Second Beach - Washington, La Push Area, United States
A hidden gem if you’re up to get out there
Accessibility 2/5
Second Beach isn’t the most accessible beach in the world… from downtown Seattle it is just under a 4 hour drive and just under a hour drive from Port Angeles. Once you get there, the parking situation was tough, we got super lucky with a spot in Second Beach’s skinny main lot however there was an overflow parking area just a bit farther away. Once we actually parked, we could barely get out of our spot as people had parked along the edge of the skinny one way road through the parking lot. Once you can park, the trail down to Second Beach is an 2.1 miles at 297 feet of elevation on an Out and Back Trail.
Privacy 5/5
Once you get to the beach, I found it super private! We were able to sit and have lunch, as well as take a nice walk along the shoreline with out anyone else on top of us. There were also several groups camping, all of which had their own space without being interrupted by other groups. All of this in the middle of the day on a Saturday? I really liked how private and local this beach felt.
Amenities 2/5
Second Beach is definitely a remote beach. There is a port-o-potty by the parking lot and the trail to get too and from the beach, other than that you’re on your own. Still relatively close to La Push and Forks, Washington if you need anything quick.
Beach Texture 5/5
The beach texture was perfect to me, smooth and firm toward the shoreline and soft and sandy in-between the woods and the coast. This beach is perfect for a nice walk or even a bike ride without getting sandy.
Sunset or Sunrise spot? 5/5
While we didn’t stay for sunset, I’ve heard amazing things about Second Beach for both sunsets and for stargazing. Next time I find myself on the Olympic Peninsula with some more time, this will be high on my list of things to consider.
Overall ranking? 4/5
I loved this beach. I was able to see my first ever wild Sea-Otter along with Starfish, Crabs, and Jellyfish! I didn’t have too long to explore the entirety of the beach, but the main area just off the trail head was fantastic and made for some great memories for us!
