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Ecosystem type: Coastal forest, rocky cliffs, and ocean beach Trail tread types: Some maintained, primarily sandy/rocky coastline. General elevation trend: Flat with steep overland trails River crossings: The Ozette River should be forded at low tide. It may be impassable in the shoulder seasons and winter and/or during periods of heavy rain. Other coastal creeks to be difficult to cross during periods of heavy rain as well. 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 feet Best Season: April through October Stock: Prohibited on all park beaches and beach trails. Group Size Restrictions: Maximum group size on the coast is 12 people with the exception of Seafield Creek campsite having a maximum group size of 6 people. Associated groups of more than 12 people must camp and travel at least 1 mile apart and may not combine at any time into a group of more than 12. Campsites: Primary destinations are Ellen Creek, Chilean Memorial, Cedar Creek, Norwegian Memorial, Yellow Banks, South Sand Point, Sand Point, Wedding Rocks, Cape Alava, South side Ozette River, North side Ozette River, and Shi Shi Beach.
Permits are limited year round for camping from Yellow Banks to Point of the Arches (the Ozette area). It is recommended to book early for trips between May and the end of September. For the latest information on how to obtain a Wilderness permit click here.
All food, garbage, and scented items must be stored in a park-approved bear canister along the entire Olympic National Park Wilderness Coast.
Use privies where available. If farther than ¼ of a mile away from a privy, dig a cathole 6-8 in deep & 200 ft (about 70 paces) away from water sources, campsites, & trails.
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. See our Interactive Wilderness Trip Planner Map for reference.
Pets are not permitted on park trails, meadows, beaches or in any undeveloped area of the park. For more information: Pets in Olympic National Park
Most coastal water sources have a tea-stained appearance that comes from the tannins leached from leaves. Cryptosporidium and giardia exist in coastal streams and rivers. Always filter or boil water as Iodine is not an effective water treatment for coastal streams. Some streams may contain saltwater at high tide.
Check to see if there is a fire ban in place. To protect coastal forests, burn only driftwood and build fires on the beach, not in forested campsites. Wood can become scarce later into the summer and campfires may not be possible.
Fires are always prohibited between the headland at Wedding Rocks and the headland north of Yellow Banks including the South Sand Point and Sand Point campsites.
Camping is prohibitted on the Ozette Indian Reservation. This is located between the Cape Alava and South Side of Ozette River campsites.
For Shi Shi permits: Please note that a Makah Recreation Pass is required and must be purchased in Neah Bay along the way.
Overnight parking is not allowed at the Shi Shi Beach trailhead. To overnight park, go back towards Neah Bay approximately one mile and access the private, paid parking across from Tsoo-Yess Beach. More information can be found here: Shi Shi Beach - Makah Tribe (Neah Bay, Washington).
Cannonball Island (Tskawahyah Island) is part of the Ozette Indian Reservation and is always closed to the public.
Water availability: Later into the summer Wedding Rocks, Sand Point and South Sand Point water sources typically dry up; parties should carry in the water they will need while staying at these locations during this time.
Sunset over the Olympic Wilderness Coast
Mike Guido, NPS
Tidal Restrictions & Forecasted Tide Predictions
Certain sections of this route are physically impassable during higher tides.
Check the tidal predictions and topographic map before you head out and bring a copy of them with you on your trip.
One resource to check tidal restriction locations is the Custom Correct North Olympic Coast Map. These maps can be found at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles, online from Discover Your Northwest, or at local outdoor gear shops.
Some notable tidal restrictions on the North Coast:
5'
2.4 mi north of the Rialto Beach Trailhead
4'
4.3 mi north of the Rialto Beach Trailhead, at Cape Johnson
5.5'
5.1 mi north of the Rialto Beach Trailhead
6'
7.9 mi south of the Ozette Ranger Station Trailhead
5'
4.9 mi south of the Ozette Ranger Station Trailhead
5' & 4'
0.7 mi south of the Ozette River
4'- 6'
Multiple tidal restrictions between Point of the Arches & Seafield Creek
Check the Marine Forecast to avoid hazardous swells and waves; rolling beach logs can be fatal.
It is recommended to camp in established campsites within the treeline or on the beach above the high tide line.
Special Considerations
Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace principles during your stay to protect vegetation and other wilderness resources. Camp in preexisting sites or on sand to prevent damage to vegetation.
