Ozette Loop

Notices
Description
Trail Conditions
Camping
Special Concerns
Safety
Map
Photos

Notices:

Permits are limited year round for camping from Yellow Banks to Point of the Arches (the Ozette area). It is recommended to book early for trips between May and the end of September. For the latest information on how to obtain a Wilderness permit visit our Wilderness Trip Planner page.
Cannonball Island (Tskawahyah Island) is part of the Ozette Indian Reservation and is always closed to the public. Please respect this closure.
All food, garbage, and scented items must be stored—overnight and when unattended—in park-approved bear canisters along the entire Olympic National Park Wilderness Coast.
- Note: Bear canisters are not available at Ozette Ranger Station.
Campfires are prohibited between the headland north of Yellow Banks and the headland at Wedding Rocks. This includes Sand Point & South Sand Point.
Do not gather firewood from the forested areas; use driftwood only. There is little or no driftwood at Cape Alava during the summer season. Utilize existing fire rings or build fires on the beach to prevent damage to tree roots.
Water availability: Later into the summer Wedding Rocks, Sand Point and South Sand Point water sources typically dry up; parties should carry in the water they will need while staying at these locations during this time.
Pets, use of weapons, and wheeled devices are prohibited on coastal beaches and trails.

Description

Ecosystem type: Coastal Forest and Ocean Beach
Trail tread types: Well maintained - boardwalk
General elevation trend: Flat with steep overland trails
River crossings: None
Unique features: Boardwalks, wilderness coast, bald eagle viewing, marine mammals
Level of difficulty: Easy
Distance: 9.2 miles
Elevation change: Sea level to 100 feet
Best Season: April through October

Camping
Group Size: Groups are limited to 12 people. Associated groups of more than 12 people must camp and travel at least 1 mile apart and may not combine at any time into a group of more than 12. Associated groups must also camp in separate camp areas, like Cape Alava and Sand Point. Visit our Group Size page for more information.

Campsites: Primary destinations are Sand Point and Cape Alava.
Toilet Facilities: Pit toilets are available at Sand Point and Cape Alava. In other areas bury waste 6-8" deep and 200 feet (70 steps) from campsites and water sources. When toilets are not available, please be sure to bury your waste and pack out toilet paper.
Water Sources: Creeks at Sand Point and Cape Alava. Most coastal water sources have a tea-stained appearance. The light tan color originates from tannin leached from leaves. Cryptosporidium and giardia exist in coastal streams and rivers; therefore, always filter or boil water. Iodine is ineffective against cryptosporidium.
Stock: Prohibited on all park beaches and beach trails.

Trail Conditions

Special Concerns

Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace principles during your stay to protect vegetation and other wilderness resources. Camp in established sites or on bare ground.
Campfires: To protect coastal forests, please burn driftwood only. Open fires are prohibited between the headland north of Yellow Banks and the headland at Wedding Rocks, including the Sand Point area.

Safety

When traveling along the coast:

Know the tides.
Bring a map and a tide chart to plan your route.
Be prepared to hike over headland trails during high tides. Some headlands cannot be rounded during the lowest of tides.
When camping on the beach, camp above the high tide water line.