Backpackers on the Coast

Notices
Trail Description
Camping
Trail Conditions
Special Concerns
Safety
Map
Photos

Notices:

• Hard-sided food containers like bear canisters are required on the coast.
  
• Pets, weapons, and wheeled devices are prohibited on coastal beaches and trails.
  
• Reservations are required for camping between Norwegian Memorial and Point of the Arches May 1 through September 30. Contact the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) for reservations. (360) 565-3100
  
• Contact the WIC for information about trailhead shuttles.

Description:

Ecosystem type: Coastal Forest, rocky cliffs and Ocean Beach
Trail tread types: maintained
General elevation trend: Flat with steep overland trails
River crossings: The Ozette River should be forded at Low tide. It may be impassable in winter and during periods of heavy rain.  Other coastal creeks may be difficult to cross during periods of heavy rain. Log jams may be very slippery and hazardous.
Unique features: Ocean views, eagle watching, seastacks, arches
Level of difficulty: Easy to strenuous sections
Distance: 20 miles from Ozette Trailhead to Rialto Beach -allow 3-4 days. 15 miles from Shi Shi Beach Trailhead to Ozette Trailhead - allow 2 days.
Elevation change: Sea level to 200 ft.
Best Season: April through October

Camping:

Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits by phone or in person at the WIC in Port Angeles. Contact the WIC for other locations where permits are issued. Reservations required May 1 through September 30 for camping between Norwegian Memorial and Point of the Arches. For reservations, contact the WIC. (360) 565-3100 
Group Size Restrictions: Maximum group size is 12 people. Associated groups of more than 12 must camp and travel at least 1 mile apart and may not combine at any time in a group of more than 12.
Food Storage Method: All food, garbage and scented items must be stored in Hard-sided food containers like bear canisters everywhere on the coast. Check with the WIC for rental locations.
Campsites: Primary destinations are Ellen Creek, Chilean Memorial, Cedar Creek, Norwegian Memorial, Yellow Banks, South Sand Point, Sand Point, Wedding Rocks, Cape Alava, South ide Ozette River, North side Ozette River and Shi Shi Beach.
Toilet Facilities: Pit toilets are available at Ellen Creek, Cedar Creek, Norwegian Memorial, Chilean Memorial, South Sand Point, Sand Point, Cape Alava, South Ozette River, North Ozette River and Shi Shi Beach. In other areas bury waste 6-8" down and 200 ft from campsites and water sources and pack out toilet paper.
Water Sources: 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. At high-tide, some streams may contain saltwater.   
Stock: Prohibited on all park beaches and beach trails.

Special Concerns:

Leave No Trace: Leave No Trace of your stay to protect vegetation and prevent further camping regulations. Camp in preexisting sites or on sand to prevent damage to vegetation.

Campfires: To protect coastal forests build fires on the beach and burn only driftwood. Wood burning fires are prohibited between the headland north of Yellow Banks and the headland at Wedding Rocks. This includes the Sand Point area.

Wildlife Precautions: Due to raccoon problems and bears on the coast, all food garbage and scented items must be secured in hard-sided containers such as bear canisters 24 hours a day. 

NPS

Overland Trail Marker

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 high tide water line.