great.  You do need to hike there with your gear, but the longish hike means that there are usually fewer casual visitors.  

You can pretty much choose wherever you want to camp once you get to the beach. Of course, as with all the beaches, you need to make sure you’re above the high tide line, which means you’ll be close to the edge of the beach. 

Wilderness Camping Permits are required for overnight camping at Third Beach Washington.  Camping permits can be obtained on the NPS. 

You can make your reservations here at the National Park Service website. Click on “South Coast” and then “Third Beach”. 

Read more about Olympic National Park Wilderness Backpacking Reservations .

If you want to do this, a few things to keep in mind:

‼️You need to obtain a backcountry permit for camping on the beach. 

‼️All food, garbage, and scented items MUST be stored in hard-sided containers like bear canisters (raccoons are a problem).  You can get some ultra-lightweight ones here.

‼️Be sure to set up your tent above the high-water mark (which is very close to the edge of the beach).

‼️If you’re looking to get a tent, check my Guide to the Best Beach Camping Tents before you make a final decision. 

‼️You can use driftwood found on the beach to create a fire.

‼️Although once you get to the beach, you can find a spot to pitch your tent nearby, it is a 1.4-mile hike to get to the beach, so you will need to be able to carry all your gear with you.

‼️Check my Beach Camping Packing List to make sure you have all you need.

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Hotels near Third Beach, La Push, WA

Third Beach is very close to La Push, though accommodations are very limited there.  It’s an hour and 15 minutes to Port Angeles, which is less convenient, but still possible. 

The most convenient place to stay nearby is Forks. It’s just 15 minutes away and there is a range of accommodations, plus several restaurants to choose form.

LUXURY OPTION: Misty Valley Inn

➡️ Check availability for Misty Valley Inn

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MID-RANGE OPTION: Woodlands Inn

➡️ Check availability for Woodlands Inn

MID-RANGE OPTION: Red Lion Hotel

➡️ Check availability at Red Lion Hotel

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BUDGET OPTION: Pacific Inn Motel

➡️ Check availability at Pacific Inn Motel

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Tide Chart for Third Beach

Although you can walk along part of the beach even at high tide, you may find yourself doing more scrambling over driftwood than strolling along the beach if you visit then.  Plus, the tide pools are only exposed at low tide.

So, I recommend visiting at low tide.  Plan to arrive at Third Beach at least 30 minutes before the lowest tide. 

Check the official tide chart here when you’re planning your trip so you can visit at the right time. 

When you look at the tide chart, you may notice that some low tides are ‘negative tides’ meaning that they go below sea level.  The negative tides are best for tide pooling, as the water levels are the lowest.  However, regular low tides are fine.  

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Weather at Third Beach La Push WA, Olympic National Park

Summer is by far the most popular time to visit the Olympic Peninsula and this is also when the weather is by far the best.  There is a lot less rain in summer, though rain and thunderstorms are possible at any time and it can be foggy on the coast even on sunny days.  Temperatures are mild. August is the warmest month of the year, but even then, average temperatures are between 53.1°F and 64.8°F.

Winter is by far the wettest season.  This is when the region gets the bulk of the rain – and it is a LOT of rain.  Temperatures are surprisingly mild, though. The coldest month is December, with an average low-temperature of 40.6°F and an average high-temperature of 45.5°F.

Spring and Fall are similar but opposite.  In spring, the temperature is rising and the rainfall is decreasing, while in fall, temperatures are falling and rainfall is increasing.  

September is a lovely month with still very mild temperatures and not too much rain, but the other months are a mixed bag, with unpredictable weather. 

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Directions to Third Beach

Where is Third Beach, Washington?

Third Beach lies near the end of La Push Road, a short distance before the small village of La Push. 

Directions to Third Beach from key departure points

Forks to Third Beach 

Follow WA-101 north from Forks for 1.5 miles.  Turn left onto La Push Road (WA-110). After 11.5 miles (about 15 minutes), you’ll see a sign for Third Beach and a small parking lot on your left.  If you come to Second Beach, you’ve gone too far.

Port Angeles to Third Beach

From Port Angeles, drive US-101 west for 55 miles. Turn onto WA-110 West (La Push Road).  After 11.5 miles (about 15 minutes), you’ll see a sign for Third Beach and a small parking lot on your left.  If you come to Second Beach, you’ve gone too far.

Hoh Rainforest to Third Beach 

Take Hoh Valley Rd/Upper Hoh Rd for 18 miles back to WA-101.  Turn right and take WA-101 north for 14.6 miles.  Drive through Forks. Another 1.5 miles from the center of Forks, take the turn off to La Push Road (WA-110) on your left. After 11.5 miles (about 15 minutes), you’ll see a sign for Third Beach and a small parking lot on your left.  If you come to Second Beach, you’ve gone too far.

Seattle to Third Beach

There are two main routes from Seattle to Third Beach.

The northern route heads out from Seattle to the Seattle – Bainbridge Ferry to Bainbridge Island.  Check ferry times here.  Then get on WA-3 N in Poulsbo from WA-305 N. Follow WA-104 W and US-101 N for 113 miles through Port Angeles to WA-110 W/La Push Rd in Forks.  Turn right onto La Push Road. After 11.5 miles (about 15 minutes), you’ll see a sign for Third Beach and a small parking lot on your left.  If you come to Second Beach, you’ve gone too far.  This trip takes a little under 4 hours, though travel times varies with the ferry schedule and traffic.

The southern route is a little longer.  Head south from Seattle to Tacoma. Follow I-5 S, WA-8 W and US-12 W to 95190/Wynoochee Valley Rd in Grays Harbor County. Take the exit toward Devonshire Road from US-12 W. Continue on 95190/Wynoochee Valley Rd. Take 51800/Wynooche Wishkah Rd to US-101 N.  Turn right onto US-101 N and follow 101 north for 91 miles, driving through Forks.  Another 1.5 miles from the center of Forks, take the turn off to La Push Road (WA-110) on your left. After 11.5 miles (about 15 minutes), you’ll see a sign for Third Beach and a small parking on your left.  If you come to Second Beach, you’ve gone too far. This route typically takes a little over 4 hours but doesn’t require a ferry.

➡️ Book a rental car through Discover Cars

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FAQS about Third Beach, Washington

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Travel Insurance for Olympic National Park 

Whether you’re spending a couple of days, a couple of weeks or even longer on your trip to Olympic National Park, I always recommend getting travel insurance.  This can protect you against medical and emergency repatriation, and cover things like trip cancellation, loss and/ or theft of property, etc. 

➡️ A great insurance option is Travelex.  It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can choose the best travel insurance plan for your trip here or get a quote right now:

Enjoy Third Beach!

More Planning Resources for Olympic National Park

Do you have any tips for visiting Third Beach or questions about it?  I’d love to hear about them.  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more). 

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Guide to Third Beach

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About the Author

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