Ozette Triangle Loop
A full-day loop combining forest boardwalks, Cape Alava, Sand Point and a tide-dependent wilderness beach traverse.
Route overview
Travel from Ozette to Cape Alava, follow the beach to Sand Point only within a safe tidal window, and return by the second boardwalk trail.
The route follows separate boardwalk trails to Cape Alava and Sand Point, linked by a 2.9-mile beach section. Its modest elevation does not make it easy: tide timing, slick logs, rough cobbles, weak boardwalk planks and an exposed headland option can create serious consequences.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Olympic Peninsula, Washington
- Distance
- 9 mi / 14.5 km loop
- Typical duration
- 5–7 hours
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- Not officially stated
- Best season
- Late spring through early autumn with suitable tides and weather
- Trail type
- Loop
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No permit for a day hike; wilderness permit and approved bear canister required for overnight use
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Rising tides, high surf, slippery boardwalk, broken planks, driftwood movement, unreliable water and unmaintained ropes
Highlights
Pacific sea stacks, Cape Alava, Sand Point, petroglyph area, coastal forest and wilderness beach
Why find a buddy
A partner materially improves tide decisions, rough-beach movement, boardwalk incident response and navigation at coastal exits.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.