Third Beach, Second Beach

Dec 11, 2008: Washington Coast (La Push)

Every year, as winter comes around my eyes turn to the Washington Coast. With almost no one else around, I can roam around the pristine beaches in lonely splendor. This year La Push was on my radar with its relatively easy access to Third and Second Beaches.

Third Beach – Taylor Point:

My day began early as I caught the 5:30am ferry to Bainbridge Island. A long, scenic drive ensued and it was 9:20am as I began my first hike from the Third Beach trailhead. A beautiful rain-forest enthralled me and I gawked at the lush ferns under an incredibly high canopy – it looked like all the trees had decided that there was no need to bother with growing any branches, much better to expend all the energy in the race to the top.

1.5mi of pretty hiking, culminating in a steep drop, had me at the large expanse of Third Beach. Ahhh, no one else around. I wandered south along the beach until I was blocked by the headland of Taylor Point and crashing waves. A beautiful waterfall tumbled down the Taylor Point cliffs in the distance, but the sun was directly in my eyes so I had to be content with glimpses.

I retraced my steps and found the rope ladder leading up the muddy hillside, which would allow me to bypass Taylor Point. The 0.5mi or so to the far side of Taylor point was through more lovely forest and some gorgeous fern gardens. Eventually I dropped over to a secluded cove, climbed over another smallish headland (more ropes) and down to the beach past Taylor Point. About 20min later I was on my way back.

Second Beach:

I wanted to catch the sunset at Second Beach, since I have seen numerous photographs of it in photography books. A short 1.5mi drive from the Third Beach trailhead had me at the Second Beach trailhead. The hike to it was only 0.75mi or so long, and once again, I had the beach to myself. (Well, except for the dog who followed me all the way to the beach, despite my repeatedly pointing out the “No dogs allowed” sign to him. Dogs, these days, really do need to be able to read better…)

Additional photos: http://www.flickr.com/[…]/72157611180177650

Cumulative stats:
- Distance: 7mi
- Gain: 1,150ft
- Hiking/photography time: 7.5hrs
- Trip time: 18hrs