Coastal Backpacking Field Trip - Olympic Coast South: The Wildcatter Coast

The trip is planned to start at the 3rd Beach TH, and end at the Oil City TH (Hoh River), which requires a car shuttle. There is no plan to use a commercial shuttle service.

Tentatively, we will plan to meet at the 3rd Beach TH in the late morning. The 3rd TH parking lot is small, and in the event that it is already full there is an overflow lot at the 2nd Beach TH approximately 1 mile west. More detailed information will be available as the backpack gets closer.

This is the field trip for the Ocean Backpacking Trip Planning and Leadership course. 

Summary:

As mentioned in the meeting place notes, the trip starts at the 3rd Beach TH, and ends at the Oil City TH. We will hike at a moderate pace, with stops for class exercises. There should be plenty of time for taking pictures and enjoying the beach. 

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Hike from 3rd Beach TH to Toleak Point. We will have a rope assisted climb up a bluff. Note that Toleak Point and Giant's Graveyard is considered one of the most scenic areas on the coast.
• Day 2: Hike from Toleak Point to Mosquito Creek. We will ford Falls Creek, Goodman Creek, and Mosquito Creek.  There is opportunity for exploration south along the beach. 
• Day 3: The trail leaves the beach at Mosquito Creek until just past Hoh Head where there is another rope assisted area, before negotiating some slippery boulders.

COVID: Please note all participants must be fully vaccinated (this is the same requirement as the parent course Ocean Backpacking Trip Planning and Leadership).

Please do not plan on getting home early. The tides will dictate the completion time. We will round the last set of rocks at low tide, approximately 3:30 and then finish the hike on the beach and then out the trail to the TH.

More information will be available as the backpack gets closer.