Third Beach takes its name from the sequential numbering system used for the three primary natural beaches accessible from La Push on the Quileute Indian Reservation, where First Beach sits in the village itself, Second Beach lies 0.7 miles down a forest trail north, and Third Beach extends furthest south approximately 1.4 miles via trail from Highway 101. This straightforward sequential designation reflects a practical approach to identifying these three distinct Pacific Ocean beaches that are geographically separated by dramatic bluffs and headlands, making it impossible to walk from one to the next along the shoreline. Located in Jefferson County rather than Clallam County where First and Second Beaches sit, Third Beach lies within Olympic National Park boundaries while First Beach remains on Quileute tribal lands. The beach requires hiking through old-growth temperate rainforest, descending 270 feet over 1.4 miles through moss-draped Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and red cedar before emerging onto a scenic sandy beach hemmed in by towering coastal cliffs. The trail winds through lush Pacific Northwest forest with sword ferns, salal, and other understory plants creating the verdant environment characteristic of Olympic Peninsula rainforests, making the journey to the beach an immersive wilderness experience.
Beachcombing at Third Beach rewards searchers with Japanese glass floats that occasionally wash ashore after crossing the Pacific Ocean, interesting driftwood sculptures shaped by storms and surf, agates and other semi-precious stones, shells, and oceanic treasures deposited by powerful winter weather systems. Tide pooling during low tides reveals extraordinarily rich intertidal ecosystems with colorful sea stars, giant green anemones, purple sea urchins, ochre sea stars, hermit crabs, mussels, barnacles, and diverse marine life adapted to the dynamic Pacific coastal environment. Exploring sea stacks and rock formations provides adventure and photographic opportunities, with dramatic geological features carved by millennia of wave action creating Olympic Coast's signature scenery. Surfing attracts experienced wave riders during winter swells when Pacific storms generate powerful sets, though cold water temperatures requiring full wetsuits with hoods, gloves, and booties limit sessions. Wilderness camping is permitted with advance permits obtained from Olympic National Park ranger stations, making Third Beach popular for overnight backpacking trips where campers wake to Pacific surf and seabird calls. The 1.4-mile hike creates a sense of remoteness and adventure despite relatively easy trail access. Wildlife watching includes spotting bald eagles, river otters playing in kelp beds, harbor seals and sea lions in offshore waters, gray whales during migration seasons spouting beyond the surf zone, and diverse seabirds including oystercatchers and cormorants. Photography captures dramatic sea stacks, crashing Pacific waves, coastal wilderness scenery, and the constantly changing moods of Olympic Coast weather. Swimming is inadvisable due to cold water rarely exceeding 50 degrees Fahrenheit, dangerous rip currents, powerful surf with unpredictable sets, and complete absence of lifeguards in this wilderness location.
Forks, approximately 15 miles east, provides dining options for Third Beach visitors. The In Place serves American comfort food including crispy deep-fried mushrooms with ranch sauce, beer-battered fish and chips with cod or halibut, chicken strips, hearty breakfast omelettes with various fillings, fresh salads, homemade pies in fruit and cream varieties, and casual family atmosphere at 320 South Forks Avenue. Sully's Drive-In features nostalgic drive-in fare including the famous 12th Man burger with multiple beef patties and toppings, grilled chicken sandwiches, crispy onion rings, thick milkshakes in classic flavors, and other American classics at 220 North Forks Avenue. The Longhouse Cafe provides authentic native-style dining in traditional Salish Indian environment where everything includes freshly made fry bread, serving Indian tacos with seasoned beef or chicken, burgers on fry bread, and creative preparations celebrating indigenous culinary heritage. Creekside Restaurant at Kalaloch Lodge celebrates Pacific Northwest flavors with fresh locally sourced cuisine served with sweeping ocean vistas, offering breakfast classics, lunch options, and dinner menus featuring grilled Pacific salmon, pan-seared halibut, and northwest-inspired entrees. Blakeslee's Bar and Grill serves chicken wings with various sauces, burgers with creative toppings, creamy clam chowder with local clams, fresh salads, wraps, and casual pub fare in friendly atmosphere perfect for refueling after wilderness beach exploration.
