Forks · Washington · USA
Third Beach
You descend through Sitka spruce and western hemlock for 1.4 miles before the Pacific announces itself in salt spray and bird calls. Third Beach hides behind the forest curtain where few daytrippers venture, rewarding your effort with driftwood sculptures the size of shipping containers and tide pools teeming with ochre stars.
Reading live conditions…
Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Third Beach. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.
- Purity
- 0%
- Conditions
- 0%
- Crowd
- 0%
- Vibe
- 0%
The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.
You descend through Sitka spruce and western hemlock for 1.4 miles before the Pacific announces itself in salt spray and bird calls. Third Beach hides behind the forest curtain where few daytrippers venture, rewarding your effort with driftwood sculptures the size of shipping containers and tide pools teeming with ochre stars.
Photos
8 captures from Third Beach
About this beach
Where it is
Third Beach
Forks, Washington, USA
47.8992°, -124.6378°
Top things to do
At Third Beach
Forest Descent
Switchbacks through old-growth canopy
Sea Stack Frames
Giants Graveyard at golden hour
Tide Pool Walk
Ochre stars in southern rocks
Surf Launch
Experienced paddlers only, heavy swell
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Third Beach.
Questions people actually ask about Third Beach.
Is it safe to swim at Third Beach in Forks, Washington?
Swimming at Third Beach is generally not recommended due to cold water temperatures year-round (typically 45-55°F), strong currents, and unpredictable waves common along the Olympic Coast. There are no lifeguards on duty. The beach is better suited for wading, tidepooling, and beachcombing. If you do enter the water, stay close to shore and never turn your back on the ocean, as sneaker waves can occur without warning on Pacific Northwest beaches.
When is the best time to visit Third Beach?
Third Beach is accessible year-round, but summer months (July-September) offer the most stable weather with less rain and temperatures in the 60s-70s°F. However, the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall provide fewer crowds while still offering reasonable conditions. Winter visits can be dramatic with storm watching opportunities, though expect rain, mud on trails, and shorter daylight hours. Low tide periods are ideal for exploring sea stacks and tidepools regardless of season.
