Second Beach
Breathtaking Washington coast beach with iconic sea stacks, vibrant tide pools, and unforgettable beach camping.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
To explore tide pools
Second Beach
Best Time
To explore tide pools
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Breathtaking Washington coast beach with iconic sea stacks, vibrant tide pools, and unforgettable beach camping.
"One of the most worth it beaches to go to along the Olympic!"
Check Tide Charts First! :ocean:
Essential for tide pool exploration. Low tide reveals the best marine life.
Wear Sturdy Footwear :athletic_shoe:
The trail has a steep section, and beach walking requires good grip.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spectacular Sea Stacks
Along the shoreline
Towering sea stacks rise dramatically from the waves, creating an iconic and unforgettable coastal landscape.
Vibrant Tide Pools
Exposed during low tide
Discover a hidden world of starfish, anemones, and colorful marine life in these natural rock pools.
Sunset Views
Western horizon
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the Pacific Ocean.
Wildlife Sightings
Beach and surrounding areas
Keep an eye out for eagles soaring overhead and potentially even deer grazing nearby.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Tide Pool Adventure
Beach Camping Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Charts First! :ocean:
Essential for tide pool exploration. Low tide reveals the best marine life.
Wear Sturdy Footwear :athletic_shoe:
The trail has a steep section, and beach walking requires good grip.
Pack for All Weather :cloud:
Coastal weather changes rapidly; bring layers, rain gear, and sun protection.
Book Camping in Advance :tent:
Especially for weekends and summer. Permits may be required.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Charts First! :ocean:
Essential for tide pool exploration. Low tide reveals the best marine life.
Wear Sturdy Footwear :athletic_shoe:
The trail has a steep section, and beach walking requires good grip.
Pack for All Weather :cloud:
Coastal weather changes rapidly; bring layers, rain gear, and sun protection.
Book Camping in Advance :tent:
Especially for weekends and summer. Permits may be required.
Leave No Trace :recycle:
Pack out everything you bring in to preserve the natural beauty.
Bring Water Shoes :sandal:
Helpful for navigating rocky tide pool areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Second Beach for its stunning natural beauty, particularly its dramatic sea stacks and rich tide pool ecosystems, calling it a 'lifetime experience.' The opportunity for beach camping is a major draw, offering incredible value. While the hike is manageable, the steep section requires caution, and checking tide charts is crucial for tide pool exploration.
"We came here for the tide pool and were very satisfied with what we saw. The beach is beautiful, the sand is very smooth, but most importantly the marine life we saw was a lifetime experience. Definitely recommend. Please check with the park information center and time for the tide cycle before you go."
Shu Wang
"Great experience. We went at low tide to see the tide pools. Plenty of parking, but might have to use the overflow lot which is about .10 miles from the trailhead. Trail was just short of a mile down to the beach, with a decently steep portion at the end, but by no means is it difficult. Kids could manage it and I did it with my 18mo old on a hiking baby carrier and made it fine."
Brandon Burnett
"This hike makes an excellent day hike loop. Or, you can spend a night on the beach and complete the hike the next day. If you have time to camp, it is beautiful to spend the night on the beach, listening to the ocean and seeing the beautiful arches illuminated by sunrise and sunset. There is a little tricky section where you have toclimb up and down using ropes to get around a peninsula. But as well worth the effort."
Eric Valentine
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Second Beach is located south of the village of La Push. Access is via a short hike from the parking area. The trail is approximately 0.7 miles one-way and involves a moderately steep descent to the beach.
Yes, there is a parking lot, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. An overflow lot is available if the main lot is full, adding a short walk.
No, you cannot drive directly onto Second Beach. Access is via a designated hiking trail from the parking area.
Yes, Second Beach is part of Olympic National Park and is managed by the National Park Service.
The drive to the La Push area, where Second Beach is located, is scenic. The road leading to the parking area is paved.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, an Olympic National Park pass is required for entry and parking. You can purchase passes online or at visitor centers.
The primary fee is for the Olympic National Park pass. There isn't a separate entrance fee specifically for Second Beach itself, beyond the park access.
Second Beach is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, access to tide pools is dependent on tide cycles, and camping requires reservations.
Yes, overnight beach camping is permitted at Second Beach with a permit. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season. +1
Camping permits for Second Beach typically cost around $22 per night, offering incredible value for a beachfront campsite.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike to Second Beach is about 0.7 miles one-way. It's considered moderately difficult due to a steep section near the end, but manageable for most visitors, including families with young children in carriers.
During low tide, you can expect to see starfish, anemones, sea urchins, clams, and various types of crabs.
There are vault toilets available near the parking area, but no facilities directly on the beach itself.
Yes, Second Beach is great for families. Kids will enjoy exploring the tide pools and the expansive beach. The hike is manageable for most children.
Dogs are allowed on leash in the parking area and on the trail to Second Beach. However, they are not permitted on the beach itself to protect wildlife and sensitive habitats.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for photographing the sea stacks and coastline. Low tide is also ideal for capturing the intricate details of the tide pools.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and sea stacks. A macro lens can be useful for tide pool photography. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions and long exposures.
The sea stacks themselves are the main subjects. Exploring the different angles and perspectives as you walk along the beach, especially around the rocky outcrops, will yield unique shots.
Coastal weather can be a challenge, with fog, rain, and wind. Salt spray can also be an issue, so protecting your gear is important.
Drone usage is restricted within Olympic National Park. Check the latest NPS regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Pack plenty of snacks and water. Consider bringing sand toys for beach play. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear for exploring the tide pools and rocky areas. Keep a close eye on them, especially near the water and on the steeper parts of the trail. Overnight camping is also a memorable family adventure, offering a unique way to experience the coast.
🎒 Backpackers & Campers
Key considerations for campers: Secure your camping permit well in advance. Pack lightweight, waterproof gear and be prepared for potentially windy conditions. Familiarize yourself with Leave No Trace principles to ensure the preservation of this beautiful environment. The hike down to the beach is manageable with camping gear, but requires careful footing on the steep section.
📸 Photographers
Photography tips: Aim for golden hour (sunrise and sunset) for the most dramatic light. A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the grandeur of the sea stacks and the vastness of the beach. Don't forget a macro lens for detailed shots of the tide pool inhabitants. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and protect your gear from salt spray.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Tide Pools
Many visitors describe the marine life here as a 'lifetime experience.' The sheer abundance and variety of creatures visible in these pools make it a truly memorable part of any trip to the Washington coast. It's a fantastic educational opportunity for all ages, allowing for close-up observation of a world usually hidden beneath the waves.
Pro Tip: Always check the tide schedule before heading out. The magic of the tide pools is entirely dependent on the ocean receding. Arriving a bit before the lowest tide allows you to witness the pools as they are revealed.
Beach Camping at Second Beach
+1Overnight beach camping requires a permit, and reservations are strongly advised, especially during the summer months and on weekends. The cost is remarkably affordable, often around $22 per night, making it an excellent value for such a unique location.
Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles rigorously. This means packing out everything you pack in, including all trash and food scraps, to help preserve the pristine condition of this natural wonder. Campfires are generally permitted in designated areas, but always check current regulations and fire restrictions with the National Park Service before lighting one.
The Hike to Second Beach
This incline means that while most visitors can manage it, it's worth noting for those with mobility concerns or very young children. Many families find it manageable, especially with children in hiking carriers. The trail itself winds through coastal forest, offering a pleasant transition before opening up to the dramatic ocean views.
For those seeking a bit more adventure, there's a section where you might need to use ropes to navigate around a peninsula, adding an element of excitement to the trek. This is well worth the effort for the stunning vistas and unique geological formations it reveals.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit