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Trip Report    

Basic Backpack - Ozette Triangle

Highly recommend this loop if you’re looking for a classic Olympic backpacking trip without big climbs but with big scenery, and ancient secrets.

Marco Capo Marco Capo
June 19, 2025
  • Road suitable for all vehicles

  • Trail was in good shape overall. The boardwalks were solid but pretty slippery when wet, so poles and decent shoes helped a lot.

    Beach walking was mostly easy, with firm sand, though we hit some rocky spots and driftwood near Wedding Rocks and Cape Alava. Tide timing was key—everything was passable, but we definitely checked the charts ahead of time.

    We got water from creeks near camp and the North Ozette River—all flowing fine but tannin-colored, so a filter was a must.

    Weather started out sunny, then shifted to rain the second night, but the trail held up well. Just come prepared for wet gear.

I spent three great days hiking the Ozette Triangle with The Mountaineers from Monday, June 16 to Wednesday, June 18. The loop is about 9.4 miles total, mostly flat with a mix of boardwalk trails and coastal beach walking, ideal for a chill backpacking trip with incredible views.

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We all met at the Ozette Trailhead, since our trip leader, Alina, had already taken care of the permits ahead of time (thanks). We started off on the boardwalk trail through the lush forest and reached Sand Point by the afternoon. The first night was we watched the sunset from the beach, saw a family of otters, a curious deer, seals bobbing in the surf, and even caught sight of two bears near Wedding Rock using binoculars from a safe distance.

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Day two brought cloud cover and some afternoon rain. We continued hiking along the beach to Cape Alava, stopping to hunt the petroglyphs at Wedding Rocks. The tide timing worked in our favor, and the rocky sections were manageable. That evening, we walked up to the North Ozette River to refill our water under the drizzle, then returned to camp for a cozy, damp night in the trees.

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After a rainy night, we had breakfast and packed up on Wednesday morning, heading out along the boardwalk trail back to the parking lot. Wet gear and all, it was still a beautiful walk through the misty forest.

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This was a super rewarding coastal loop—tons of wildlife, espectacular beach scenery, and the kind of peaceful, rugged vibe the Olympic Coast is known for. Gear tip: bring rain protection, trekking poles, and a  water filter, tannin-stained river water is due to tree trunks. And yeah, bear canisters are a must, even the chipmunks out there are bold.

Highly recommend this loop if you’re looking for a classic Olympic backpacking trip without big climbs but with big scenery.