Sand Point

Sand Point is a beach and coastal viewpoint on Olympic’s Ozette coast. A roughly 3-mile walk each way from Ozette Ranger Station leads through coastal forest on mostly boardwalk, with gentle ups and downs and a final crossing over driftwood. The direct trip is about 6 miles round trip; go for the shoreline and tidepools, not a quick stop.

Aim for low tide if you want a longer beach walk and exposed tidepools. If you plan to continue along the coast, check a tide chart and route map first: high water can block headlands, and some cannot be rounded even at low tide.

The beach is sandier south of the point, with rocky shore and tidepools to the north. Driftwood marks the final approach. For a photo, include driftwood in the foreground and look down the beach; lower water exposes more sand and pools.

Seals and gray whales may be spotted from the Ozette coast during migratory months. Binoculars help when you want to scan beyond the tidepools.

Sand Point is one of the Ozette coast’s overnight camping destinations. Wilderness permits are limited year-round, park-approved bear canisters are required for food, garbage, and scented items, and campfires are prohibited along this stretch. There’s a pit toilet and a creek water source; filter or boil it, and plan for that source to dry later in summer.

The wider Ozette area is part of Makah homeland. A mudslide buried a village by Lake Ozette about 300 years ago, and more than 50,000 artifacts were recovered there; many are held at the Makah Cultural and Research Center in Neah Bay. Those discoveries are inland by the lake, not at Sand Point.