Third Beach was just eh, just okay for me. I wanted more. But in comparison to Rialto Beach and stunning Ruby Beach among the Olympic Peninsula....I felt like this...3rd Beach...fell flat. At least...can I give a reasoning or two, lol?
During my summer visit of 2020, after hanging out at mesmerizing Hoh Rain Forest, I was heading in a counter clockwise direction (which I believe is the most efficient way to navigate Olympic National Park).
I had read that the La Push area and 1st, 2nd and 3rd Beaches were all worthwhile spots to explore from my itinerary.
Well...1st and 2nd Beaches were closed due to the pandemic. My only option for a getting a feel for what the La Push area surroundings were like was to come here to 3rd Beach.
This was fine by me as I figured all 3 beaches would be relatively the same in appearances...so if I was only afforded 1 beach to explore...I was accepting of coming here to 3rd Beach.
I was quite surprised that for the entrance way towards 3rd Beach...you had to park along the road. And I couldn't believe how crowded it was!!!
Yeah, I barely found a parking spot and cars were parked off the road on the shoulder in almost a 45 degree slope. Could they be that desperate to hang out here? It was quite a steep angle!
So...I put the emergency brake on just in case. I then had a good feeling about what to expect here at 3rd Beach since it appeared quite popular according to the amount of cars.
To get to 3rd Beach...you have to hike almost 2 miles! Wow...I didn't expect this. Though that's what it said according to the trailhead. Well, I guess I was already committed to the task so I didn't mind making the trek.
Overall, the hike was pleasant. It was along flat ground through the forest without much elevation. Towards the end of the trail I walked down a series of switchbacks to the beach.
Finally making it here along the shores...the best way to describe things were...very quiet and desolate. There wasn't much happening. I actually noticed tents on the sand and was in astonishment that you could really camp out at 3rd Beach.
My main reasoning for coming to 3rd Beach was to capture the best photographs of the surroundings, among the Pacific Northwest setting here in Washington.
But...I never captured any magical moments for pictures. I did walk towards the end of the beach to an area that had some rocks on the shores sort of making the area somewhat scenic.
In the end, I was just sort of bored and maybe spent 30 - 40 minutes hanging out. And...for having to hike 2 miles each way just to arrive at a "pedestrian" looking beach sort of frustrated me as if I was wasting time out of the day.
In comparison...Rialto and Ruby Beaches offered much much more as to the scenery and sweeping beach shores. Rialto Beach featured plenty of fallen trees and a few boulders protruding out from the waters enhancing the overall setting. Although the beaches were very touristy and crowded...their sights were worth it.
Ruby Beach put everything to shame. This was my favorite beach at Olympic NP. There were terrific viewpoints, a rugged yet scenic coastline, many playful spots to climb rocks and offered really good photography opportunities. Ultimately when I compare Ruby Beach to this 3rd Beach...I much more preferred the scenic terrain where I felt like I was admiring the true essence for what makes Olympic Park so special.
But...for those who are interested in more exclusivity without the visitors and tourists, then this 3rd Beach would be appropriate for you. For me, I want to be hanging out at a place where the views reign supreme. read more