Cape Alava

Cape Alava is a remote beach on Olympic’s Pacific coast, reached from the Ozette Ranger Station by about 3.1 miles of trail, boardwalk, and stairs each way. The walk back makes it about 6.2 miles before you add any time exploring the shore. If you want a roadside stop, this isn't it; if you want a rocky coast after a forest-and-prairie walk, it’s a rewarding destination.

If you continue along the beach toward Wedding Rocks and Sand Point, time that stretch around the tides. High water can block beach travel, and some headlands can’t be rounded even at the lowest tide, so know the overland route before setting out. Cape Alava itself is reached by the inland trail; the tide matters when you carry on along the coast.

The beach is rocky, with sea stacks and pools that become more exposed as the tide falls. Tskawahyah Island sits offshore, but it is reservation land and closed to public access. When low water reveals the pools, use them as foreground with the island beyond for scale. Seals and migrating gray whales are possible offshore.

From the ranger station, the route crosses the Ozette River and follows raised cedar boardwalk through coastal forest and Ahlstrom’s Prairie before reaching the beach. Ahlstrom’s was once used for farming and grazing; the open wetland breaks up the forest walk before the coast comes into view. The boardwalk can be slippery when wet or frosty.

The Ozette area holds evidence of Makah life going back at least 2,000 years. A 1970 storm surge exposed artifacts and led to excavations of longhouses buried by mudslides; more than 50,000 artifacts were recovered. The archaeological site has since been filled and revegetated, so it isn’t an open ruin to explore. Many recovered objects and interpretation are at the Makah Museum in Neah Bay.

The trailhead is at the Ozette Ranger Station, reached by Hoko-Ozette Road off Highway 112. Cape Alava is also a backcountry camping area: overnight permits are required year-round and limited, and a bear canister is required but isn’t available at the ranger station. There’s a pit toilet and a creek at the camping area; filter or boil creek water before drinking. Pets aren’t allowed on the coastal trails or beaches.