Hoh River to Third Beach

The Hoh River to Third Beach is a 26 km point-to-point trail in Olympic National Park, Washington, United States, gaining approximately 600 m of elevation over 2–3 days. Rated moderate, it combines ancient temperate rainforest with wild Pacific coastline — sea stacks, tidal headlands, rope-assisted cliff sections, and old-growth Sitka spruce make this one of North America’s most atmospheric coastal backpacking routes.

About the Hoh River to Third Beach

Few trails in the contiguous United States match the raw, primordial atmosphere of the Olympic Coast. The Hoh River to Third Beach route traverses the southern stretch of Olympic National Park’s protected coastline, linking the glacial Hoh River mouth with the celebrated sands of Third Beach near La Push, Washington. The corridor is part of one of the last stretches of roadless Pacific shoreline in the lower 48 states.

The route begins at the Oil City trailhead, reached via the Hoh-Clearwater Road approximately 13 km south of US-101. Here, the milky green waters of the Hoh River — fed by glaciers on the flanks of Mount Olympus — pour into the Pacific Ocean across a broad gravel bar. From this point, hikers follow a narrow strip of storm-sculpted beach, scramble over conglomerate boulder fields, descend rope-rigged headlands, and push through 5.6 km of cathedral-canopy rainforest before arriving at Third Beach, the southernmost of La Push’s three famous beaches.

What makes this trail uniquely demanding is the tidal dimension. Several key headlands — including Taylor Point, Strawberry Point, and the rock shelf south of Diamond Rock — are only passable at tides below 1.5 to 2 feet. Attempting these sections at higher tides means retreating or climbing exposed fixed-rope bypasses. A printed tide chart from the ranger station is the single most important piece of pre-trip planning for this route. Cell coverage is essentially nonexistent once you leave the trailhead.

The Olympic Coast route corridor (NPS South Coast Route) is a federally designated wilderness, meaning mechanized access and motorized use are both prohibited. The landscape you walk through is remarkably intact — Sitka spruce more than 300 years old, black bears roaming the bluff forest, and bald eagles patrolling the tideline are all routine encounters.

Route Overview & Stages

The trail is most commonly hiked from south to north — Oil City to Third Beach — allowing the most challenging inland bypass to be tackled on day two when hikers are better acclimatised to the terrain and pace. The route is point-to-point, requiring a car shuttle or pre-arranged transport between the two trailheads. Most backpackers allocate 2 nights on the coast.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Hoh River Mouth (Oil City) — The trail opens where the glacier-fed Hoh River meets the Pacific across a broad gravel bar. The milky green-grey glacial water contrasts sharply with the dark driftwood-strewn beach. Black oystercatchers, dunlin, and sanderlings work the tideline year-round, and harbour seals haul out on exposed sandbars at low tide.
• Diamond Rock — A triangular basalt sea stack rising directly from the surf, passable only at tides below 2 feet. At higher tides you must divert inland over the fixed-rope bypass. Diamond Rock is one of the most photographed landmarks on the entire Olympic Coast and a useful early test of how well the day’s tides align with your pace.
• Jefferson Cove — A long, sheltered crescent of grey-black pebbles cupped between two headlands. Flat camping terraces sit just above the high-tide line, and looking west across the Pacific at sunset from Jefferson Cove is one of the finest viewpoints on the Washington coast. Camping here in the shoulder season (May or September) feels genuinely remote.
• The Rope Section (Bluff Bypass) — A 60-foot fixed-rope cliff ascent at the south end of the inland section, with slippery clay underfoot and notable exposure. Light gloves give a more confident grip on the wet rope. This is the route’s technical crux — go slowly, keep three points of contact, and wait for the party ahead to clear before starting up.
• Old-Growth Sitka Spruce Forest — The 5.6 km inland bypass winds through temperate rainforest unlike anything on the coast itself. Sitka spruce and western red cedar exceeding 300 years old tower overhead, with sword ferns and wood sorrel carpeting the floor in deep green. Pacific wrens call constantly and the smell of wet moss and cedar is extraordinary.
• Toleak Point — A rocky headland jutting into the Pacific, ringed by sea stacks and churning white water. Sea otters float in kelp beds just offshore and grey whales pass close during the April–May northward migration. At low tide, tide pools at the base of the point host ochre sea stars, giant green anemones, and purple urchins.
• Scott Creek — A reliable freshwater source at roughly the midpoint of stage three. The crossing is straightforward in summer but can run knee-deep in early spring. Treat all water before drinking; the creek also supports a strong run of steelhead trout that attract bald eagles in late autumn.
• Third Beach — The northern terminus: a sweeping arc of golden-grey sand framed by dramatic sea stacks and a natural arch visible at low tide. Even in the height of summer the 1.5 km walk-in from the trailhead keeps it noticeably quieter than the road-accessible beaches further north. Finishing a 26 km coastal traverse by stepping onto this beach carries genuine weight.

Best Time to Hike the Hoh River to Third Beach

The trail is passable from April through October, but conditions vary dramatically by month. Tidal timing, weather stability, and permit availability all factor into the decision. As of 2026, summer wilderness permits sell out within hours of release on recreation.gov — advance planning is essential for July and August travel.

