Olympic Coast South: The Wildcatter Coast

on the trail

This is a spectacular section of Washington’s Wild Olympic Coast. 100 Classic Hikes in Washington, 2nd ed. says,

Wild forest and wild ocean, woods animals and sea birds, tide pools and a series of wave-carved stacks called the Graveyard of the Giants, the constant thunder of surf.

Here are good campsites and places to turn around along the way from Third Beach to the Oil City on the Hoh River:

• Third Beach - 1.4 mi from the trailhead
• Scott Creek - 4.4 mi from the trailhead, 3.0 mi from Third Beach
• Strawberry Point - 5.6 mi from the trailhead, 1.2 mi from Scott Creek
• Toleak Point - 6.8 mi from the trailhead, 1.2 mi from Strawberry Point
• Mosquito Creek - 11.4 mi from the trailhead, 4.6 mi from Toleak Point
• Jefferson Cove - 14.9 mi, from the trailhead, 3.5 mi from Mosquito Creek
• Hoh River - 17.5 mi from the trailhead, 2.6 mi from Jefferson Cove

notes

• This hike can be challenging with rope ladders to ascend and descend headlands, rocky beaches to hike, and creeks to wade.
• The trip needs to be scheduled to take advantage of favorable tides.
• A car shuttle will allow a one-way hike.

Information for Leaders

Scheduling

• This route allows multiple bookings. Please check scheduled trips listed below in the "Activities" tab to see if there is another group already booked on the same day. Leaders are expected to contact the leader(s) of existing trips to ensure there are no concerns or conflicts, according to The Mountaineers Outdoor Ethics Policy. Please review our Group Size & Multiple Bookings page for guidance.

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 17.5 mi
• Elevation Gain: 1,900 ft
• High Point: 360 ft

• Land Manager: Olympic National Park
• Parking Permit Required: National Park Entrance Fee
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12