NPS Scott Kinghorn

Hoh River from Oil City Trail

Notices
Description
Trail ConditionsCamping
Special Concerns
Safety
Photos

Notices:

• Hard-sided food containers like bear canisters are required for camping on the coast.
• Pets, weapons, and wheeled devices are prohibited on coastal beaches and trails.
• Wilderness Camping Permits are required for overnight camping at on the coast. Obtain permits at the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles.

Ecosystem type: Coastal Forest and Ocean Beach 
Trail tread types: maintained 
General elevation trend: Flat
River crossings: None
Unique features: Ocean views, sea stacks (offshore land formations). There are excellent opportunities to view bald eagles and seals, and bird life is common on sea stacks. Whale migration occurs in March/April and October. 
Level of difficulty: Easy
Distance: .8 mile
Elevation change: none
Best Season: Year round

Camping:

Permits/Reservations:Obtain permits by phone or in person at the WIC in Port Angeles, the South Shore Lake Quinault Ranger Station or at Forks Recreation and Information Center. No reservations for the South Coast. Permits are not limited.
Group Size Restrictions: Groups are limited to no more than 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: Hard-sided food containers are required on the coast because of raccoons. All food, garbage and scented items must be stored in bear canisters 24 hours a day.
Campsites: There are a few campsites off the beach back in the drift logs. During Summer, camping space can be scarce! 
Toilet Facilities: no toilets. Bury waste 6-8 inches deep 200 ft. from campsites or water sources. Urinate on the beach below the high tide line.
Water Source: 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.

Special Concerns:

Leave No Trace: Leave No Trace of your stay to protect vegetation and prevent further camping regulations. Camp in established bare ground sites or on sand to prevent damage to vegetation.
Campfires: To protect coastal forests, please have fires on the beach and burn only driftwood.
Wildlife Precautions: Due to raccoon problems, all food garbage and scented items must be secured in hard-sided containers such as Bear canisters. To protect raccoons, bears and other wildlife, all food, garbage and scented items must be secured from all wildlife 24 hours a day.

Safety:

• Never try to round hazardous headlands at high tide. Always carry a tide chart and topographic map. Don't get trapped!
• Beach logs may not be stable. Use extreme caution when walking on logs.