• April–May: Waterfalls on the bluff sections are at maximum flow after winter rains, wildflowers bloom along the inland trail, and grey whale mothers with calves pass close to shore during the northward migration (peaking in April). Temperatures range from 8–14°C. Bluff trails are muddy and some beach sections are exposed to higher winter swell. The quietest period overall — a strong choice for experienced hikers who enjoy solitude.
• June: Conditions improve rapidly through the month. Daylight stretches to 16 hours near the solstice, creating generous low-tide windows. Some bluff sections remain saturated from winter. Permit availability is still reasonable in early June and trailhead parking is manageable on weekdays.
• July (best month): Stable Pacific high-pressure systems deliver the driest, warmest weather of the year — 16 to 22°C during the day, rarely below 10°C overnight. Tidal windows are predictable, wildlife viewing is at its peak, and evening light on the sea stacks is exceptional. The trade-off is popularity: Oil City and Third Beach trailhead parking lots fill by 8 am on summer weekends.
• August: Near-identical conditions to July. The busiest month overall; book permits 3–4 months in advance and consider mid-week departures to reduce campsite congestion at Toleak Point.
• September: A compelling shoulder-season alternative. Crowds thin sharply after Labor Day, temperatures remain comfortable at 12–18°C, and autumn storm swell creates dramatic coastal scenery. Check surf forecasts alongside tide charts — some headlands become more challenging in large swell even at low tide.
• October: Feasible for experienced coastal hikers in early October, but Pacific storms arrive with increasing frequency and force. High surf can make Taylor Point impassable for days at a time. Only consider this month if you have recent Olympic Coast experience and a fully flexible schedule.

Single best month: July — for weather stability, tidal predictability, wildlife, and the most complete wilderness experience this route offers.

Practical Information

Accommodation

There is no hut, shelter, or hostel infrastructure on the Olympic Coast — this is a true wilderness backpacking route. All overnight accommodation is tent-based at three designated wilderness camping areas:

• Jefferson Cove (km ~8) — flat terraces directly above the high-tide line; no facilities; bear canister and fire restrictions apply
• Toleak Point (km ~14) — the most popular campsite on the route with multiple flat sites set back from the bluff; can feel crowded in July and August; spectacular offshore sea stacks at eye level
• Scott Creek (km ~16) — smaller, quieter cluster of sites near the creek mouth; reliable freshwater immediately adjacent

Wilderness camping costs $5 per site per night plus $2 per person per night — approximately €4.60 plus €1.85 per person at 2026 exchange rates. Bear canisters are mandatory on the Olympic Coast and rentable from Olympic National Park ranger stations for $3 per night (approximately €2.75).

For accommodation before or after the hike, the town of Forks (20 km from Oil City) has motels from approximately $90–$140 per night (€82–€129). The Quileute Oceanside Resort in La Push, located immediately at the Third Beach trailhead, offers cabins from around $120 per night (€110) — a memorable way to start or conclude the traverse.

Getting There & Back

The Oil City trailhead sits at the end of Oil City Road, off the Hoh-Clearwater Road, approximately 13 km south of US-101 near the community of Hoh. The Third Beach trailhead is in La Push, 26 km west of Forks along La Push Road. Because this is a point-to-point route, a car shuttle or two-vehicle arrangement is required.

There is no public transit to either trailhead. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the primary international and domestic gateway — approximately 310 km and 4 hours by car from Forks. William R. Fairchild International Airport (CLM) in Port Angeles has limited domestic connections and reduces the drive to roughly 2.5 hours. Car rental from SEA is the standard approach for international visitors.

Several Forks-based outfitters operate shuttles between Oil City and Third Beach for approximately $60–$80 per group (€55–€73). Arrange these well in advance during summer; last-minute availability is rare in July. Alternatively, two-vehicle parties leave one car at each trailhead the night before departure.

Permits & Fees

A wilderness permit is required for all overnight stays on the Olympic Coast. Current fees and requirements for 2026:

• Wilderness permit: $5 per site per night + $2 per person per night
• Park entrance fee: $35 per vehicle (valid 7 days); covered by the America the Beautiful annual pass ($80/year)
• Bear canister: mandatory for all coastal camping; $3 per night rental at ranger stations
• Reservations: via Olympic National Park’s official wilderness permit page; walk-up permits available at the Wilderness Information Center, 7 Spell Creek Road, Port Angeles, WA 98362 (opens 7 am)

In July and August, reservation slots fill within hours of opening. Aim to book 3–4 months in advance for peak-season travel. Day hikers covering the full 26 km do not require a wilderness permit but must pay the $35 park entrance fee.

Gear & Packing List

The Olympic Peninsula receives up to 3,500 mm of rainfall per year in its wettest zones. Even in July, morning fog, salt spray, and light drizzle are daily realities on the coast. Waterproofing every layer — clothing, sleeping bag, and electronics — is non-negotiable on this route.

