Strawberry Point

For Washington residents seeking a truly immersive and somewhat rugged coastal wilderness experience, Strawberry Point offers an extraordinary opportunity. Tucked away on the dramatic Olympic National Park coastline near Forks, this is not a drive-up campground with endless amenities. Instead, it’s a destination for the prepared adventurer, promising unparalleled natural beauty, stunning sunsets, and abundant wildlife for those willing to embark on a challenging, yet highly rewarding, journey.

As visitors enthusiastically share, "Strawberry Point is accessible from a trail departing from the southern end of Third Beach." This immediately sets the expectation: this is a backpacking destination, not a car camping spot. The trail itself is part of the adventure, featuring "steep rope assisted ascents and descents over promontories," which adds to the allure for those seeking a true wilderness challenge. It’s important to note that "parts of this hike can be impassable during high tide," emphasizing the critical need for careful planning using tide charts.

Despite the challenging access, the rewards are immense. "It is quite pretty out here," a camper confirms, drawn by the "great views, awesome beach." One of Strawberry Point’s standout features is its potential for a more secluded experience. While "the area is popular in the summer, with a permanent ranger station in the summer located at nearby Toleak Point," Strawberry Point often remains "less crowded than Toleak Point," making it appealing for those desiring more solitude.

Wildlife viewing is a major highlight, with past visitors reporting sightings of "river otters and deer in the predawn hours, and several bald eagles." And, of course, the sunsets: "Some great sunsets in the summer months here" provide a spectacular end to days spent exploring this wild stretch of Washington's coast. While it lacks a pit toilet and requires bringing or filtering water from Toleak Point, these minor inconveniences are often outweighed by the pristine environment and the sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching this beautiful, quieter part of the beach.

Strawberry Point is a wilderness camping area located on the Pacific Coast of Olympic National Park, near Forks, WA 98331, USA. Its remote nature is a defining characteristic, accessible only via a backcountry trail, making it a true escape into the wild heart of Washington's coastline.

The primary access point to Strawberry Point is by hiking south from Third Beach. The trailhead for Third Beach is located a short drive from the town of Forks, off of Highway 101, then via State Route 110 (La Push Road). From the Third Beach trailhead, a relatively easy forested trail leads down to the beach. However, the journey to Strawberry Point then continues along the rugged coastline, involving navigation over driftwood, potentially muddy sections, and significant overland trails that include "steep rope assisted ascents and descents over promontories."

Crucially, sections of this coastal hike, particularly around headlands, "can be impassable during high tide." This means that hikers must consult tide charts and plan their journey meticulously to ensure safe passage, often needing to wait for low tide windows. This inherent challenge contributes to the area's wild character and helps manage visitor numbers, preserving its pristine nature.

For Washington residents, reaching Forks involves a scenic drive through diverse landscapes, often including a ferry crossing from the Seattle area, or a drive around the Olympic Peninsula. This journey sets the tone for the adventure, preparing visitors for the remote beauty of the Olympic Coast. The relative challenge of access ensures that those who reach Strawberry Point are rewarded with a less crowded, more intimate wilderness experience compared to more easily accessible coastal areas.

• Wilderness Camping: Strawberry Point is a designated wilderness camping area, meaning it offers a primitive camping experience. Campers are expected to be self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles.

• No Developed Facilities: As a wilderness site, there are no developed facilities such as flush toilets or potable water directly at Strawberry Point. Campers must pack in all necessary water or filter/treat water from natural sources.

• Nearby Ranger Station (Seasonal): During the summer months, a permanent ranger station is located at nearby Toleak Point. While not at Strawberry Point itself, this offers a resource for information, permits, and emergencies within the larger coastal wilderness area.

• Bear Canister Requirement: All overnight wilderness campers in Olympic National Park, especially along the coast, are required to carry and use bear-resistant food canisters for all food and scented items. These are essential for protecting both wildlife and human safety.

• Wilderness Permit Required: An overnight wilderness camping permit from Olympic National Park is mandatory for any overnight stay at Strawberry Point. 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 allowed in designated areas, typically above the high tide line in forested areas just off the beach.

• Stunning Coastal Views: Strawberry Point offers breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged Pacific coastline, including prominent sea stacks and the expansive ocean.

• Spectacular Sunsets: The westward-facing location provides truly memorable sunsets, especially during the summer months, casting vibrant colors across the sky and ocean.

• Abundant Wildlife: The area is rich in wildlife. Visitors frequently report sightings of river otters, deer, and various bird species, including majestic bald eagles, particularly during dawn and dusk.

• Quieter Camping Experience: Compared to more accessible coastal camping areas like Toleak Point, Strawberry Point is often less crowded due to its more challenging access, offering a greater sense of solitude and wilderness immersion.

• Challenging Backpacking Route: The hike to Strawberry Point, involving overland trails with steep, rope-assisted ascents and descents, provides a rewarding challenge for experienced backpackers.

• Geological Formations: The unique geology of the Olympic Coast, with its iconic sea stacks and tide pools, is prominently featured around Strawberry Point, offering endless opportunities for exploration during low tide.

• Authentic Wilderness Immersion: With no developed facilities, campers at Strawberry Point get a raw, authentic wilderness experience, fostering a deep connection with nature and reliance on self-sufficiency.

• Access to Third Beach: The journey begins at Third Beach, itself a beautiful and popular destination, allowing for exploration of its distinct features before continuing to Strawberry Point.

Address: Forks, WA 98331, USA

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

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

As Strawberry Point is a wilderness camping area within Olympic National Park, direct contact information for the site itself is not available. The provided phone numbers connect to the Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (WIC), which is the primary resource for all wilderness camping permits, regulations, and current conditions on the Olympic Coast. For trip planning, tide charts, and to obtain required permits, visitors must contact the WIC or visit the official Olympic National Park website (nps.gov/olym) and Recreation.gov. It's crucial to obtain your wilderness permit in advance, as reservations are often required, especially for summer backpacking.

For Washington locals who possess a spirit of adventure and a deep appreciation for untouched wilderness, Strawberry Point offers a truly unique and unparalleled coastal backpacking experience. Unlike more developed campgrounds, this destination provides a raw, unfiltered encounter with the stunning beauty of the Olympic National Park's coastline, right in your home state.

The challenging hike, complete with rope-assisted climbs and tide-dependent passage, serves as a natural filter, ensuring that those who reach Strawberry Point are genuinely committed to a primitive outdoor experience. This results in a less crowded, more tranquil environment compared to other popular coastal spots, allowing for a deeper connection with nature and a profound sense of solitude. The opportunity to witness spectacular sunsets, observe abundant wildlife like bald eagles and otters, and explore unique geological formations makes the effort entirely worthwhile.

While the lack of developed facilities means self-sufficiency is key – from bringing your own water to packing out all waste – this is precisely what draws many Washingtonians seeking an authentic wilderness challenge. It's a chance to truly disconnect, test your outdoor skills, and immerse yourself in one of the Pacific Northwest's most pristine environments. For those who prioritize solitude, breathtaking scenery, and a genuine backcountry adventure over creature comforts, Strawberry Point is not just a campsite; it's an unforgettable journey into the wild heart of Washington's Olympic Coast, offering memories that will last a lifetime.

Strawberry Point

Forks, WA 98331, USA