Backpack Washington's Ozette Triangle
Clallam Bay, Washington
Details
Distance
9 miles
Elevation Gain
300 ft
Route Type
Loop
Description
Added by Connor Smith
While not particularly strenuous, the Ozette Triangle offers a rare form of backpacking on Washington Coast.
Start at the north end of Ozette Lake and proceed right, following signs to the mostly flat trail leading to Cape Alava. Be sure not to head left towards Sand Point, that is the trail you will use for your return trip. Once you’ve reached the coast, scan the sky for the frequently seen bald eagle soaring above or scour the ocean for the elusive sea otter or a passing whale. Set up camp at Cape Alava or head south down the beach past the petroglyphs at Wedding Rocks and onto Sand Point, a three mile journey along the Pacific NW Trail.
Depending on the tides, you may need to trek overland instead of on the beach. The trails are clearly marked so you'll be fine whichever way you do go, but check the tides before your trip so you can plan ahead. There is another space to camp at Sand Point before you head three miles back to Ozette Lake, again on mud-free boardwalks. The trail from Sand Point back to Ozette Lake is called North Sand Point Trail.
The Nitty Gritty:
Reservations are required for overnight camping between May 1st and September 30th. During the off-season you must pick up a permit at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles.
You are required to store all food and scented items in bear canisters available for rent from the Wilderness Information Office. The Rangers are incredibly helpful with any questions you might have.
Directions: From Port Angeles take US 101 west for 5 miles. Turn right at State Route 112 and drive 46 miles to Sekiu. Continue for 2.5 miles past Seikiu and turn left onto Hoko-Ozette Road. Continue for 21 miles to the trailhead.
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Reviews
Took 5 of my best friends on their first backpacking trip here. It's a great beginner trip but still fun and engaging for experienced backpackers. Highly recommend.
5.0
Any time we can get away from Ariz. desert in the summer and camp 2nights in the Pacific Northwest is magic. Overland trail to beach was on a long boardwalk so was pretty easy. Backpacking on coast had a few obstacles hiking around falling trees and using the fixed rope over cliff before Sand point but we needed this adventure. The large rocks on the shoreline covered by mist and light fog made this area very mystic and magical. Discovering the ancient pictograph was the icing on the cake. LOVED IT!!!
5.0
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