Bryan Bell, NPS

Sand Point Trail

Notices
Description
Trail Conditions
Camping
Special Concerns
Safety
Wilderness Map
Photos

Sand Point Camp Area Map
Cape Alava Camp Area Map

Notices:

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

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, 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 separate 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" deep and 200' 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. 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.

Trail Conditions

Special Concerns

Leave No Trace: Leave No Trace of your stay to protect vegetation and prevent more stringent camping regulations from being imposed. Camp in pre-existing sites or on sand to prevent damage to vegetation.
Campfires: To protect coastal forests, please burn only driftwood. Open fires are prohibited between the headland north of Yellow Banks and the headland at Wedding Rocks; which includes the Sand Point area.
Wildlife Precautions: Due to raccoons' ingenuity in obtaining human food, all uattended food, garbage and scented items must be secured in hard-sided containers such as bear canisters.

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.