The Hoh River to Third Beach route traverses 15-17 miles of Olympic National Park's wild coastline between the Oil City (Hoh River Mouth) Trailhead and Third Beach Trailhead. This point-to-point trek combines rugged beach hiking, temperate rainforest, rope-assisted headland scrambles, and tide-dependent navigation. Expect to scale fixed ropes up 60-foot cliffs, wade thigh-deep creek crossings, and time your progress around tidal windows. This is not a trail for beginners—the obstacle-course terrain demands physical fitness, technical comfort on steep rope sections, and navigation skills with tide charts. Most backpackers complete this in 2-3 days, camping at Toleak Point and Mosquito Creek. The reward is solitude on one of America's wildest coastlines, with sea stacks, driftwood-strewn beaches, and the constant roar of Pacific surf.
Wilderness camping permits are required year-round and must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov or by calling (360) 565-3100. Summer season reservations (May 15 - October 15) open April 15 at 7:00 AM PDT. The coastal route between Oil City and Third Beach is typically not quota-limited like Ozette Coast, but permits still require advance booking. Cost is $8 per adult (16+) per night, free for youth 15 and under, plus a non-refundable $6 reservation fee per permit.
Bear canisters are mandatory for all coastal camping—free loaners available at Wilderness Information Centers, or bring your own hard-sided canister. Group size limits are 6-12 people depending on camp area. Fires are allowed on the beach below the high tide line only. Pets are prohibited. Camp only in designated areas: Third Beach, Toleak Point, Mosquito Creek, and a few smaller sites. For current regulations, see the NPS Wilderness Regulations page.
Summer (late June through early September) offers the most reliable weather with temperatures in the 60s°F, longer daylight for timing tides, and lower rainfall—though rain gear is still essential even in July and August. Summer also brings crowds; Toleak Point campsites fill quickly on weekends. For solitude, consider late spring (May-early June) or early fall (September-October), but be prepared for frequent rain, cooler temps in the 40s-50s°F, and potentially higher creek crossings. Winter and late fall bring severe Pacific storms, heavy rainfall exceeding 100 inches annually on this coast, and dangerous surf conditions—only for expert coastal travelers. Snow is not a factor at sea level, but winter's short daylight hours and unpredictable low tides make navigation hazardous. Most backpackers target July-August for optimal conditions, though shoulder seasons offer moody beauty and fewer people if you can handle wet weather.
Water sources are abundant year-round. Mosquito Creek, Goodman Creek, and Falls Creek all provide reliable water, though flow varies seasonally. Goodman Creek is typically ankle-deep but can reach thigh-high during spring runoff or after heavy rains. Falls Creek is normally shin-deep but may be waist-deep at high tide. Water has a tea-stained, tan color from tannins leached from rainforest vegetation—it looks like ginger ale after filtering but tastes fine. Always filter or boil; iodine does not kill Cryptosporidium, which is present in coastal streams. When collecting water near the beach, go far enough upstream to avoid saltwater intrusion at high tide.
Nearest resupply is Forks, Washington, 11 miles from Third Beach Trailhead via Highway 110. Forks has grocery stores, outdoor shops, gas, and lodging. No resupply options exist mid-route. Mail drops are not practical for this short 2-3 day trip. Plan to carry all food and fuel from your starting trailhead.
Tides: This is the primary hazard. A tide chart is not optional—it's life-saving. Multiple headlands become impassable at high tide, trapping unwary hikers on exposed rocks or forcing dangerous scrambles. NPS recommends rounding headlands 1-2 hours before low tide. Hoh Head in particular should be avoided in all but the calmest conditions. Download NOAA tide predictions for La Push before your trip. Overland bypass trails exist for some headlands but involve steep, muddy, rope-assisted climbs.
Rope Sections: Fixed ropes and ladders assist climbs over several headlands, including a 60-foot cliff near a small waterfall. Hikers describe some ropes as "sketchy" with 100% reliance required for the final 15 feet of descent. Bring light gloves to protect hands. These sections are exposed and slippery in rain.
Creek Crossings: Mosquito, Goodman, and Falls Creeks vary from ankle-deep to thigh-high depending on tide and recent rainfall. Crossings can be dangerous during high water. Trekking poles recommended for stability.
Wildlife: Black bears are common along the coast. Bear canisters are required to protect food from bears and raccoons. Hikers have reported seeing multiple bears at dusk and low tide. Make noise, hang your canister properly, never camp near bear trails.
Navigation: The "trail" alternates between beach walking, boulder fields, upland rainforest sections, and rope climbs. Some overland portions are overgrown and faint. Recent trip reports mention questionable trail conditions with narrow edges appearing to erode along the river. Bring a detailed topographic map—the Custom Correct South Olympic Coast map is recommended.
Third Beach Trailhead: From Forks, drive north on Highway 101 for 1.5 miles. Turn west onto Highway 110 (La Push Road) and drive 11-11.5 miles to the signed Third Beach parking area on the right. Parking lot holds ~20 cars and fills on summer weekends; arrive early or prepare to park along the road. Small restroom and bear-proof trash cans at trailhead. It's a 1.4-mile forested descent on stairs/ladders to reach Third Beach.
Oil City (Hoh River Mouth) Trailhead: From Highway 101 between mileposts 177-178 (just north of the Hoh River), turn onto Oil City Road. Follow this well-maintained gravel/dirt road 10 miles to the end. Road is passable for 2WD vehicles in dry conditions but can be rough. Ample parking and privy at trailhead.
Shuttle Service: Olympic Hiking Co. (hikeolympic.com) runs shuttles between Oil City and Third Beach (~1 hour drive). Operates late March through late September. Pricing is $75/person for 1-2 passengers, $50/person for 3+. Advanced booking required (close 24 hours prior); recommend reserving one month ahead for July-August. Most hikers park at Oil City, shuttle to Third Beach, and hike south back to their vehicle.
Nearest Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International (Sea-Tac), ~200 miles east. Rental car required; no practical public transit for this route.
Direction: Most backpackers hike north-to-south (Third Beach to Oil City) to finish at their parked vehicle. Shuttling from Oil City to Third Beach at the start avoids needing pickup logistics at the end.
Camping Strategy: Toleak Point is unanimously considered the best campsite—book your permit to camp there. Sites in the trees on the north side offer hammocks, benches, and incredible views of offshore sea stacks. Mosquito Creek camps are higher up the bluff (several hundred steps from the beach) but offer privacy and overlook the ocean. Third Beach is close to the trailhead and fills quickly; better to push to Toleak for your first night if you start early.
Timing: Give yourself extra time for slow sections—rope climbs, boulder fields, and waiting for tide windows can double your estimated pace. Daily mileage of 5-7 miles is realistic given the terrain.
Gear: Bring gaiters for beach sand, trekking poles for creek crossings, gloves for rope sections, and a 50-foot rope for lowering packs on steep descents. Waterproof boots or sandals that can get soaked—wet feet are inevitable.
Recent Conditions: Trail maintenance on overland sections can be spotty. Check recent trip reports on Washington Trails Association before departing for updates on rope conditions, creek depths, and trail status.
Wildlife Viewing: Dawn and dusk offer the best chances to see black bears foraging on the beach. Keep a respectful distance and secure all food.
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