Hike South Coast Route, Olympic National Park, Washington

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The South Coast Route in Olympic National Park is a 17 mile coastal trail from Third Beach Trailhead to Oil City Trailhead. It offers ocean views, sea stacks, opportunities to view bald eagles and seals. From Third Beach to just south of Toleak Point are beautiful sand beaches. Bird life is common on sea stacks. Grey whale migration occurs in March/April and October. 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 unfordable in winter or during heavy rains. Mosquito Creek should be forded at low tide and is usually knee to waist deep if crossed where it meets with the surf. Level of difficulty: Moderate to difficult Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits in person at the WIC in Port Angeles . 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 into a group of more than 12. Food Storage Method: As of May 2013, all food, garbage, and scented items must be stored—overnight and when unattended—in park-approved Bear Canisters along the entire Olympic National Park Wilderness Coast. Buckets or other hard-sided containers are no longer permitted. 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" deep and 200 feet 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. Cryptosporidium and giardia exist in coastal lakes, streams, and rivers. Always filter or boil water. Iodine is ineffective against cryptosporidium.

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