Bryan Bell, NPS

Sand Point Trail

Notices
Description
Trail Conditions
Camping
Special Concerns
Safety
Trail Map
Photos
Sand Point Camp Area Map
Cape Alava Camp Area Map

Notices:

• Hard-sided food containers like bear canisters are required for food storage on the coast.
• Pets, weapons, and wheeled devices are prohibited on coastal beaches and trails.
• Reservations are required for overnight camping between May 1 and Sept. 30.
• Campfires are prohibited between the headland north of Yellow Banks and the headland at Wedding Rocks. This includes Sand Point.
• Do not gather fire wood from the forested areas. Use driftwood only! There is little or no driftwood at Cape Alava during the summer season. Build fires on the beach to prevent damage to tree roots.
• Contact the WIC for information about trailhead shuttles.
  (360) 565-3100

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 to the coast, wilderness coast, petroglyphs, bald eagle viewing.
Level of difficulty: Easy
Distance: 9.0 miles
Elevation change: Sea level to 100 ft.
Best Season: April through October

Camping

Permits/Reservations: Reservations are required for camping in the Ozette area between May 1 and September 30. For reservations, contact the WIC. Otherwise, permits should be obtained in person at the WIC in Port Angeles or the South Shore Lake Quinault Ranger Station.
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. Associated groups must also camp in seperate camp areas like Cape Alava and Sand Point.
Food Storage Method: All food, garbage and scented items must be stored in Hard-sided food containers like bear canisters.
Campsites: Primary destinations are Sand Point and Cape Alava. Click on links for maps.
Toilet Facilities: Pit toilets are available at Sand Point and Cape Alava. In other areas bury waste 6-8" down and 200 ft from campsites and water sources.
Water Source: Most coastal water sources have a tea-stained appearance. The light tan color originates from tannin leached from leaves. Boil, filter or treat your water. Giardia is known to exist at Sand Point and in other coastal streams. 
Stock: Prohibited on all park beaches and beach trails.

Trail Conditions

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, please 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, 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.

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.