Reaching Second Beach requires a permit, a bear canister, and roughly a mile of hiking from the parking lot near La Push before any tent gets staked. The trail moves through forested terrain and descends via a winding staircase, depositing campers at a wide open stretch of Pacific coast backed by a driftwood log jam. No drive-in access, no hookups. Campfires are allowed, but firewood is scarce on the beach, so plan to bring your own. Pets are not permitted.
Crowd patterns matter here. Tents cluster near the trail exit, especially on holiday weekends, when the upper beach can fill quickly. Walking further down the beach spreads things out. Small freshwater streams flow from the forest onto the sand and serve as the primary water source. The single pit toilet near the trail exit is frequently at capacity, and the second reported facility on the hill is difficult to locate. Cell service is listed as available. Campers can find campgrounds near Olympic National Park if this site's hike-in logistics don't fit the trip.
Wildlife draws consistent mention across reviews. Marine mammals, bald eagles, and active tide pools are all noted by multiple visitors. Low tide opens up rock formations, including the Quillayute Needles sea stacks and Crying Lady Rock, which has a cave on its seaward side. Kelly M. noted "tons of wildlife, assorted marine mammals, tide pools, and a few eagles." Nearby options include Third Beach Camping -- Olympic National Park for another hike-in coastal experience, or Mora - Olympic National Park to the north for a drive-in alternative. Campers who go in prepared tend to get the most out of this stretch of coast.
Description
Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits in person at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles or the South Shore Lake Quinault Ranger Station. No reservations for South Coast. However, Second Beach is very popular in summer and can fill up.
Group Size Restrictions: Groups are limited to no more than 12 people. Associated groups of more than 12 must camp and travel at least 1 mile apart and may not combine at any time in a group of more than 12.
Food Storage Method: As of May 2013, all food, garbage and scented items must be stored, overnight and when unattended, in park-approved Bear Canisters along the entire Olympic National Park Wilderness Coast. Buckets or other hard-sided containers are no longer permitted.
Campsites: A few forested sites are available but mostly beach camping. Camping space can be scarce in summer.
Toilet Facilities: A pit toilet is located where trail meets beach.
Water Source: Two streams - Most coastal water sources have a tea-stained appearance. The light tan color originates from tannin leached from leaves. Cryptosporidium and giardia exist in coastal streams and rivers; therefore, always filter or boil water. Iodine is ineffective against cryptosporidium.
Contact Forks Outside for campsite set-up service: https://forksoutside.com
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSecond Beach is located in Washington near La Push
Coordinates
47.88487172 N
124.61808567 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Alcohol
- Fires
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 5 min from Bremerton, WA
- 3 hrs 27 min from Seattle, WA
- 3 hrs 34 min from Mount Vernon, WA
- 3 hrs 40 min from Olympia, WA
