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Strawberry Point on the Olympic Coast

La Push, Washington

5.0/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

9.6 miles

Elevation Gain

1545 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Angela Crampton

Backpacking the Olympic Coast from Third Beach Trailhead offers varying distances for your trip between 6-12 miles round trip. Regardless of the end destination you choose, enjoy coastal hiking and beach camping.

Starting at Third Beach trailhead, hike 1.5 miles through lush forests to Third Beach. Once at Third Beach, follow the trail until you find a ladder to pull yourself up the bluff. Continue to meander again through the forest before descending back down to a little cove of Taylor Point. Make sure you have the tide tables with you here as you could wait for hours until low tide to cross. Again, you follow the trail back into the forest before reaching Scotts Bluff (6mi round trip), Strawberry Point (10mi round trip), or Toleak Point (12mi round trip) - all are great places to set up camp and provide great places to take off your shoes and hike with the sand between your toes if you like. Admire the variety of tide pools along the way and the washed-up seaweed. If you have time, collect driftwood for the fire in the evening. 

Overnight Permits

Wilderness permits are required for any overnight stays in the Olympic Wilderness. Head to nps.gov for more information on securing yours. Also, if staying overnight, please remember to bring your bear canister. 

Additional day trip

Toleak Point is a great spot only about 1.5 miles roundtrip from Strawberry Point and has hidden toilets to use if you so desire. Camp on the beach or find protection in little nooks and crannies along the treeline.

You can continue the hike further for multiple days if desired or return the way you came. The trail along the coast runs a total of 17 miles and can be done if you shuttle two cars. A trip from Third Beach to Toleak Point is gentle but also tests people's abilities for climbing bluffs using ropes and ladders. Be patient as these can be slippery when wet.

After reaching Toleak Point, consider exploring the tide pools or walking a little further to the hidden arches. As the sun goes down head back to Strawberry Point, collect firewood, and watch the sun set behind crashing waves.

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Features

Camping
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Beach
Easy Parking
Forest
Scenic

Strawberry Point on the Olympic Coast Reviews

Did a two-nighter here with my girlfriend. Awesome forest features, fun, challenging climbs, and great peaceful beach spots. Would definitely hike again.

The weather had been severe for the five days leading up to my arrival backpacking arrival along the Olympic Coast. On that fifth day, I woke up without the sound of rain on my tent. In complete isolation, I remember feeling a sense of euphoria as I sat on the beaches starting at the sea stacks...not a cloud in the sky. If I were abandoned there like Robinson Crusoe, you wouldn't hear a complaint from me.

This is a great backpack that I would highly recommend to all experience levels. The views are stunning the entire way, and the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen were on this hike. We had fun climbing up the ropes and ladders (they are quite safe and not too technical). Make sure you plan out the tides beforehand and keep a close eye on the time- otherwise you won't be able to pass certain areas. We saw lots of seals, otters, and eagles.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Toleak Point via Third Beach Trailhead

Camp at Third Beach

Camp at Second Beach in Olympic NP

Camp at First Beach

Rialto Beach and Hole-in-the-Wall

Rialto Beach to the Sea Stacks