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La Push & Rialto Beach

The Quileute Nation's coastal village, sea stacks that look almost too dramatic to be real, and two of the best beach hikes on the peninsula.

La Push sits at the mouth of the Quillayute River on the Quileute Indian Reservation, about 14 miles west of Forks. It is a working village, a tribal community, and, since the Twilight novels, a well-known name to readers who have never set foot in Washington. The real draw for most visitors is what surrounds it: First Beach, Second Beach, Third Beach, and Rialto Beach, four distinct stretches of sand and sea stacks within a few miles of each other.

First Beach at La Push, Washington, with sea stacks and waves

First Beach

Drive-up access right in La Push, with whale-watching potential, surfing, and views of James Island. The easiest of the four to reach, good for a quick stop or sunset.

Second Beach

A roughly 1.5-mile trail through forest drops you onto a wide beach with some of the most striking sea stacks on this coast. One of the most popular day hikes on the peninsula; go early to beat crowds and parking congestion in summer.

Third Beach

A similar forest trail (about 1.4 miles) to a quieter, less-visited beach. Popular with backpackers heading north along the coast toward Toleak Point; a wilderness permit is required for overnight camping.

Rialto Beach

On the north side of the Quillayute River mouth, reached by its own road. The signature hike here is to "Hole-in-the-Wall," a sea arch about 1.5 miles up the beach, best timed around low tide. Also a well-known storm-watching spot.

Respect the land: La Push and the surrounding beaches sit on the Quileute Indian Reservation. Stay on marked trails and public access points, follow posted signage, and remember this is home to a living community, not a movie set.

Practical notes

Distance from ForksAbout 14 miles / 20-25 minutes
Trail difficultySecond and Third Beach trails are moderate: forest tread with roots and some elevation change, then a ladder or steep bank down to the beach.
TidesCheck a current tide table before hiking to Hole-in-the-Wall or exploring tide pools near Rialto; some routes are impassable at high tide.
CampingOvernight beach camping requires a wilderness permit, booked through recreation.gov. Mora Campground near Rialto Beach offers car camping.

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