La Push, Washington Offers Surfers Some Of The Most Reliable Waves On The Olympic Peninsula
Although you'll definitely need to grab a wetsuit, the year-round cold waters off the Washington coast can actually push some pretty solid waves. While California is synonymous with West Coast surfing, Washington's almost surreal coastline ecology can provide a truly unique surfing experience. If you're exploring Washington's Olympic Peninsula, head to the coastline village of La Push for probably the most constant breaks in the region.
According to All Trips, La Push is located where the Quillayute River meets the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by Olympic National Park. While the summer attracts most casual surfers, the area also pumps waves in the winter and fall. In fact, the area's annual Surf Frolic event is held in January, though less-experienced surfers probably shouldn't charge winter swells. However, if you're visiting Olympic National Park, then consider taking a board with you. While Washington surfing doesn't produce the consistency of California, La Push's swells are probably the most reliable in the area.
Reliable swells and dramatic scenery
Per Surfline, the ideal surfing condition at La Push is a southwestern swell with northeastern winds during mid-tide, producing waist-head high waves. The crescent of First Beach at La Push is typically the go-to spot for surfers, which can produce pretty large swells. For a bit of an adventure, you can also take trails to explore Second Beach or Third Beach, according to Scenic Washington.
While weekends in the summer may produce pretty crowded lineups at First Beach, during summer weekdays and autumn months, you may be one of only a handful of surfers. According to All Trips, more experienced surfers may consider driving north to Neah Bay, located about 60 miles from La Push. The beaches of Neah Bay can produce reliable waves for about 150 days a year, as well as 15-foot swells. However, due to a rocky sea bottom and dangerous rip currents, these swells should be reserved for experienced surfers and pros.
Flat days can also offer plenty to do
La Push is part of the Quileute Indian Reservation, per City Bop. Even if you arrive in La Push and there's no surf, the area is still worth exploring. The wild coastline is teeming with wildlife, and the forested hiking trails provide awesome views of the ocean and dramatic rock formations. You're also a short drive from the Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park, which features cascading waterfalls, rushing rivers, and world-class hiking trails.
For "Twilight" fans, the coastline areas and the town of Forks, located 20 miles inland from La Push, are also the settings of the "Twilight" movies and book series, drawing fans from around the world.
However, if surfing is your main to-do activity, your board-in-tow trip to La Push will provide the best chance to catch quality waves in the Olympic Peninsula region. Just remember to bring a wetsuit. Even in peak summer, the water temperature barely gets over 60 degrees Fahrenheit, per Surf-Forecast. Along with waves, La Push offers equally reliable chilly sessions.