Which La Push Beach is Best? Guide to All Three Beaches (2024)
Are you headed to La Push and wondering which is the best beach to visit?
I’ve visited La Push many times over the last decade and have spent long afternoons walking its incredible beaches.
First Beach, Second Beach, and Third Beach are quintessential Washington beaches, similar in look and feel, but each has unique characteristics.
In this article, I share everything you need to determine which La Push beach is worth a visit. I also highlight the best things to do, where to stay, how to camp on the beach, and tips for an unforgettable adventure.
Let’s get to it!
Travel Resources for Olympic Beaches
➜ Where to Stay: Book lodging in Forks, the closest town.
➜ Essential Gear: Softshell jackets protect you in all weather.
➜ Trip Planning Services: Book a free discovery call with me!
Quick Guide: Which La Push Beach is best?
- Best beach for accessibility – First Beach
- Best beach for nearby amenities – First Beach
- Best beach for taking photos – Second Beach
- Best beach for tide-pooling – Second Beach
- Best beach for privacy – Third Beach
TOP PICK: Second Beach is my favorite because it offers the most impressive views and areas to explore at low tide. I love its varied landscape, which features towering cliffs, stunning sea stack formations, and rocky terrain for exploring tidepools.
La Push Beaches
The rugged and wild beaches of La Push look out to the Pacific Ocean, and the views are stunning.
First Beach is not part of Olympic National Park, but Second and Third beaches are.
La Push is a coastal community on the Olympic Peninsula, approximately twenty minutes from the city of Forks. It’s home to the Quileute Tribe, who have lived here for thousands of years.
NOTE: The Quileute Tribe provides guidelines for proper etiquette while visiting their land, which you can read here. Removing objects like rocks, shells, and driftwood is prohibited.
Map of Beaches in La Push
First Beach
- Permit: none required
- Parking: free gravel parking lot
- Hike: no hiking needed
The first time I ever walked First Beach (commonly referred to as La Push Beach), I marveled at the vast amount of driftwood here. Some were the base of large trees and massive.
Of the three beaches, this one is the most accessible because you don’t have to hike to get to it. You can park and walk down a short, modestly steep path to the ocean.
I’ve read commentary online stating that First Beach is more pedestrian when compared to the other two. I agree that the other two beaches offer more to see and explore, but First Beach features James Island in the not-too-far-off distance.
This island is culturally and historically significant to the Quileute people.
It was the site of a village in the 1800s, a sacred place where the bodies of high-status tribe members were placed in canoes on the island’s trees, a viewpoint for sighting whales, and a lookout to defend the tribe from potential threats.
The tribe invites visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of this coastline by staying at Quileute Oceanside Resort located on First Beach, which my husband, Colby, and I have done many times over the last decade.
First Beach is open to the public, but James Island is not. However, you can view it from a designated point at the north end of the beach.
Despite the beach’s massive amounts of driftwood, there’s plenty of space for walking, building sand castles or driftwood forts, playing recreational games, and simply sitting and listening to the sound of the waves.
You do not need to stay at the resort to spend time on the beach.
Don’t worry about timing your visit according to the tide chart. Second and Third Beaches are better for tide-pooling.
Second Beach
- Permit: required only for overnight camping
- Parking: spots next to trailhead and overflow lot nearby
- Hike: 4 – 6 miles roundtrip
I remember a time before Second Beach’s popularity. In years past, we spent afternoons on this beach as one of only a handful of groups.
Now, Second Beach can feel busy depending on when you visit, and for good reason. It’s one of the Olympic Peninsula’s best beaches.
A short hike is required to get to this breathtaking beach. The trail is well-maintained, but I recommend wearing sturdy shoes to navigate occasional protruding tree roots.
Where the trail meets the beach is the busiest. Near this area is where you’ll find that most campers will set up camp.
If you arrive within an hour before low tide or at low tide on a day when the weather is favorable, you may have one of the best beach experiences of your life.
TIP: Check for low tide before your arrival so that you can explore tide pools.
During this time frame, you can access another smaller beach on the north end. This crescent-shaped beach is surrounded by rugged, towering cliffs on which evergreen trees surprisingly grow.
Walking south, you’ll find fewer crowds and expansive ocean views.
I highly recommend this beach hike!
Over Memorial Day weekend, Colby and I hiked down to the beach, explored the north end, walked down to the south end and back, and my AllTrails app tracked 6.1 miles.
Third Beach
- Permit: required only for overnight camping
- Parking: parking lot next to trailhead
- Hike: 4.2 miles roundtrip
Third Beach also requires a short hike to get to. When we visited the end of May, this trail was muddier in some areas than the trail to Second Beach. Be prepared to navigate over large tree roots on this trail, too.
When you arrive at the beach, you’ll see an enticing grouping of sea stacks in the distance, known as The Giants Graveyard, beckoning you to walk towards the south end.
It’s this spectacular view that makes Third Beach a worthwhile destination.
If you plan to do this beach hike, there’s a large driftwood bridge to cross as you travel south.
Third Beach is the least frequented of the three, which will appeal to those who don’t want to be where the largest crowds are.
It’s worth mentioning how quickly the weather can change in La Push. We started the day in overcast weather, and by the end of our adventure, the sky was blue, and we each took off our top layer of clothing.
The south end of the beach at low tide offers a chance to see sea stars. But the small waterfall at this end is even more spectacular than the tide-pooling.
You’ll get the best view of the waterfall if you are able to climb a few big rocks, being careful not to disturb marine life.
RELATED POST: Hole in the Wall on Rialto Beach
Best Things to Do at La Push
1. Camp
Beach camping allows you to fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing. I’ve included a more detailed section on camping in this guide below.
NOTE: Tent camping is allowed on Second and Third beaches, but you must obtain an Olympic National Park Wilderness Permit first. Tent camping is not available on First Beach.
2. Walk the beach
Walk the beach and marvel at expansive views of sea stacks peppering the Pacific coast. I walk First Beach every morning when we stay at Quileute Oceanside Resort. The weather changes daily, as does the activity on the beach, so it feels different every time.
3. Tide pool
Second Beach is the best beach for tide-pooling, but check the tide chart to know what time is low tide. Always walk cautiously over tide-pooling terrain and avoid stepping directly onto living organisms.
TIP: When you arrive on the beach from the trail, head left towards a large rock for excellent tide-pooling.
4. See wildlife in their natural habitat
We like to walk to the north end of First Beach, sit on the rocks, and watch as seals bob in the water and birds dive to catch fish. You may even see whales from the beach if you visit in March/April or October.
NOTE: The Quillayute Needles National Wildlife Refuge is a wilderness area off the Washington coast from Cape Flattery in the north to Copalis Head further south, spanning approximately 800 islands, rocks, and reefs. It’s off-limits to humans but can be viewed with binoculars from Second Beach and other beaches along the coast.
5. Build a fort out of driftwood
The structures built out of driftwood on First Beach are quite impressive! Remember, driftwood cannot be taken from the beach.
6. Surf (or watch surfers!)
Surf during the summer for smaller waves catering to all experience levels. Less experienced surfers should refrain from surfing during the winter months when powerful swells occur.
The Pacific Ocean water is frigid, so if you plan to surf, bring a wetsuit.
How to Get to La Push
There are many different ways to get to La Push from Seattle: taking the ferry from Seattle to the Kitsap Peninsula (two ferry options) and then driving to La Push, or driving south from Seattle to Tacoma and heading towards Quinault, located at the south side of the park, or Port Angeles, located near the north side of the park.
I live on the Kitsap Peninsula, and traveling through this area is a better choice for several reasons.
First, you can take the ferry or drive around Puget Sound, allowing you to choose which is better for your schedule. Second, you’ll see amazing views of Lake Crescent along the way.
To get from the Kitsap Peninsula to the Olympic Peninsula, you must cross the Hood Canal Floating Bridge, which opens for boats. Traffic can come to a complete stop for ten to 45 minutes when the bridge opens. Check for bridge openings here.
This past year, I crossed the bridge about ten times, and it opened only once. So don’t worry too much about the bridge!
NOTE: Check for road closures on the National Park Service website ahead of time.
Travel by Ferry
Seattle to Bremerton or Seattle to Bainbridge Island are two options if you travel by ferry.
On a sunny day, you’ll see impressive views of Mount Rainier as you cross the water.
While it’s possible to see orcas, in the decades I’ve lived here, I’ve seen them only once while taking the ferry!
TOP PICK: If you have the time, take a stroll on Winslow Way after getting off the Bainbridge Island ferry. You’ll find excellent restaurants, locally-owned stores, and even a free museum. Pick up some fudge to eat on the road at Bon Bon.
La Push Beach Parking
Public parking for First Beach in La Push is not obvious, so the map below shows you where to park. You can also type “James Island View Point” into your preferred GPS, which will take you to the gravel parking lot along the beach.
