La Push · Washington · USA
First Beach
You'll smell the salt and wet cedar before you see the ocean—First Beach emerges beyond the trailhead parking lot as a broad crescent of sand bracketed by forested headlands. Families comb tide pools while surfers paddle out year-round into swells that roll uninterrupted from Japan.
Reading live conditions…
Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for First 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'll smell the salt and wet cedar before you see the ocean—First Beach emerges beyond the trailhead parking lot as a broad crescent of sand bracketed by forested headlands. Families comb tide pools while surfers paddle out year-round into swells that roll uninterrupted from Japan.
Photos
8 captures from First Beach
About this beach
Where it is
First Beach
La Push, Washington, USA
47.9130°, -124.6350°
Top things to do
At First Beach
Frame James Island
Sea stacks catch golden hour light
Explore Tide Pools
Starfish cling near rocky outcrops
Paddle the Break
Year-round swells reward thick wetsuits
Picnic on Driftwood
Cedar logs serve as benches
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of First Beach.
Questions people actually ask about First Beach.
Is it safe to swim at First Beach in La Push?
Swimming at First Beach is generally not recommended due to cold water temperatures year-round (typically 45-55°F), strong currents, and unpredictable waves. The Pacific Ocean here can have dangerous sneaker waves and rip currents. Most visitors enjoy wading in shallow water, but always keep children close and never turn your back on the ocean. The beach is excellent for beachcombing, tide pooling, and photography. If you do enter the water, wear appropriate footwear and stay alert to changing conditions.
What is the best time to visit First Beach in La Push?
First Beach is accessible year-round, but summer (July-September) offers the most reliable weather with temperatures in the 60s-70s°F and less rainfall. However, winter and spring bring dramatic storm watching opportunities and fewer crowds. The beach can be foggy and rainy any time of year—this is the Pacific Northwest rainforest coast. Sunset visits are particularly stunning during summer months. Regardless of season, dress in layers and bring rain gear. Low tide is ideal for exploring tide pools and sea stacks.
