Quileute Oceanside Resort REVIEW: 3 Fun Days in La Push
Are you wondering if Quileute Oceanside Resort is worth booking?
The answer is yes because location, location, location!
My husband and I have been staying at the resort since 2014. We’ve made lifetime memories in La Push and are always eager to return.
In this article, I share everything you need to know before booking, including our three-day itinerary. I even share alternative places you can stay if the resort is booked or doesn’t meet your needs.
If you’d like tips on things to do while staying at the resort, I’ve got you covered there, too!
Resort Overview
Quileute Resort is the only accommodation in La Push, and its location on First Beach is stunning.
The resort is operated by the Quileute Tribe, who have lived on this coastal land for thousands of years. They built the resort to allow visitors to experience the natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean and this remote area.
From cozy cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows to RV and tent camping spots, there’s something for everyone’s style and budget.
But, if you’re looking for fancy, this is probably not your place. Quileute Oceanside Resort is a 3-star hotel. Think rustic charm meets modern comfort.
This resort is a gem if you’re looking for comfortable accommodations and proximity to La Push beaches and Olympic National Park.
There’s much to do, whether you stay in La Push or use the resort as a home base to explore the park.
La Push’s three fabulous beaches mean you can easily spend two or three days here and not get bored.
First Beach is on tribal land and is the most accessible of all three beaches.
Second and Third Beaches are part of Olympic National Park and require a short hike. Both are remarkable and worth visiting. But if you only have time for one of them, Second Beach is not to be missed.
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La Push Beaches
Best Places to Stay on the Olympic Peninsula
Our last trip to the resort was over a 3-day weekend, and my husband, Colby, and I brought our RV. We wanted enough time on each beach without feeling rushed.
If your time on the Olympic Peninsula is limited, three days may not work for you. But it’s the ideal amount of days to feel the essence of this beautiful place.
La Push Cabins & Accommodations
You’ve got options when it comes to style of accommodations. They’re all good if you know exactly what you get when you book.
I say that only because we were unaware of the small size of the A-Frame Camper Cabins when we booked a family trip earlier this year. I do not recommend a Camper Cabin if more than two adults are in your party, and space to spread out is a priority.
Cabins
Quileute Oceanside Resort Deluxe Cabins are the most high-end accommodations offered here. They have a kitchen, fireplace, jetted tub, and stunning views. We loved seeing the ocean while lying in bed when we stayed in one.
Standard cabins also have a kitchen and a fireplace or woodstove. These cabins do not have a jetted tub or the same views as the Deluxe cabins but have decks that look out towards the ocean. Some of the Standard cabins are pet-friendly.
A-Frame Camper cabins are small. I consider this option high-end glamping. They have a two-burner hot plate and a bathroom, but only #3, 4, 10, and 11 have a water heater and shower. These units are pet-friendly.
NOTE: Camper cabins feature a loft that is accessible by a ladder on the wall. Climbing up and down a wall ladder may not suit those with mobility issues. My nearly 70-year-old mother-in-law could do it, but I was nervous she might fall.
Oceanfront Motel Units
If you’re looking for something more conventional but still want ocean views, their two oceanfront motel units are a great choice.
A kitchen or kitchenette is available for guests, depending on the room.
RV Park & Tent sites
Ocean Park and Lonesome Creek RV parks are at the resort, while Riverview RV Park is six miles from La Push. Choose Ocean Park or Lonesome Creek for a spot next to the beach. Full hookups are available.
Six tent sites are available within the Lonesome Creek RV park.
Resort Amenities
View the resort’s map here.
- Laundry Facility – There are two laundry facilities on-site. One is next to the main office, and the other is in the Ocean Park RV Park.
- Showers – There are showers next to A-Frame Camper Cabin #12 for guests without one in their unit.
- Grocery Store – Lonesome Creek Grocery Store is a convenient place to pick up any items you forgot to bring. It also conveniently has an ATM.
- Coffee Stand – The resort has an on-site coffee stand, which saved me on an RV trip when I forgot to bring our French press!
- Gift Shop – The office gift shop has a small gift shop that sells hoodies, beanies, native art, and books.
