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Weekend Gem: The Southern Olympic Coast

Posted by eriksoltan on May 18, 2015 in Weekend Gem | No Comments

Jefferson Cove

This three day trip is best done with a shuttle ride, the link is here. After arranging the shuttle ride with Willie, drive I-5 north to 12 east and then to 101 north that will take you to the Lake Quinault Ranger Station to make wilderness reservations and pick up the required bear canisters. Take 101 north to Oil City Road on the left and take the well taken care of road to the trailhead to meet the shuttle. Arrive at the Third Beach Trailhead and hike 1.2 easy miles to Strawberry Bay and head south up and over the first high tide marker, the red and white circles, up and over the first headland to marvelous Taylor Point. After exploring the sea stacks, tide pools and natural arch continue down the beach for a half a mile before heading over another highland that leads to a nice long stretch on the beach and scenic Strawberry Point. Finish the last mile combing the beach for a camp in the forest, a 6 mile day. Soak up the wonders of Toleak Point before heading over Jackson Creek to a sturdy climb up a highland crossings of Goodman Creek before winding back down to the shore again. Walk the beach for 2.2 miles to a crossing of Mosquito Creek and a great camp on the bluff above, a 5 mile day.

Today is the toughest day on the trail so far, with a sturdy climb up past Hoh Head and many ups and downs past great ocean views, old growth trees and scenic stream crossings before heading back to the beach at Jefferson Cove. Head over some boulder while hugging the coast and finish off this amazing section of the Olympic Coast following the Hoh River upstream to your car, a 5.5 mile day. When planning this trip, consult the tide charts and map for La Push to find a good three day stretch where the low tides are at an optimal time of morning to allow you safe passage and stick to those low points on hiking days. Pack light so maneuvering up and down rope ladders, muddy trails and sandy stretches of beach are easier. Think of this trip as more of an “adventure” than a standard trail, and soak in the amazing sunsets, animal encounters and ocean grander that the wild Olympic Coast will deliver.

Taylor Point