Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
A refined fusion of water purity, environmental stability, and communal vibrancy for Second Beach.
View MethodologyAnalyzed via live sensors and environmental data.
Wave height, wind, and atmospheric stability.
Live footfall and crowd balance metrics.
Community reviews and curated sentiment.
“You descend through a tunnel of Sitka spruce and western hemlock, mud slicking the final switchbacks, before the forest suddenly breaks to reveal driftwood logs the size of boxcars and monolithic offshore rocks rising…”
Limited recent visitor reports — live OBI telemetry is your best guide for current conditions.
The trail from the trailhead parking lot drops you nearly a mile through old-growth forest so thick the canopy muffles the ocean's roar until you're nearly upon it. Then Second Beach opens in a wide crescent: charcoal sand littered with bleached driftwood, tide pools reflecting iron-gray skies, and a procession of sea stacks standing sentry offshore. The largest, topped with windswept spruce, frame the horizon like ancient monuments.
You navigate the beach by reading the tide charts—crucial here, where winter storms rearrange entire logs overnight and king tides claim the narrow passages between headlands. Gulls wheel overhead. Harbor seals surface beyond the breakers. In late afternoon, shafts of light pierce the coastal fog and turn the wet sand into hammered bronze.
Credit: Unsplashbrown wood log on seashore during daytime
Credit: UnsplashA set of stairs leading down to the beach
Muddy switchbacks through ancient spruce
Low tide reveals best angles
Anemones and ochre stars abound
Where it is
Second Beach
Forks, Washington, USA
47.904800°, -124.636700°
Weather
Loading…
Swell
—
Temp
Warm · Restorative
UV Index
Moderate
Wind
—
Tidal State
Last known
Max Sunlight
—
Ideal Shade
—
May - Sep (Peak)
Jan - Dec (Off-season)
Historical data suggests peak visibility and stable sea temperatures occur during the prime visitation window.
Select a category to load nearby places.
Unlock restaurants, luxury stays and curated maritime experiences within 2km
Swimming at Second Beach is generally not recommended due to cold water temperatures year-round (typically 45-55°F), strong currents, and unpredictable waves. Sneaker waves can appear suddenly and pull swimmers into the ocean. There are no lifeguards on duty. The beach is better suited for wading in tide pools, beachcombing, and photography. If you do enter the water, never turn your back on the ocean, stay close to shore, and watch children closely.
Second Beach is accessible year-round, with each season offering different experiences. Summer (June-September) provides the most stable weather and easier hiking conditions on the trail to the beach. Winter brings dramatic storm watching and fewer crowds, though the trail can be muddy and slippery. Low tide is ideal for exploring tide pools and sea stacks. Check tide tables before visiting, as high tide significantly reduces beach access and can be dangerous.
Second Beach is located about 14 miles west of Forks via La Push Road (Highway 110). Turn onto the marked Second Beach Road and drive to the small parking area at the trailhead. Parking is free but limited to approximately 20-30 vehicles. From the lot, it's a 0.7-mile forest trail (moderate difficulty, some roots and stairs) to reach the beach. Arrive early during summer to secure parking, as the lot fills quickly on weekends.
Second Beach has no amenities—no restrooms, food, or water. Vault toilets are located at the trailhead parking area. The nearest services are in La Push (3 miles), which has a small store and limited dining. Forks (14 miles) offers grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and various lodging options including motels and vacation rentals. Pack out all trash, bring your own food and water, and plan bathroom stops before hiking to the beach.
Second Beach is famous for its dramatic sea stacks—offshore rock formations rising from the ocean, some topped with trees. These ancient rocks create iconic Pacific Northwest scenery and excellent photography opportunities. At low tide, you can walk near some sea stacks and explore tide pools around their bases, but always respect ocean safety and never climb on them. The largest sea stacks remain offshore and are best viewed from the beach itself.
Photos
