Second Beach takes its name from the sequential numbering system used for the three major beaches accessible from La Push on the Quileute Indian Reservation, where First Beach sits closest to the village, Second Beach lies 0.7 miles down a forest trail, and Third Beach extends furthest south. This stunning Pacific Ocean beach near Forks showcases the wild beauty of Washington's Olympic National Park coastline, featuring dramatic sea stacks rising from the surf, tide pools teeming with marine life, and a natural arch formation carved by relentless ocean waves. The beach requires a short but memorable hike through old-growth temperate rainforest draped with moss and ferns, descending via well-maintained trail and boardwalks with stairs easing the final elevation drop to the sand. Located approximately 12.5 miles west of Highway 101 via Highway 110, the trailhead sits just outside La Push, about twenty minutes from Forks. Free parking is available at both the main lot accommodating roughly 10 vehicles and a larger overflow lot nearby. The wide sandy beach extends between rocky headlands, with views north toward the distinctive natural arch and towering coastal cliffs that frame the shoreline. Bald eagles soar overhead while harbor seals and sea lions frequent the offshore waters, and during migration seasons gray whales can sometimes be spotted from the beach.
Beachcombing is exceptional at Second Beach, with Pacific storms depositing Japanese glass floats, interesting driftwood sculptures, agates, shells, and other oceanic treasures along the sand. Tide pooling during low tides reveals colorful sea stars in orange, purple, and ochre hues, green anemones, hermit crabs, mussels, barnacles, and various other intertidal species clinging to rocks beneath the sea stacks. Exploring the natural arch area to the north provides dramatic photo opportunities and closer views of the geological formations shaped by millennia of wave action. Surfing attracts experienced wave riders during winter swells when the Pacific generates powerful sets, though cold water temperatures requiring full wetsuits limit the season. Camping is permitted at Second Beach with wilderness camping permits obtained in advance from the Olympic National Park ranger station, making this a popular backpacking destination for those seeking overnight coastal experiences. The 20-30 minute hike through mossy forest creates a sense of journey before emerging onto the wild Pacific coastline. Wildlife watching includes spotting bald eagles fishing, river otters playing in kelp beds, and various seabirds including oystercatchers, gulls, and cormorants. Swimming is challenging due to cold water temperatures rarely exceeding 55 degrees Fahrenheit, dangerous rip currents, and powerful surf, making it suitable only for brief wading in calm conditions. Photography opportunities abound with sea stacks, crashing waves, dramatic coastal scenery, and the ever-changing moods of Pacific Northwest weather creating stunning compositions.
After exploring Second Beach, Forks offers diverse dining to refuel from your coastal adventure. The In Place serves comfort food favorites including crispy deep-fried mushrooms with ranch dipping sauce, beer-battered fish and chips with cod or halibut, flavorful chicken strips, hearty breakfast omelettes with various fillings, fresh garden salads, and homemade pies in fruit and cream varieties at 320 South Forks Avenue. Sully's Drive-In features classic American drive-in fare including the famous 12th Man burger with multiple beef patties and toppings, grilled chicken sandwiches with lettuce and tomato, crispy onion rings, thick milkshakes in chocolate and vanilla, and other nostalgic favorites at 220 North Forks Avenue. The Longhouse Cafe provides authentic native-style dining in a traditional Salish Indian environment where everything on the menu includes freshly made fry bread, serving Indian tacos with seasoned beef or chicken, burgers on fry bread, and other creative preparations celebrating indigenous culinary traditions. Creekside Restaurant at Kalaloch Lodge celebrates Pacific Northwest flavors with fresh locally sourced cuisine served alongside sweeping ocean vistas, offering breakfast classics, lunch sandwiches, and dinner menus featuring grilled Pacific salmon with seasonal vegetables, 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 other pub fare in a casual atmosphere perfect for post-beach meals.
