Hoh River to Third Beach landscape

Photo: Photo by John Thomas on Unsplash

Hoh River to Third Beach

~3 days · 16.2 mi · moderate · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance16.2 mi
Days out3
Elevation gain2,274 ft
Gain / mile140 ft
High point371 ft
Difficulty index15/100

What the Hoh River to Third Beach is known for

Point-to-point traverse of Olympic National Park's South Coast Wilderness between the Oil City trailhead at the mouth of the Hoh River and Third Beach near La Push. About 17 miles of wild beach walking with headland ladders, rope assists, and tide-dependent crossings; typically 2-3 days with camps on the beaches.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Hoh River to Third Beach on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 10 ft to 1,119 ft over 16.2 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 4.4 mi · 28%
  • Downhill 6.0 mi · 37%
  • Flat 5.6 mi · 35%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

How hard is the Hoh River to Third Beach?

15 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Hoh River to Third Beach scores 15/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Hoh River to Third Beach take?

Most backpackers hike the Hoh River to Third Beach in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 16.2 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Hoh River to Third Beach?

The Hoh River to Third Beach climbs roughly 2,274 ft total — about 140 ft per mile, topping out near 371 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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