Second Beach is a bit of a drive for most of us out to the coast near Forks, WA but the smell of the sea, the ability to camp right on the beach, waking up to the crash of the pacific ocean, not to mention the view; make it totally worth the trip! This is a relatively quick and easy hike. The trek is about 2 miles, up a hill and back down the other side. Upon arrival to the beach there is a large log jam to scramble over before being able to shed your shoes and sink your toes in the sand while you meander the beach choosing the perfect camp site.
There is one pit toilet near the trail exit to the beach and there are rumors of another on a hill overlooking the beach but I’ve yet to find it. There are few streams exiting the forest onto the beach to collect your water from.
When the tide is in you can roam the upper beach, play Frisbee, surf or relax. When the tide is out get out and explore the whole new world that has opened up, the beach is alive with sea life in the tide pools and rocks that have now been exposed. Admire the sea stacks known as the Quillayute Needles jutting out of the sea and up from the beach. Make it around to the backside of the largest rock, Crying Lady Rock, and there is a cave on the back side facing the sea where we enjoyed a vibrant sunset from. Though ensure you get off the rock before the tides come back in or you will enjoy a swim back to shore.
** Holiday weekends make this normal solitude a wild, packed and crazy place to camp.**