Hiking is a great way to experience nature while getting some exercise — and in Washington, it happens to be downright magical. And while our mountain hikes and waterfall trails are stunning, we happen to think an oceanside nature trail is the best thing in existence. The next time you’re visiting the Olympic Peninsula, head to Second Beach and you’ll see what we mean.
Second Beach is located near Forks on the Olympic Peninsula, and the Second Beach Trail is a nice, easy hike.
Sylvia Cook / alltrails.com It’s only about 2 miles in length, and it’s a perfect hike for beginners.
The parking area for Second Beach is located just outside the tiny town of La Push. From there, it’s a short jaunt to the trailhead.
Sylvia Cook / alltrails.com The first 1/4 of the trail look like this…
…and the rest of it is almost entirely beachfront.
Ryan Payne / alltrails.com You’ll be greeted by driftwood, dramatic sea stacks rising straight out of the ocean, and the unmistakable scents of the sea.
Of course, the best time to hike this loop is during low tide, if possible.
Jei Lee / alltrails.com Low tide brings more beach to explore as well as tide pools, or nature’s aquariums.
This nature walk is stunning in any season, but it’s exceptionally gorgeous in the summertime.
VyVy Mai / alltrails.com And if you happen to time your hike to end at sunset, you’re in for a real treat.
And while the length of the trail might be short, you’ll definitely want to take your time.
Jen R / alltrails.com This is more of a beach-combing adventure than a hike.
The diverse landscapes of the Olympic Peninsula are incredible, and the beaches here are downright otherworldly.
Mike Christensen / alltrails.com This trail offers an opportunity to experience some of Washington’s most impressive scenery.
Address: La Push Road, La Push, WA, 98350
Sylvia Cook / alltrails.com
It’s only about 2 miles in length, and it’s a perfect hike for beginners.
The first 1/4 of the trail look like this…
Ryan Payne / alltrails.com
You’ll be greeted by driftwood, dramatic sea stacks rising straight out of the ocean, and the unmistakable scents of the sea.
Jei Lee / alltrails.com
Low tide brings more beach to explore as well as tide pools, or nature’s aquariums.
VyVy Mai / alltrails.com
And if you happen to time your hike to end at sunset, you’re in for a real treat.
Jen R / alltrails.com
This is more of a beach-combing adventure than a hike.
Mike Christensen / alltrails.com
This trail offers an opportunity to experience some of Washington’s most impressive scenery.
Have you ever hiked the Second Beach Trail? It’s one of the many, many must-see spots on the Olympic Peninsula.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
