Location: Second Beach is one of many small intimate beaches along the Olympic Penisula coastline. Known for its splendid beauty and quiet serene beaches,this is no exception. At any time of the year you can witness  tidepools filled with starfish, larger then life haystacks, and endless waves to keep everyone in the family busy. The kids will enjoy the low tide that exposes vibrant sea urchins, anemones, and limpets. Gigantic logs are seen crashing in to the rocks on the outskirts of the beach. During the winter months this beach can be a playground for storms and huge waves that let us know the power of nature. Wake up early in the morning and you may witness more then just water and sand, as you can find all kinds of wildlife roaming the shore. Known to habitat in this area are deer, elk, eagles, black oyster catchers, and sea gulls that all can be seen from the beach. In the  early morning, Second beach is shrouded with fog that makes this place even more mysterious with its  haystacks peaking out from the fog. Second Beach is just one of the many beaches along this 60 mile coastline but hidden away from the others this beach has its own attractions that make it different. Recently this beach was the topic of dispute between the Native people (Quileute Indians) and the government over trail access to the beach. Nevertheless, the beach is now open again and the beauty of Second Beach is better then ever.

Access:This beach can be found in the Olympic National Park along the 101 Olympic coastline. Located near the village of La Push (12 Miles from Forks) drive North along the 101 from Aberdeen to go just past Forks then turn on Highway 110 (the only turn) and follow to the end. This road will go by Third beach trailhead but keep going to you find the Second Beach trailhead. Once at the trailhead parking is available but busy on the summer weekends. Once in the parking lot look for the trailhead sign and follow the path for approximately half an hour to the beach (three-quarters of a mile).

Camping: One may camp on the beach with a permit from the Park Ranger in Lake Quinalt (south on Highway 101) for a small fee. Otherwise there is camping in La Push which has campgrounds, RV park, and cabins for accomodations.

Things to Bring: First, it is important to bring a tidetable guide as the incoming tide can be very dangerous and at the far edges of the beach people have been trapped against the cliffs. Guides are available at the Hoh ranger station in Forks. Second, the sunsets on Second Beach are amazing but walking back through the unlit trails is impossible without a flashlight.

Photography: For photographers this is a photographer's dream as there is so much variety to shoot here. Starting at sunrise the early morning light brings magical light to the shoreline lighting up the rocks and pebbles and silhouetting the haystacks. Often the morning can bring first morning fog that hides the haystack except for the tips even adding more mystery to your images. For macro shooters there is a multitude  of colorful rocks that showoff their patterns of beauty shown in their natural environment. The sunsets are stunning here as there is so much subject to choose from. At certain times of the year the sun lowers behind the haystack that has a hole in the middle of the rock and refracts off the hole in the rock. There is plenty of foreground subjects to add drama to your photography; at sunset the tidepools and pebbles nicely reflect the incoming light and add extraordinary color to your image.

Things to Bring for Photography: Tripod is necessary for long exposures after the sun has gone down. Neutral Grads to balance the brightness of the sky with your foreground. Macro Lens(Kit) to shoot in detail the smaller patterns found in the rocks and pebblesPolarizer to get the most of the color that is available to you whether it be deep blue skies or side-lit early/late light along the shoreline.

Trip Planner: Best time of year: Late spring, summer and early fall. Maps: Trail maps can be obtained in the Hoh Ranger Station at Forks. Getting there: From Seattle, I-5 south to Olympia and Route 101 toward Port Angeles and west on 101 to Forks. From Forks, west on route 110 to La Push village. Entrance Fees: $5 per vehicle payable in the entrance to the national park. Useful Phone Numbers: Hoh Ranger Station in Forks can be reached at (206) 374-6925. Olympic National Park Headquarters in Port Angeles (206) 452-4501. Lodging: Forks has several motels, bed & breakfast inns and resorts. Call the Forks Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-44FORKS or (360) 374-2531. Camping: The Mora campgrounds are the closest to La Push village and Second Beach. Nearly 90 campsites are available with all the basic facilities. Fee $10 per night. Caveats: High tides can cover beach trails. Tides can move tree logs and create dangerous hiking conditions when they hit against rocks and sea stacks. Tide timetables are available in the ranger station and should be consulted before hiking. Weather: report.

 Kevin McNeal http://www.kevinmcnealphotography.com/

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Camera data:Canon EOS 5D,17-40L, f/22 @ 0.5 sec, ISO: 100, Manfrotto Tripod, Singh-Ray Blue-Gold Polarizer, Singh-Ray Galen Rowell 2-stop Neutral Grad