Day 4
Travelers will find the northwest entrance to Olympic National Parks 57 miles of coastal wilderness at Lake Ozette.* (Take Hwy 113 & 112 from Hwy 101 past Clallam Bay, turning southwest onto the Hoko-Ozette Road, follow 21 miles to the Ozette Ranger Station.) Three miles of plank-and-stair trail lead the hiker to Cape Alava, with rocky shores and reefs to explore at low tide. Petroglyphs |
Cape Alava is near the site of an ancient Makah village partially buried in a mudslide over 500 years ago. Artifacts recovered from this site can be viewed at the Makah Museum in Neah Bay. The site is now closed and is marked by a memorial kiosk. Look for dozens of Indian petroglyphs at Wedding Rocks, the first headland south of the trailhead.
 Hiking to Sand Point |
Sand Point, the southern tip of this 9-mile triangular trail, offers agate hunting and is home to a large sea otter population. A turn inland will lead you a level 2.8 miles back to Lake Ozette via another planked trail. The cedar plank walkway can be slick; soft-soled athletic shoes are often preferred over vibram boots. Be sure to check a tide table to time your beach walk with an outgoing tide, and carry the 10 hiking essentials - and lots of film as seals, deer, eagles and perhaps osprey, otters and whales may be there, rain or shine!
*Fees for use in Olympic National Park or Olympic National Forest may apply, for information and a map call (360) 452-0330 or visit www.nps.gov/olym or Olympic National Forest, call (360) 374-6522 or visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/olympic/
** For brochures, maps mentioned, referrals and/or seasonal information contact the Forks Chamber of Commerce.