South Coast Wilderness Trail - Toleak Point

Bring a tide table and a good book on this scenic traverse of the wild Olympic Coast. While much of your hike will be across sandy beaches, there are several places that will require you wait for the tide to go out. Along the way, plan to climb up steep headlands with cable ladders, ropes and your hands and knees. The absolute elevation gain is minimal, but all of those ups and downs add up to nearly 3000 feet. It's a challenge, but a good one.

The best way to hike this stretch of coast is to leave one car at the Oil City trailhead and drive the other one to your start at Third Beach near La Push. Plan at least two - and even better - three days for your walk. Make sure you bring along an excellent map and heed all instructions about where to cross and when.

It's about a mile and a half through forest from the trailhead down to Third Beach. After crossing the beach, you will reach your first ladder to take you above Taylor Point. Watch your footing - it is slippery all along here when wet! And time your arrival back down at the beach for low tide. Scotts Bluff Camp is a great place to camp or push further to Strawberry Point.

Toleak Point beckons, along with some nice sea stacks. One of many photo opportunities along the way and also an excellent place to camp. Past Toleak there are some natural arches. At the second one, look for the ladder up the headland. At the top you will cross Goodman Creek, which runs high in spring. Back down on the beach is a lonely stretch of sand - you'll likely have it to yourself.

Finally, the last stretch requires waiting for low tide or heading up high to avoid the crashing waves - avoid round Hoh Head in any condition. As you approach the Hoh River, follow the Oil City Trail back to your car.