Bryan Bell, NPS

Backpackers on the South Coast

Notices
Trail Description
Camping
Trail Conditions
Special Concerns
Safety
Map
Photos

Notices:

• Hard-sided food containers like bear canisters are required.
• Pets, weapons, and wheeled devices are prohibited on coastal beaches and trails.
• Wilderness Camping Permits are required for all overnight hikes. Obtain your permit at the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles. Contact the WIC for more information. (360) 565-3100
• There are several points at the south end of this route that require a very low tide to pass. See topographical map for details.
• Contact the WIC for information about trailhead shuttles.

Description:

Ecosystem type: Coastal Forest and Ocean Beach 
Trail tread types: Maintained 
General elevation trend: Flat with steep overland trails and ladders.  
River crossings: Goodman and Mosquito Creeks can be difficult or impossible to ford during periods of heavy rain or high tides. Falls Creek can be from ankle to waist deep, Goodman Creek should be forded at low tide and can be from knee deep to 6-8 feet deep and is often unaffordable in winter or during heavy rains, Mosquito Creek should be forded at low tide and is usually knee to waste deep if crossed where it meets with the surf.
Unique features: Ocean views, sea stacks (offshore land formations). From Third Beach to just south of Toleak Point are beautiful sand beaches. There are excellent opportunities to view bald eagles and seals, and bird life is common on sea stacks. Grey whale migration occurs in March/April and October. 
Level of difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Distance: 17 miles from Third Beach Trailhead to Oil City Trailhead. 
Elevation change: 1,900 feet gain - sea level to 320 ft.
Best Season: May through October

Camping:

Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits in person at the WIC in Port Angeles or at the Forks Recreation and Information Center. Permits are currently not limited and reservations are not available. However, many camps are very busy and can fill in summer.
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 on the coast. All food, garbage and scented items must be stored in hard-sided food conainers. Hanging food bags is not permitted because raccoons will climb trees and leap onto bags.
Campsites: Primary destinations are Third Beach, Scott's Creek Toleak Point, and Mosquito Creek. These camp areas can be full or very busy in summer.
Toilet Facilities: Pit toilets are available at Third Beach, Scott's Creek, Toleak Point, and Mosquito Creek. In other areas bury waste 6-8" down and 200 ft from campsites and water sources.
Water Sources: See topographic map for permanent streams. Most coastal water sources have a tea-stained appearance. The light tan color originates from tannin leached from leaves. Boil, filter or treat your water. Giardia is known to exist at Sand Point and in other coastal streams.  
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 and build fires on the beach not in forested campsites.
Wildlife Precautions: Due to raccoon problems and bears on the coast, all food garbage and scented items must be secured in hard-sided containers such as bear canisters.

Safety:

• When traveling along the coast, know the tides. Bring a topographic map and a tide chart to plan your route.
• Be prepared to hike over some headland trails during high tides. Some headlands cannot be rounded during the lowest of tides. Some headlands require a low tide to round.
• When camping on the beach, camp above high tide water line.