South Coast Wilderness Trail
Views of the South Coast Wilderness Trail in Olympic National Park
Most people envision hikes in Olympic National Park as long treks over mountains and through bear-filled valleys. True enthusiasts know it's just as much fun to traverse the shoreline where the park meets the Pacific – although you'll still need to bring (or borrow) a bear canister if your heart is set on staying overnight on the South Coast Wilderness Trail.
This moderate-to-difficult through-hike will take you along a voyage that features ocean views, rocky headlands, and forested overland trails. It's no casual summer jaunt to the beach, however: An elevation gain of some 1,900 feet over 17 miles will make you truly appreciate the brisk sea air, particularly when it's hot.
The most scenic coastal hike in the Pacific Northwest
Remember, this is an undeveloped stretch of coastline – They didn't name it a "Wilderness" trail for nothing! Before you head out, you need to get yourself an up-to-date tide chart and check the weather. Some parts of the South Coast, like the Mosquito and Goodman creek crossings, can become completely impassible when the sea is high or the rains are heavy.
Fortunately, you can enter the hike from either side, starting at Third Beach Trailhead or Oil City Trailhead to help time the tides. But that won’t get you away from the ladders and ropes as you in and out of the forest along the coast. In other words, you don't have to take unnecessary risks by planning, although making your way up from the lower-lying beaches requires a bit of a steep scramble.
If traveling with friends, be advised that your group can only include 12 people total, even when you're camping at one of the designated sites. Speaking of which, the campsites are quite popular in summer, so get your permit as soon as you can.
Views of Toleak Point on the South Coast Wilderness Trail
See coastal wildlife by hiking the South Coast Wilderness Trail
This hike will treat you to views unlike anything else on Earth. Look for seals and bald eagles as well as migrating grey whales in spring and fall. Even the land itself puts on a show: The ancient sea stacks at Giants Graveyard stand as a testament to millions of years of erosion.
The South Coast Wilderness Trail hike is best tackled from May through October. Although it might not seem like the longest route, remember that the combination of tides, mossy terrain, and cold sea spray might make this voyage more fatiguing than you expected and should not be attempted at night. Taking the South Coast Trail Olympic National Park hike is our favorite pick for backpacking, camping, and reveling in the stunning vistas of the Pacific Northwest.
Climbing up ropes on the South Coast Wilderness Trail
Location: Olympic National Park
Directions: You can access this hike from either end of the hike. To enter from the Third Beach trailhead, take US 101 to SR 110 (La Push Rd.) which takes you towards Mora/La Push. The trailhead and parking are located on the south side of the road. Google maps address here.
To enter from the Oil City trailhead, take US 101 to Oil City Rd. Take Oil City Rd. 10 miles until you end at the trailhead parking lot. Google maps address here.
Activities: Hiking (backpacking and camping with permit only - found here)
Difficulty: Moderate (requires timing tides - see tide chart here)
Distance: 17.0 miles through-hike
Elevation Gain: 1,900 feet
Best Time of Year: May - October
Parking Permit Required: National Park Pass
Dogs Allowed: No
Weather: Forks, WA
