Seafield Creek

For Washington locals with a spirit of adventure and a deep desire to truly disconnect, Seafield Creek offers an unparalleled wilderness camping experience on the rugged, breathtaking Olympic National Park coastline near Clallam Bay. This isn't a conventional campground with amenities; it's a raw, beautiful, and deeply rewarding destination for those prepared for a genuine backcountry coastal journey.

As one delighted camper vividly describes, "Camped on the beach for 2 nights...barely saw another person in two days. Absolutely gorgeous location with wonderful sunsets. When the tide is out you can walk out at least a quarter mile. Very quiet and peaceful with eagles flying overhead. Loved it!" This perfectly encapsulates the allure of Seafield Creek: profound solitude, expansive natural beauty, and abundant wildlife. Imagine waking to the sound of waves, with bald eagles soaring above, and exploring vast stretches of beach at low tide.

However, it's crucial to understand the nature of the journey to Seafield Creek. As one frank review notes, while the destination is lovely, the "ride through the wasteland" (referring to the demanding hike) and the potential for an "$80 ticket for having a bike in the wilderness" (bikes are prohibited on Olympic National Park wilderness beaches and trails) underscore that this is a true wilderness experience with specific regulations. Hikers must be prepared for "steep rope assisted ascents and descents over promontories" and, critically, understand that "parts of this hike can be impassable during high tide." Consulting tide charts is non-negotiable for a safe trip.

Despite the inherent challenges, the rewards are immense. Seafield Creek is praised for its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, offering a stark contrast to more accessible, crowded areas. It’s a place where you can genuinely feel immersed in the natural world, witness incredible sunsets, and encounter wildlife in their natural habitat, making it a truly unique gem for adventurous Washingtonians.

Seafield Creek is a designated wilderness camping area located on the Pacific Coast of Olympic National Park, near Clallam Bay, WA 98326, USA. Its address primarily points to the general region, as this is a backcountry site accessible only by foot. For Washington locals, understanding its location within the Olympic National Park wilderness system is key to planning a trip.

Accessing Seafield Creek requires a challenging backpacking trip. The most common approach is via the Third Beach Trailhead, located off State Route 110 (La Push Road) near Forks. From Third Beach, hikers proceed south along the rugged coastline. The route involves traversing driftwood, rocky sections, and potentially muddy overland trails. Crucially, multiple tidal restrictions exist between Third Beach and Seafield Creek, meaning "parts of this hike can be impassable during high tide." Thoroughly checking a tide chart is absolutely essential for safe passage; hikers often need to time their movements with low tide windows.

The trail system leading to Seafield Creek also features "steep rope assisted ascents and descents over promontories." These sections require good physical fitness and careful navigation, adding to the adventurous nature of the journey. While challenging, the remote access helps preserve the pristine nature of Seafield Creek, ensuring a quieter experience for those who make the effort.

For Washington residents, reaching the trailheads on the Olympic Peninsula involves a scenic drive, often including a ferry ride if coming from the Puget Sound area. This journey prepares visitors for the wild and untamed beauty of the Olympic Coast, setting the stage for a truly immersive wilderness experience. The remoteness also means limited, if any, cell service, reinforcing the opportunity to fully disconnect.

• Primitive Wilderness Camping: Seafield Creek is a wilderness camping area within Olympic National Park. This means there are no developed campsites, amenities, or facilities such as picnic tables, fire rings, or flush toilets. Campers are expected to be fully self-sufficient.

• No Developed Water Source: There is no potable water available at Seafield Creek. While a creek runs through the area, all water from natural sources (like Seafield Creek itself) must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption due to potential contaminants like giardia and cryptosporidium. It's also worth noting that coastal streams can be brackish at high tide. The nearest reliable freshwater source is typically at Toleak Point, requiring a hike.

• No Pit Toilets: Unlike some other designated wilderness sites on the Olympic Coast, there are no pit toilets at Seafield Creek. Campers must practice Leave No Trace principles for human waste, digging catholes at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites, or packing out waste using WAG bags.

• Bear Canister Requirement: All overnight wilderness campers in Olympic National Park, especially along the coast, are required to carry and use approved bear-resistant food canisters for all food and scented items. This is crucial for protecting wildlife (including bears, raccoons, and other opportunistic animals) and human safety.