For the pack itself, volume and weather resistance are the defining considerations over 2–3 days. The Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 is a favourite ultralight option on this route: at 567 g it carries a full 3-day coastal food supply comfortably, and the DCF construction sheds water naturally without a separate rain cover. For hikers who prefer a framed carry on uneven boulder terrain, the Osprey Aether 65 distributes load more evenly and takes the strain off shoulders during long beach sections. A strong middle-ground choice is the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider — semi-structured DCF construction that combines ultralight waterproofing with enough rigidity for proper load transfer over mixed terrain.

Additional items that matter specifically on this route:

• Trekking poles — essential for the rope sections, slippery clay bluffs, and boulder field crossings
• Light gloves — fixed rope grips more confidently with gloved hands, especially when the rope is wet
• Rain gear — waterproof jacket and trousers rated to at least 10,000 mm hydrostatic head; Gore-Tex or equivalent
• Freestanding tent with strong guylines — exposed coastal campsites see strong overnight wind; a flimsy tent will not survive a storm night at Jefferson Cove
• Water filter — Scott Creek and other sources require treatment; carry at least 2 litres capacity
• Printed NOAA tide chart for La Push — there is no cell service on most of the coast; download or print the chart before leaving civilisation
• Bear canister — mandatory; rental available at ranger stations
• First aid kit — the nearest medical facility is Forks Community Hospital; self-sufficiency is important here

Caloric planning matters as much as gear on a multi-day route over demanding terrain. Our guide to daily calorie needs while hiking covers how to estimate fuel requirements for beach and mixed-terrain days. For a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of pack options across the ultralight spectrum, the best ultralight backpacks of 2026 covers seven tested models in detail.

Similar Trails You Might Like

The Hoh River to Third Beach shares its spirit of remote, demanding, point-to-point wilderness travel with a wider family of exceptional American long-distance routes. If this traverse appeals to you, the following trails offer comparable or greater scope:

• Pacific Crest Trail (United States) — the 4,265 km spine of the American West, running through Washington’s Cascades just a few hours east of Olympic National Park and sharing the same Pacific Northwest wilderness character
• Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (United States, 4,988 km) — the ultimate American thru-hike, tracing the Rocky Mountain watershed from the Mexican border to Canada
• Half Dome Trail (United States) — Yosemite’s iconic summit route; the cable-assisted final ascent carries the same rope-and-exposure character as the Olympic Coast’s bluff bypasses
• Angels Landing Trail–West Rim Trail (United States) — Zion’s famous exposed ridge walk, with chain-assisted sections that will feel immediately familiar to anyone who has negotiated the Olympic Coast’s fixed-rope climbs
• Mount Whitney Trail (United States) — the highest point in the contiguous US at 4,421 m; a dramatically different landscape but the same commitment to genuine wilderness and Pacific skylines

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the Hoh River to Third Beach?

July is the optimal month. Stable Pacific high-pressure systems bring dry, warm days between 16 and 22°C, predictable low-tide windows for headland crossings, and peak wildlife activity — grey whale calves, sea otters, bald eagles, and black bears are all regularly spotted. June and September are strong alternatives with noticeably fewer crowds. Avoid December through February: winter storms make the coastal headlands genuinely dangerous and some rope sections impassable for days at a time.

How difficult is the Hoh River to Third Beach trail?

The trail is rated moderate, but it demands considerably more than a standard forest trail of similar length. Hikers must time headland crossings around tides (some sections are only passable below 1.5–2 feet), navigate a fixed-rope 60-foot cliff ascent with real exposure, and cover 26 km on boulder beach, soft sand, and forested bluff. Prior backpacking experience, comfort with minor exposure, and the ability to read a tide chart are all genuine requirements, not just recommendations.

How far should I plan to hike each day?

Most backpackers cover 8–12 km per day on this route, accounting for tidal waits, headland bypass detours, and the slower pace that boulder and sand terrain imposes compared to maintained trail. A comfortable 3-day itinerary: Day 1, Oil City to Jefferson Cove (8 km); Day 2, Jefferson Cove to Toleak Point via the inland bypass (6 km); Day 3, Toleak Point to Third Beach (12 km). Fit and experienced coastal hikers sometimes combine days 2 and 3 into a single 18 km push.

Where can I camp on the Hoh River to Third Beach?

Camping on the Olympic Coast is restricted to three designated wilderness areas: Jefferson Cove at approximately km 8, Toleak Point at km 14, and Scott Creek at km 16. Camping outside these designated zones is not permitted. Reservations cost $5 per site per night plus $2 per person per night, bookable through recreation.gov. Bear canisters are mandatory for all coastal camping; rental is $3 per night at Olympic National Park ranger stations. All three sites have reliable freshwater nearby.

Do I need a permit to hike the Hoh River to Third Beach?

Yes — a wilderness permit is required for any overnight stay on the Olympic Coast. The permit costs $5 per site per night plus $2 per person per night and is booked via recreation.gov or in person at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles. The park entrance fee is $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, or included with the $80 America the Beautiful annual pass. For July and August travel, reservation slots sell out within hours of release — book 3–4 months in advance to guarantee your chosen campsites.