Camp at Second Beach, Washington’s Most Beautiful Coastline
Washington’s Pacific beaches are no more dramatic than any other beach. It is arguably the most beautiful beach in the state and is home to a myriad of hiking trails, stunning cliff views, and marine life. It is also home to campgrounds that bring travelers from all over the Pacific Coast to experience its natural beauty.
After all, who wouldn’t want to wake up in a landscape that seems otherwise like this? With towering cliffs that appear to jut out from the ocean without explanation, tidal pools teeming with life, and larger-than-life pieces of driftwood, this is the perfect place to spend a weekend exploring. And for many campers, that’s exactly what it takes to spend the night at Second Beach. Its name may imply that was before but when it comes to camping on the best Washington beaches, this shoreline has it all.
How to get to Another Beach, starting in Seattle
For starters, Second Beach is about four hours outside of Seattle which makes it quite a day drive for those who don’t live nearby. That being said, it’s still worth it just for the experience alone. This remote, secluded stretch of beach is truly breathtaking, especially for campers who can time their visit with Washington’s finicky weather. However, a little rain or fog shouldn’t deter anyone – this beach is even more mysterious and dramatic when the sun isn’t shining.
From Seattle, one can choose to take the Seattle to Bainbridge Ferry, which is about half the amount of miles covered along the other route, without the ferry. The route also includes Port Angeles and Hurricane Ridge, if those stops are of interest. The second route is a direct drive from Seattle via Tacoma and Olympia, taking about 20 minutes and ~80 miles into the journey, before eventually reaching the Forks.
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Once You’re Here, Here’s How To Find Another Beach
Arriving at Second Beach does not give visitors a clear path to its shores. Instead, it takes some hiking and scouring it before finding itself on its dramatic coastline. However, it is understandable that it is part of Olympic National Park, so a small hike is to be expected. This is also what makes the beach feel so secluded, despite the fact that it is touted as one of the most beautiful beaches in Washington.
The Washington Trails Association includes a detailed guide on how to find Second Beach, which isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Just outside La Push, visitors will find a parking lot from where they can begin their journey. If this lot is full, there is another lot on the east side that can also be used in case parking is scarce. Hikers should start on the west side from the parking lot and walk up to a storm fence past the entry point of Lonesome Creek Hatchery. Continuing, hikers will soon pass a kiosk that is likely covered in moss, which will bring them over a creek that needs to be crossed before a brief climb will take them back to the same trail.
For 0.3 miles, the trail continues and becomes more defined, making it much easier to follow. At the end of the trail, wooden stairs will bring hikers to a switchback in the route that eventually leads them to the sand of another beach.
- total distance: 0.7 miles
- Difficulty: Ease
Despite tradition, visitors to Second Beach should avoid adding items to the ‘cabinet tree’ that they will need to move around before they can make their way to the shore. Failure to do so will break the ‘Leave No Trace’ law.
What to Know About Camping at Second Beach
Those intending to camp on another beach will be happy to know that the process is fairly easy. All campers need to obtain a permit and a reservation, which can be done through the official entertainment website. Here, campers can check availability and visit specific directions to another beach, as well as access their accounts where their permits can be printed.
Permits are issued by staff within 5-7 days from the start of the camper’s reservation date.
Those looking to book early should be aware that reservations become available six months in advance. From June through October, interested parties can also book reservations for Seven Lake Basin/High Divide, Glacier Meadows/Elk Lake, Grand Valley, Royal Basin, Lake Constance, Upper Lena Lake and Flapjack Lakes.
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About the Author
Liana Tedesco (published 2199 articles)
Katie boarded a plane solo for the first time at the age of 12 and traveled nearly 9,000 miles around the world. It’s the first journey that ignited a lifelong passion, and it’s one that continues to fuel through pen and paper… or, in this case, a keyboard and a computer screen. His life path was clearly articulated through several visits and digital marketing during his BA in English Literature. Prior to finding home with TheTravel, her focus was on indie publications and has been published with The Bold, The Arts Fuse, The Silver Tongue, LI Pulse, Tattoo Heroine Magazine, and more. She can be reached at
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