Bryan Bell, NPS

Second Beach

Notices
Description
Trail Conditions
Camping
Special Concerns
Safety
Map

Notices:

• The Second Beach Trail is now open.
• Hard-sided food containers like bear canisters are required for camping on the coast to store all food, garbage and scented items.
• Pets, weapons, and wheeled devices are prohibited on coastal beaches and trails.
• Wilderness Camping Permits are required for overnight stays at Second Beach. Contact the Wilderness Information Center for more information at (360) 565-3100.

Trail 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: .7 mile
Elevation change: 80 feet gain and 100 feet loss on way in.
Best Season: April through October

Camping:

Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits in person at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles, the South Shore Lake Quinault Ranger Station or at the Forks Recreation and Information Center. No reservations for South Coast. However, Second Beach is very popular in summer and can fill up.
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: Because of raccoon problems and bears on the coast, all food, garbage and scented items must be stored in Hard-sided food containers like bear canisters 24 hours a day everywhere on the coast.
Campsites: a few forested sites are available but mostly beach camping. Camping space can be scarce in summer.
Toilet Facilities: A Pit toilet is located where trail meets beach.
Water Source: 2 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; therefore, always filter or boil water. Iodine is ineffective against cryptosporidium.   
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 build campfires on the beach only and 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 Teahwhit Head or Quateata Heah! They are impassible low or high tide.
• Beach logs may not be stable. Use extreme caution when walking on logs.
• Raccoons or bears may raid your camp if your food, garbage and scented items are not properly stored in bear canisters. Keep a clean camp.