LAPUSH — The crashing waves are sometimes the only company for a visitor to Second Beach’s solitary shores in the winter.
At high tide, waves crash through the natural arch on a small jet of land extending into the sea.
Called Quateata, the land divides First Beach from Second Beach.
Even at low tide, the land is impassable, as is Teahwhit Head, which bookends the south side of the beach, Olympic National Park Ranger Greg Marsh said.
“Trying to pass those things even at low tide is crying out for injury, death or a rescue,” he said.
But they, along with the 135-foot Crying Lady Rock and the sea stacks called the Quileute Needles, offer a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean.
From the beach, one can see bald eagles and seals.
During the winter, debris, including stacks of beached logs, wash ashore.
Pebbles, smoothed from being tossed in the ocean’s rough waves, are sprinkled over the beach’s dark sands.
The unique views from the beach, one of the premiere beaches in the nation, has been photographed for calendars and is a popular spot, especially during whale-watching season, when gray whales migrate in March, April and October.
During the winter, even when a few other visitors walk the shores, the quiet lull of the ocean, the wind and the noises of the critters of the forest are often the only sounds.
Winding trail
Once at the trailhead, the winding trail is about three-quarters of a mile and winds through moss-draped forests.
The trail first winds up, then the downward zigzag includes 108 steps that stop right at the beach.
During the winter season, visitors may have to climb over beach logs, and care should be taken, as they aren’t always steady.
Other debris such as tires, bottles and random items sometimes wash ashore, too. Beach cleanups are usually scheduled for March or April, Mora area Ranger Tim Saskowsky said.
“One ranger found a message in a bottle from Japan a few years ago,” he said.
“I found one once that I thought was a message in a bottle, but it turned out to be a map from the Three Rivers Restaurant [in LaPush].
“So it didn’t travel very far.”
Visitors should be prepared for a little muck and mire from winter rains and snow.
And although the trail is relatively short, it ascends about 80 feet and descends about 100 feet, so hiking shoes are a good idea.
For camping, sealed metal containers to protect food from bears is required.
Pets, weapons and wheeled devices are prohibited on coastal beaches and trails.
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.
