Third Beach Trail

Backpackers at Third Beach

Notices
Description
Trail Conditions
Camping
Special Concerns
Safety
Map
Photos

 

Notices:

• Hard-sided food containers like bear canisters are required if camping at Third Beach or elsewhere on the coast.
• Pets, weapons, and wheeled devices are prohibited on coastal beaches and trails.
• Wilderness Camping Permits are required for overnight camping at Third Beach and elsewhere on the coast. Obtain permits at the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles.

 

Area Description:

Ecosystem type: Coastal Forest and Ocean Beach 
Trail tread types: Well maintained 
General elevation trend: Flat
River crossings: None
Unique features: Ocean views, sea stacks (offshore land formations). There are excellent opportunities to view bald eagles and seals, and bird life is common on sea stacks. Whale migration occurs in March/April and October. 
Level of difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.4 mile
Elevation change: 240 feet elevation loss on the way in
Best Season: Year round 

 

Trail Conditions

 

Camping:

Permits/Reservations:Obtain permits by phone or in person at the WIC in Port Angeles or in person at Forks Recreation and Information Center. No reservations for South Coast.
Group Size Restrictions: Groups are limited to no more than 12 people. Associated groups of more than 12 must camp and travel at least 1 mile apart and may not combine at any time in a group of more than 12.
Food Storage Method: Hard-sided food containers are required.
Campsites: There are a few campsites off the beach in the forest but most camping is on the beach above high tide. During Summer, camping space can be scarce! 
Toilet Facilities: Pit toilet where trail meets beach
Water Source: Two streams - Most coastal water sources have a tea-stained appearance. The light tan color originates from tannin leached from leaves. Cryptosporidium and giardia exist in coastal streams and rivers; always filter or boil water. Iodine is an ineffective treatment versus these parasites. 
Stock: Prohibited on all park beaches and beach trails.

 

Special Concerns:

Leave No Trace: Leave No Trace of your stay to protect vegetation and prevent further camping regulations. Camp in established sites or on sand to prevent damage to vegetation.
Campfires: To protect coastal forests, please burn only driftwood.
Wildlife Precautions: Due to raccoon problems, all food garbage and scented items must be secured in hard-sided containers such as Bear canisters. To protect raccoons, bears and other wildlife, all food, garbage and scented items must be secured from all wildlife 24 hours a day.

 

Safety:

• Never try to round hazardous headlands at high tide. Always carry a tide chart and topographic map. Don't get trapped!
• Beach logs may not be stable. Use extreme caution when walking on logs.

 

Raccoons can easily get food bags hung from trees. To avoid having your camp raided by raccoons or bears, always store all food, garbage and scented items in bear canisters on the coast.

 

Raccoons can easily get food bags hung like this. All food, garbage and scented items MUST be stored in hard-sided containers like bear canisters. There is a $50 fine for illegal food storage.

 

Looking north along Third Beach.

Eric Romano, NPS