Olympic Peninsula guide
La Push & Second Beach: trail, tides & where to stay
A short forest walk ends on one of the most photographed beaches in Washington — sea stacks, tide pools, and sunsets straight out to the Pacific. Forks, 25 minutes away, is the easiest base.
Closest town
Forks, WA
Trail
~1.5 mi round trip
Best time
Sunset, low tide
Entry
No park fee
What to see at La Push & Second Beach
Second Beach trail
~0.7 mi each way
Forest walk with a steep, rooty drop and a driftwood scramble at the end.
First Beach
Drive-up
In the village of La Push — surf watching and storm watching without a hike.
Third Beach
~1.4 mi each way
A longer forest trail to a quieter beach with a seasonal waterfall at the south end.
Drive times to La Push & Second Beach
| Starting from | Approx. drive |
|---|---|
| Sequim | 2 hr 10 min |
| Port Angeles | 1 hr 45 min |
| Forks | 25 min |
1.5 mi round trip with a rooty descent · Sunset year-round; tide pools at minus tides
Local tips
- La Push is Quileute tribal land — respect posted closures and village rules.
- Check a tide chart; the sea stacks and pools are best on a low or minus tide.
- Bring a headlamp if you stay for sunset — the trail is dark under the trees.
- Pair it with Rialto Beach, just across the river from La Push.
Where to stay near La Push & Second Beach
Our Forks homes are 25 min away. Book directly through Airbnb or Vrbo.
Rainforest Tiny Home Retreat: Fishing Cabin
Forks, WA · 3 beds
Rainforest Tiny Home Retreat: Enchanted Cottage
Forks, WA · 3 beds
ElkCreekInn: Creekside Tiny Home
Forks, WA · 3 beds
Trout Corner: Forks WA Tiny Home Base
Forks, WA · 3 beds
Beaver Pines:Central Hiking Base
Forks, WA · 3 beds
Rainforest Tiny Home Retreat Abstract Modern
Forks, WA · 3 beds
La Push & Second Beach FAQ
Where should I stay to visit La Push?
Forks is about 25 minutes from La Push and has groceries, gas and restaurants. It also puts you close to Rialto Beach and an hour from the Hoh Rain Forest.
How hard is the Second Beach trail?
It is short but has a steep descent with roots and a driftwood log pile at the bottom. Most families manage it fine with good shoes.
Is there a fee for Second Beach?
Second Beach is in the coastal strip of Olympic National Park, but there is no entrance station. Overnight camping requires a wilderness permit.