Public parking for Second and Third beaches is easy to find. Use GPS and search for either trailhead, and you can park in a small lot next to each trailhead.
Second Beach has an overflow parking lot that is easy to find off the main road, not too far from the trailhead.
Third Beach has a larger parking lot, but it can fill up quickly during peak travel season.
La Push Hotels: Where to Stay
Quileute Oceanside Resort is on First Beach and offers cabins facing the water. You can also RV camp and tent camp here.
➡️Click here to book your stay at Quileute Oceanside Resort
Forks Motel is clean, comfortable, close to restaurants, and only twenty minutes from First Beach.
➡️Click here to book your stay at Forks Motel
Quillayute River Resort offers charming accommodations with river beach access. It’s ten minutes from First Beach.
➡️Click here to book your stay at Quillayute River Resort
Misty Valley Inn feels tucked away in the forest, even though it’s right off the 101. It’s eighteen minutes from First Beach.
➡️Click here to book your stay at Misty Valley Inn
La Push Beach Camping
First Beach Camping
Camping is available only at Quileute Oceanside Resort, and camping is prohibited on the beach. All sites are within a short walk to the beach.
- Glamping (small A-Frame unit)
- RV camping
- Tent camping
Second Beach and Third Beach Camping
- Tent camping only
A few sites are available in the forest, but many spots are available on the beach.
Know where the high tide line is so you’re not woken up by ocean water filling your tent at night!
There are pit toilets at both beaches where the trail ends at the beach.
⚠️ Parasites exist in coastal lakes, streams, and rivers, so filter or boil all collected water.
NOTE: Planning to camp at Second or Third Beach? All beach campers must obtain an Olympic National Park Wilderness Permit which are available here.
La Push Weather
Like the rest of the Olympic Peninsula, your best chance for good weather is from the end of June to the end of August.
Depending on the year, May and September can be dry or wet. These are still popular months to visit.
The rainy season begins in October and lasts through April, with November through January being the wettest.
No matter the season, I’ve found weather apps unreliable because the weather can quickly change in La Push. I’ve included a section on what to pack below. (Hint: bring layers!)
Tips for Visiting La Push
La Push beaches are known for their massive amounts of driftwood, which can make access to the beaches challenging for those with mobility issues. Walking sticks or trekking poles will help you to stay balanced.
⚠️ Always know if the areas you walk require low tide to pass.
🧳 What to Pack for La Push Beaches
Even in summer, good weather is not promised. Because of this, you’ll want to pack layers to add or remove clothing easily.
JACKET – A zip-up softshell jacket with a hood is always good to bring in case it becomes windy. Find a jacket made of fabric that breathes well and wicks away moisture.
My love for softshell jackets cannot be overstated! They are the perfect article of clothing for various weather conditions and can be tied around your waist if needed.
NEED A SOFTSHELL JACKET? This Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody is lightweight, breathable, and weather resistant. I own two of these and always keep one in my backpack. It’s also available for men.
RAIN GEAR – A gore-tex jacket is essential when visiting this region, no matter the time of year. If unexpected rain occurs, you will not regret packing this at the bottom of your backpack.
BACKPACK – A backpack carrying snacks, water, additional clothing, and sun protection is essential. It allows your hands to be free while walking over driftwood or rocks.
NEED A BACKPACK? This Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack backpack has enough storage space for extra layers, lunch, and more. It has water bottle pockets on the sides and a front zip pocket for essentials.
SHOES – Sturdy shoes with good tread are highly recommended for visiting Second and Third Beaches since you have to hike to get to the beach.
☀️ Best Time to Visit La Push
The best time to visit La Push is from the end of June through September when the weather is the warmest and driest. If you want to avoid this peak travel season, the best time to visit is middle-to-late spring or early fall.
🌊 Can Anyone Visit La Push?
Yes. You do not need to stay at Quileute Oceanside Resort to visit First Beach. Second and Third Beaches are part of Olympic National Park and open to the public.
🧛🏻♂️Where is La Push Beach from Twilight?
La Push is approximately twenty minutes away from Forks, Washington, the town that is the setting of author Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. La Push is prominent in the second book, New Moon, as Bella’s family friend, Jacob Black’s hometown.
La Push Beaches Guide Wrap-Up
Second Beach is the best La Push beach for stunning coastline views, marveling at towering cliffs, exploring tide pools, and viewing wildlife. It’s one of the best beaches at Olympic National Park and worth a stop on your park tour.