TIP: WiFi is not offered at the resort. The only place I’ve had AT&T service on my cell phone is outside, behind the office where you check in.
Three Day Itinerary
Four days are highlighted below, but I consider our visit a three-day stay because we arrived at the resort at 4 pm on Friday and left before noon on Monday.
Exploring First Beach does not require a full day. You can easily experience First Beach the same day you visit either Second Beach or Third Beach.
DAY 1:
We arrived late afternoon on a Friday in May, ahead of my in-laws, giving us plenty of time to set up our RV.
When our family arrived and checked into their A-Frame Camper Cabin, I immediately realized this unit was too small for three adults, a teenager, and a dog! But we all squeezed into it, had dinner, then took an evening walk on the beach.
DAY 2:
After my morning coffee, I headed for a jog on the sand. I watched surfers bob in the water and an ambitious driftwood fort under construction.
I walked over to our family’s cabin, and they had already packed up. They decided the unit was too small for all four of them and a dog to fit in comfortably.
CUSTOMER SERVICE: The service I experienced was outstanding. I informed the manager that our family left early, and he agreed to refund us the days they did not stay if he could book it. He was very friendly and helpful.
Later that afternoon, Colby and I walked on First Beach.
We walked to the James Island viewpoint, where you get a 360-degree view of the entire beach, James Island, Little James Island, the other surrounding sea stacks, and the Quileute Marina. Hands down, it’s the best view at First Beach!
We walked onto the rocks comprising a jetty and sat for a while. We happily watched birds circle above us and dive into the water for fish. We also saw a sea otter float on its back.
In the evening, we got a permit from the office to build a campfire on the beach along with firewood. One of our favorite things to do while staying at the resort is warming ourselves next to a fire while listening to the sounds of the mighty Pacific Ocean.
DAY 3:
After another morning jog along the ocean, we packed our backpacks and walked from the resort to the Second Beach trailhead.
It’s a .7-mile walk on a paved sidewalk along the main road.
At the trailhead, there’s a small parking area and two port-o-potties. Overflow parking is available just minutes away.
I love hearing the sound of the waves and seeing sea stacks peeking through the evergreen trees as you near the end of the trail.
We arrived at Second Beach about a half-hour before low tide. This allowed us to explore the entire beach, from the north end to the south end.
Second Beach is my favorite beach in Olympic National Park, and it’s easy to see why if you visit when the tide is low.
The landscape here is captivating.
You’ll see towering shoreline cliffs, massive sea stacks, and even a small cave at the beach’s south end along this rugged coastline. The tide-pooling here is excellent.
DAY 4:
We packed up and left the resort, parking our RV in the lot for Third Beach, about two miles away. Our RV is almost 30 feet long, and we were thrilled it fit.
It was a case of good timing. It was Monday, and many visitors had already left.
The hike to Third Beach is longer than the hike to Second Beach. It was more muddy, too.
When we arrived at the beach, the sky was overcast and gray. We looked to the south and saw sea stacks known as The Giants Graveyard beckoning us to walk in that direction.
We crossed a thick log to walk the beach, which was noticeably less populated than Second Beach. Sure, it was Monday, but it’s obvious that this lovely beach sees fewer visitors.
Walking to the south end took us roughly twenty minutes. We were delighted to see a small waterfall and rocks with brightly colored sea stars. These features are what make Third Beach well worth a visit.
By the time we left, the sky was blue, and we had shed our top layer. Weather on the coast can change quickly, so be prepared by dressing in layers.
MY #1 CLOTHING RECOMMENDATION IS A SOFTSHELL JACKET.
This Arc’teryx Atom Hoody is lightweight, breathable, weather resistant, and easy to layer. I own two of these! It’s also available for men.
Olympic National Park Destinations Near the Resort
Below are two nearby activities you can do while using the resort as a home base.
Hole in the Wall
Rialto Beach is only twenty minutes from Quileute Resort, and beach hiking to its landmark destination, Hole in the Wall, is a favorite experience amongst park visitors. No hiking is necessary to get to the beach from the parking lot.
