Ericson's Bay Primitive Trail

Ericson's Bay Primitive Trail is a 2-mile, one-way point-to-point walk between the Pacific coast near South Sand Point and the Lake Ozette shore. It stays low through coastal forest, with little overall elevation change. Allow about an hour and a half for this segment: the rough tread slows you down. Walking back means repeating the same two miles; a longer Ozette-to-coast outing adds a separate approach and beach walking.

This is a primitive route, not a polished path. The National Park Service says it is unmaintained and warns that the old boardwalk can be hazardous and slippery. Brush can soak your clothes after rain, and map-and-compass navigation may be needed where the tread is hard to follow. There are no campsites along the trail. The clearing at the Lake Ozette end is not Ericson's Bay Camp, which has no trail connection.

There is no road access at either end. The land approach is commonly described from the Ozette Ranger Station by way of the Sand Point route and beach, while the park's trail page says access is by boat from the east side of Ericson's Bay. Those instructions do not settle a dependable approach, so confirm the route with Olympic National Park before setting out. Pets are prohibited on coastal beaches and trails. If you camp overnight on the coast, check the wilderness permit requirements and use a park-approved bear canister.