Location

The La Push Beach is located at the north western edge of the Clallam County of Washington, USA. It is a community of the ancient Quileute Indian Tribe who were the residents here for thousands of years. It is an unincorporated community and is managed entirely by the Indian tribe. It is situated at the mouth of the Quileute River.

Tourist attractions

This region is well known for its natural beauty and also for whaling. Surfing is the prominent beach sport here. The beach’s name is derived from a French expression describing a place at the mouth of the river. The French ‘La Bouche’ has been corrupted over the years into “La Push”. The beaches here are numbered 1, 2, and 3.

The Indian tribal community here has recently realised the benefits of eco tourism and has begun developing facilities to attract tourists here while maintaining the natural balance. The beaches here offer a great view of the migrating whales during the migration season. The River ‘Hoh’ flows slightly north of here and opens into the Pacific Ocean. The beach is also a good place to watch sun sets. The Olympic National Park is only a few miles away from here.

Visitors interested in sea fishing can charter ocean trips from the fishing harbour. These boat trips to the ocean allow one to catch fishes like the silver salmon, chinook, king, cod, and the halibut. These fishing trips have become popular here and draw large groups of fishing enthusiasts. Some of the visitors who come to visit the Olympic National Park also stay here to enjoy the beauty of the shoreline. Many hiking tours to the park start from La Push. Another nature reserve called the Flattery Rocks National Wildlife Refuge that lies along the northwest coastline is not open to human visitors, but because of its proximity to the beach some wildlife can be viewed from the beach here. Many migrating birds make this park their home.

Families coming to the beach are allowed to bring their pets but have to keep their pets on leash always. During summer months the beach is a favourite place for kayaking along with surfing. But in the winter months people come to watch the storms that surge from the Pacific Ocean.

Best period to visit

Around the middle of July the Indian tribesmen celebrate the Quileute Days, a festival with canoe races, fireworks display, a fish baking contest, various bone games, and also a tug of war. The other season when there are lots of kayakers and surfers at the beach is during the month of January when they organise an unofficial event called the Surf Frolic Festival.

Access

The beach can be accessed by travelling on the Highway 101. The Clallam Transit operates transportation services to and from La Push.

Emergency services

For all emergencies including police, fire, and medical, dial 911.

Lifeguard service

The beaches here do not have lifeguards. Hence it is unsafe to swim in the ocean without proper knowledge of the currents.

Police service

(360) 452 – 4545 - Chief of Police, Port Angeles Police Department,

321 E 5th St., Port Angeles, Washington 98362.

Fire service

(360) 417 - 4655 - Fire Chief, Port Angeles Fire Department,

102 E 5th St., Port Angeles, Washington 98362.