Neah Bay -3rd Beach

Neah Bay – 3rd Beach (Washington, USA)

A scenic, remote surf spot on the far northwest coast of Washington, near Neah Bay on the Olympic Peninsula. 3rd Beach is part of the rugged Pacific shoreline exposed to Northwest swells and can produce powerful, cold-water surf when conditions line up.

What it’s like

• Remote and wild setting with forested bluffs, rocky coastline, and dramatic scenery
• Cold, heavy Pacific Northwest water — a full wetsuit is essential
• Often best for surfers who are comfortable with more challenging conditions
• Can offer fun beachbreak waves, with shifting sandbars that change seasonally

Wave characteristics

• Typically a beachbreak
• Best on NW to W swells
• Can get powerful and punchy, especially during larger winter swells
• Wave quality depends a lot on sand movement, tides, and swell angle

Conditions to consider

• Wind: Offshore easterly winds can clean it up; westerlies can make it messy
• Tide: Often works best on mid to incoming tide, but this can vary
• Access: Requires a bit of effort and awareness of local access rules and terrain

Hazards

• Cold water and strong currents
• Rocks and submerged hazards in some areas
• Can be exposed to large, unpredictable surf
• Remote location means you should surf with caution and be self-sufficient

Best for

• Intermediate to advanced surfers
• Surfers looking for a quieter, less crowded Northwest spot
• People prepared for cold, rugged, and powerful ocean conditions