• Wilderness Permit Required: An overnight wilderness camping permit from Olympic National Park is mandatory for any overnight stay at Seafield Creek. These permits specify entry and exit points and designated camping areas. Reservations are often required, especially during peak season, and should be made in advance through Recreation.gov.

• Designated Camping Areas: While primitive, camping is permitted only in designated wilderness camping areas, typically on the beach above the high tide line or in the forested areas just behind the beach, often marked by established, bare ground sites from previous use.

• No Bikes or Wheeled Devices: As highlighted by a reviewer's experience, bicycles and other wheeled devices are strictly prohibited on park trails, meadows, and undeveloped beaches, including the route to Seafield Creek.

• Profound Solitude: One of the biggest draws of Seafield Creek is the sense of isolation it offers. Visitors frequently report "barely saw another person," making it ideal for those seeking a truly quiet and peaceful wilderness experience away from crowds.

• Spectacular Sunsets: Its westward-facing position on the coast provides "wonderful sunsets" that paint the sky and ocean in vibrant hues, creating unforgettable evening vistas.

• Abundant Wildlife: The area is teeming with wildlife. Campers have reported seeing "river otters and deer in the predawn hours," and the frequent presence of "eagles flying overhead" is a significant highlight for nature enthusiasts.

• Expansive Beach at Low Tide: When the tide recedes, visitors can "walk out at least a quarter mile," revealing vast stretches of beach, tide pools, and unique coastal geology for exploration.

• Rugged Coastal Landscape: The raw, untamed beauty of the Olympic Coast is on full display, with dramatic sea stacks, driftwood, and the relentless power of the Pacific Ocean.

• Challenging Backpacking Adventure: The demanding hike, involving tide-dependent passages and rope-assisted climbs, makes reaching Seafield Creek a rewarding achievement for experienced backpackers, adding to the sense of accomplishment.

• Authentic Wilderness Immersion: With no developed facilities, campers at Seafield Creek experience a deep connection with nature, relying on their outdoor skills and the principles of Leave No Trace.

• Less Crowded: Due to its challenging access and lack of amenities, Seafield Creek tends to be "less crowded than Toleak Point" during peak season, appealing to those who prefer solitude.

Address: Clallam Bay, WA 98326, USA

Phone: (360) 565-3130 (Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center)

Mobile Phone: +1 360-565-3130 (Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center)

As Seafield Creek is a wilderness camping area within Olympic National Park, there is no direct contact number for the site itself. The provided phone numbers connect to the Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (WIC). The WIC is the authoritative source for all wilderness camping permits, up-to-date regulations, trail conditions, tide charts, and any alerts relevant to coastal backpacking trips. All overnight stays require a wilderness permit, which should be secured in advance through Recreation.gov or by contacting the WIC directly. It is essential to consult these official resources prior to your trip to ensure a safe and legal wilderness experience.

For Washington locals, particularly those seasoned in backpacking and seeking a profound connection with our state's wild coastline, Seafield Creek offers an unparalleled experience. This is not a casual car-camping destination; it is a true wilderness adventure that rewards preparation and a spirit of resilience with unmatched beauty and solitude.

The journey to Seafield Creek, with its demanding coastal traverse and tide-dependent sections, ensures that only those genuinely seeking a remote escape will reach its pristine shores. This natural filter results in a quiet, peaceful environment where you can truly immerse yourself in the sounds of the ocean, the cries of eagles, and the raw power of the Pacific. The opportunity to witness magnificent sunsets and abundant wildlife in a setting where "barely another person" is seen offers a profound contrast to the hustle and bustle of daily life in Washington's more populated areas.

Embracing the Leave No Trace principles, carrying a bear canister, and meticulously planning for water and tides are integral parts of the Seafield Creek experience. For Washingtonians who value self-sufficiency, pristine environments, and the challenge of a true wilderness trek, this hidden gem on the Olympic Coast promises an unforgettable and deeply rejuvenating escape. It is a testament to the wild beauty our state holds, offering a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature on a fundamental level, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Seafield Creek

Clallam Bay, WA 98326, USA