Easy

Cape Alava Trail

Boardwalk stroll to the Lower 48’s westernmost point

Distance6.2 mi

Typical time4 hr

DifficultyEasy

PetsNot allowed

Why go

A classic Olympic coast experience without big elevation. The Cape Alava Trail leaves the Ozette Ranger Station and threads lush coastal rainforest on long cedar boardwalks before delivering you to rugged Pacific beach at Cape Alava—the westernmost point in the contiguous U.S. Expect rainforest shade, ferny undergrowth, and a dramatic ocean reveal with offshore rocks and sea stacks.

Distance and difficulty

It’s about 3.1 miles one way from Ozette Ranger Station to the beach (6.2 miles total out-and-back) with roughly 100 feet of total gain—easy terrain, but the boardwalk can be slick when wet and there are some stair sections. Many hikers extend it into the classic Ozette Triangle loop (about 9.4 miles total) by continuing south along the beach to Sand Point and returning on the Sand Point Trail.

What you’ll see

The forest is a dense, cool mix of conifers and hardwoods with salal and ferns crowding the boardwalk edges. At the coast, look for tidepools, sea stacks, and wildlife—sea lions on offshore rocks, otters in the surf, and bald eagles overhead. You’re walking ancestral Makah land; nearby, the Ozette Archaeological Site (uncovered in the 1970s) speaks to centuries of coastal life, with artifacts now housed in the Makah Museum in Neah Bay.

Trail surface and feel

Most of the route is elevated wooden boardwalk with occasional stairs—great for traversing boggy ground but slippery when wet. If you add the beach leg, expect slower travel over sand, pebbles, and cobbles. Traction footwear earns its keep here.

Tips and route choices

Doing the loop? Time the coastal traverse between Cape Alava and Sand Point for lower tides; some sections are not passable at high tide.
If choosing a direction for the loop, note the Cape Alava side is deeper, shadier forest, while the Sand Point side is more open due to a past burn—use that to match your lighting/temperature preference.
Overnighting on the coast is popular and lovely, but permits are required for camping at Cape Alava/Sand Point and hard-sided bear canisters are required.

Best time to hike

April through October offers the best odds for drier boardwalks and friendlier beach conditions. The trail is open year-round, but winters can be wet and slick. For the loop or tidepooling, plan around low tide regardless of season.

Pros

Signature cedar boardwalks keep you above boggy rainforest
Stand at the contiguous U.S.’s westernmost point

Cons

Slippery boardwalk and stairs mean no true ADA accessibility
Beach section of the loop requires careful low‑tide timing

Parking

Park at the Ozette Ranger Station/Trailhead at Lake Ozette; this signed lot serves both the Cape Alava and Sand Point trails.

Caution

Boardwalks and stairs are slick when wet; if adding the beach leg, plan for lower tides. No pets. Overnight coastal camping requires a permit and bear canister.