Be warned, cell service is spotty. My AT&T cell service dropped while driving on Mora Road, but road signs make it very clear which direction you need to go to get to La Push or Forks. I suggest downloading offline maps to be safe.
Always check the tide chart before going. Try to arrive at the beach before low tide so you can walk the 1.5 miles to Hole in the Wall, arriving there with time to explore the tide pools.
Hoh Rainforest
The best time to go to the Hoh Rainforest is before hot and dry weather begins and after the rains return in September or October.
Getting to the Hoh from Quileute Resort will take over an hour. During peak travel season, arrive early to ensure you get a parking spot.
We arrived before 8:20 am on a Sunday in July and had no problem finding a spot. But I watched the parking lot fill up as I gathered everything into my backpack and ate a quick pre-hike meal.
The Hall of Mosses is an excellent introduction to Olympic National Park rainforests. But if you have the time, I highly recommend hiking the Hoh River Trail.
You don’t have to do the entire hike. We hiked to the Mineral Creek Falls and back for an 8.5-mile adventure, and it was incredible to hear the sounds of the river along the trail.
How to Get to the Resort
There are multiple ways to get to Quileute Resort from Seattle.
If you travel via the northern part of the park, you can take the ferry or drive south through Tacoma, then north through the Kitsap Peninsula, and across the Hood Canal Floating Bridge to the Olympic Peninsula.
NOTE: When the Hood Canal Floating Bridge opens for boats, traffic can come to a stop for ten to 45 minutes. Check for bridge openings here.
If you plan to visit Lake Cushman and hike at Staircase, you can drive through Tacoma, continue to Shelton, and then drive north on the 101.
You’ll get to drive past Lake Crescent if you choose either of these options.
Alternatively, you can travel via the southern end of the park towards Quinault, then head west to the ocean, drive by Kalaloch and Ruby beaches, head north to Forks, and finally, west to La Push.
Best Time to Stay at the Resort
If you don’t mind crowds on the beach, your best chance for sunny and dry weather is from the end of June through the end of August.
It’s worth mentioning that fireworks are sold on the reservation from June 15th through July 31st and can be set off during this time frame.
I recommend booking the resort from April – May or September – October because you can luck out with fantastic weather and fewer travelers are there.
Winter is another great time to visit if you like to watch stormy weather and crashing waves from the comfort of a warm cabin.
Quileute Resort Alternatives
If the resort is fully booked, staying at Quillayute River Resort is the next best option.
You get river views and access, and it’s almost the same short driving distance to La Push beaches and Rialto Beach.
➡️Click here to book your stay at Quillayute River Resort
If Quillayute River Resort is fully booked, staying in Forks is the next best option. Forks is a twenty-minute drive from La Push and has motels, B&Bs, and an RV park.
The Pacific Inn Motel is inexpensive yet clean and comfy. I slept very well during my stay here.
➡️Click here to book your stay at Pacific Inn Motel
Quileute Resort: FAQs
How many days should I spend at the resort?
There’s a two-night minimum stay for weekends and throughout the summer season. Two nights is the perfect amount of time to take a trip to either Second or Third Beach and not feel rushed.
There’s a three-night minimum stay during holidays.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Wi-Fi is unavailable at the resort, so if this is a deal-breaker for you, it’s better to know now!
Is La Push open to the public?
All three La Push beaches are open to the public. First Beach is on Quileute land, but you do not need to stay at the tribe’s Oceanside Resort to visit First Beach. Second and Third Beaches are part of Olympic National Park and open to all visitors.
How many La Push beaches are there?
There are three beaches along the Pacific coast near the community of La Push, home to the Quileute Tribe: First Beach, Second Beach, and Third Beach. Impassable headlands prevent hikers from traveling along the coastline continuously across all three beaches.
Can you visit the Quileute reservation?
The tribe built Quileute Oceanside Resort to welcome guests onto their land, but you have to respect their guidelines, which you can read here.
Wrap-Up: Quileute Oceanside Resort Review
Staying at Quileute Resort is a convenient way to experience all three La Push beaches. Its location on First Beach means it’s a destination in itself.
The resort is also close to Olympic National Park attractions, making it an exceptional place to stay on Washington’s coast.
