The Hoh River to Third Beach route covers 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 mixes rugged beach hiking, temperate rainforest, rope-assisted headland scrambles, and tide-dependent navigation. Hikers climb fixed ropes up 60-foot cliffs, wade thigh-deep creek crossings, and time their progress around tidal windows. It is not a route for beginners: the obstacle-course terrain demands physical fitness, comfort on steep rope sections, and the ability to work from a tide chart. Most backpackers take 2-3 days, camping at Toleak Point and Mosquito Creek. In return you get 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 the way the Ozette Coast is, 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 are 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) has the most reliable weather, with temperatures in the 60s°F, long daylight for timing tides, and less rainfall, though rain gear is still essential even in July and August. Summer also brings crowds, and Toleak Point campsites fill quickly on weekends. For solitude, consider late spring (May-early June) or early fall (September-October), but be ready 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; that season belongs to expert coastal travelers only. Snow is not a factor at sea level, but winter's short daylight and unpredictable low tides make navigation hazardous. Most backpackers target July-August for the best conditions. The shoulder seasons have a gray, moody character and far 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 by season. 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. The water carries a tea-stained, tan color from tannins leached out of the 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. There is no resupply mid-route, and mail drops are not practical for a 2-3 day trip. Carry all food and fuel from your starting trailhead.
Tides: This is the primary hazard, and a tide chart is not optional. 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 your 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 help with 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, stow your canister properly, and 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 the usual recommendation.
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. The lot holds ~20 cars and fills on summer weekends, so arrive early or plan to park along the road. A small restroom and bear-proof trash cans sit at the trailhead. From there it is a 1.4-mile forested descent on stairs and 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. The road is passable for 2WD vehicles in dry conditions but can be rough. Ample parking and a privy at the trailhead.
Shuttle Service: Olympic Hiking Co. (hikeolympic.com) runs shuttles between Oil City and Third Beach (~1 hour drive), operating late March through late September. Pricing is $75/person for 1-2 passengers, $50/person for 3+. Advance booking is required (bookings close 24 hours prior); reserve about 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. A rental car is required; there is 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 pickup logistics at the end.
Camping Strategy: Toleak Point is unanimously considered the best campsite, so book your permit to camp there. Sites in the trees on the north side have hammocks, benches, and a wide view of the offshore sea stacks. Mosquito Creek camps sit higher up the bluff (several hundred steps from the beach) but are private and overlook the ocean. Third Beach is close to the trailhead and fills quickly; if you start early, push to Toleak for your first night.
Timing: Give yourself extra time for the slow sections. Rope climbs, boulder fields, and waiting for tide windows can double your estimated pace, so 5-7 miles a day is realistic on this 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. Wear waterproof boots or sandals that can get soaked, because 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 are the best times to see black bears foraging on the beach. Keep a respectful distance and secure all food.
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