Third Beach, Washington, United States

5AeneasAtSea 5:00 PM Jul 25, 2017

Long hike required, but the only La Push beach with tide pools
Third Beach at La Push is wild and beautiful, and Is different in several ways from First and Second Beaches. The first big difference is that Second Beach is the only La Push beach with visible tide pools at low tide, so if you time it right you can see gorgeous starfish and other sea creatures you won't see elsewhere. The tide pools are all on the extreme northern section of the beach, however, so turn right after leaving the trail if you want to find them. And they are all covered at high tide. The second difference is that the access trail is much longer to Third Beach than to either First or Second Beaches, measuring a bit over a mile and a half from trailhead to beach. Much of that hike is through very pretty ferns and forest. The forest stretch is not as enchanting (in my opinion) as is the trail to Second Beach, but the hike is still spectacular. And be aware that while most of the trail is fairly well maintained and easy to hike, the last 100 yards or so involves hiking down several steep switchbacks and un groomed rugged slopes--which can be really slippery in wet weather. And as with Second Beach, there is a lot of driftwood to climb over at the bottom before reaching the beach. So groups with very young children, elderly people, or physically-challenged hikers might want to opt for First Beach or at least the shorter and better-groomed trail at Second Beach. The third big difference is that Third Beach stretches much farther to the south than do the other two beaches, and access to the coast even further south is provided at th far south end of the beach via rope ladders and a trail through the woods over the headland. A fourth difference is that Third Beach lacks the dramatic sea stacks and nearby islands that you'll see on First and Second Beaches, so if seeing those features is a must, visit First or Second Beaches instead. Third Beach is also not connected to either of the others by a roadside trail as are the other two beaches, and it is a bit of a drive up the road from Second Beach. Camping is allowed on Third Beach, but parking at the trailhead is limited and fills up quickly, so if you arrive late you might have to wait for a spot or park up the road. Also be aware that a few of the photos listed for this beach are actually photos of First and Second Beaches.

4StrategicFamPlanner 5:00 PM Aug 13, 2021

Skip it
I had to check it out for myself but I would tell my friends that if you are pressed for time I would pick Second Beach over Third Beach. The parking at Third Beach is a significant issue. Not only is the lot way too small, they have no area for overflow parking. Worse, there are lots of people camping on the beach at this location so there is not much parking turnover. Additionally, those who DO get a parking spot are seriously at risk getting blocked in by others who have no regard for anyone but themselves and are simply wedging their car into any location. We wonder if the National Park Service is hoping to keep the spot too small to limit the number of campers on the beach? It is perplexing but I would skip the hassle and aggravation of this beach and go elsewhere.