First Beach, La Push, Washington
USINFO | 2014-06-10 14:36
Tucked into the south side of the Hoh River's outlet to the Pacific Ocean, La Push is spectacular, pristine, and an adventure hiker's paradise. On the northern border of the Quileute Indian Reservation, First Beach is known for surfing, whale-watching, swimming with seals, and mysterious-looking rock formations.
James Island, a giant mass of sandstone where chiefs of the Quileute tribe are buried, sits across the water.
First Beach gained cult status as the setting of Stephenie Meyer's vampire series (Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn) and Twilight: The Movie (2008). The wide, crescent-shaped beach looks out onto a city of sea stacks. You'll feel like you stepped into a postcard when the sun sets and the sky turns unbelievable shades of pink and purple. Because an Indian reservation surrounds the beach, life here is relaxed and low-key. Don't expect wireless internet—or even a phone—in your hotel room. There are a few restaurants, a surf shop, and, recently, 15 luxury cabins were built on the beach with hot tubs and fireplaces.
First Beach is also the start of the Long Trail, one of the world's classic beach hikes. There are three beaches, conveniently named First, Second, and Third Beach, with well-maintained trails between them. Hikers will want to shuttle cars or arrange with the reservation for a pick-up as the trip is best done one-way.
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