Second Beach, La Push - Mora Beach Trails, Olympic National Park, Washington
Second Beach - 1.4 miles
La Push - Mora Beach Trails
| Round-Trip Length: | 1.4 miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 118' - 0' (195' max elevation) |
| Elevation Change: | -118' net elevation loss (+272' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Easy |
| Dogs Allowed: | No |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Second Beach - 1.4 Miles Round-Trip
Second Beach is located .7 miles from La Push Road in Olympic National Park. Second Beach is highlighted by a labyrinth of tide pools, Quateata Arch and Crying Lady Rock to the north, Teahwhit Head to the south, and a wide expanse of pristine sand in between.
Its size and diversity make it one of the most compelling beaches in the central Olympic coast. Bald and Golden eagles are common, and you may find seals and sea otter in the kelp bed cove just north of the beach entry point.
Low tide offers safe passage into the cove, and along wave battered outcrops with great views of the arch and Quillayute Needles. This area is a tide trap however, so remain vigilant as time passes.
Avoid crowds by heading south to Teahwhit Head, approximately 1.4 miles from the entry point. There's no overland outlet for Teahwhit, and tide knowledge is a must before continuing around this long, rugged headland.
The headland extends beyond most into the ocean, bringing you closer to offshore birds, seal colonies and migrating whales.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N47 53.889 W124 37.441 — 0.0 miles : Second Beach Trailhead
- N47 53.468 W124 37.633 — .7 miles : Second Beach
- N47 52.688 W124 36.495 — 2.1 miles : Beach tapers at Teahwhit Head
- N47 52.711 W124 35.289 — Third Beach
Worth Noting
- Second Beach is particularly rich in marine and avian life. Binoculars are recommended.
- There is no overland trail at Teahwhit Head on the south end of Second Beach. This headland may only be rounded at low tide. Allow plenty of time for this long traverse.
- Always carry - and know how to use - a tide table, topo map, and watch when hiking the Olympic coast. Many points along the coast are only passable at low tide. Passable points on the way out may not be safe on the return, and it's possible to become stranded.
- Tide tables are available at visitor centers and coastal ranger stations. Red and black symbols mark departure points from the beach on headland - overland trails where it's unsafe to continue on the beach.
Camping and Backpacking Information
- Permits are required for all overnight stays in Olympic National Park. Contact the Wilderness Information Center (360.565.3100) for backcountry camping reservations, permits, and trail conditions. Visit the WIC: 600 East Park Avenue, Port Angeles, WA 98362.
- There's a $5 registration fee per group, plus $2 per person (children under 16 excluded).
- This is a self-registration trailhead, where you will find forms, permits, and pay boxes.
- There are no quotas or required reservations for La Push - Mora area beaches. Campsites are not individually assigned, but are available to permit holders on a first come, first served basis.
- Camp only in established sites, which are generally located on the forest edge, or on the beach behind high tide lines. These sites are often concealed behind surf log piles.
- Food Storage: Hard-sided containers (such as bear canisters) are required all along the Olympic coast.
- Campfires: Fires are permitted. Use driftwood only.
- Water: Water is available from coastal streams. This water is typically stained with tannins leached from decaying matter in the forest. Treat or filter all water thoroughly.
Fishing Information
- A Washington State Fishing License is not required to fish in Olympic National Park except when fishing in the Pacific Ocean from shore. No license is required to harvest surf smelt.
- A Washington State catch record card is required to fish for salmon or steelhead and they must be accounted for as if caught in state waters. Fishing regulations are specific to site, species, and season. Contact the Park before setting out.
- Recreational fishing in freshwater areas of Olympic National Park is restricted to artificial lures with single, barbless hooks (exceptions may apply).
- The use of seines, traps, drugs, explosives, and nets (except to land a legally hooked fish or dip-net smelt) are prohibited.
Rules and Regulations
- There's a $15 fee to enter Olympic National Park ($30 annual pass).
- Pets are not permitted on trails. Pets are permitted in campgrounds and must be leashed at all times.
Directions to Trailhead
Second Beach Trailhead is located on La Push Road, 12.8 miles west of US 101. La Push Road is located 53 miles from Port Angeles, just as you're entering / leaving the north end of Forks.
Contact Information
Olympic National Park
600 East Park Avenue
Port Angeles, WA 98362-6798
Visitor Information: 360.565.3130
Road & Weather Hotline: 360.565.3131
Wilderness Information Center and Backcountry Permit Office (WIC)
360.565.3100
Mora Ranger Station (seasonal)
360.374.5460
Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center
360.374.6925
Forks Information Station
360.374.7566 or 360.374.5877
Quinault Wilderness Information Office
360.288.0232
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