Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic Coast Traverse
Sea stacks, tide tables and rainforest camps on the wildest beach in the lower 48.
Moderate
Difficulty
17 mi
Distance
1,300 ft
Elevation
22 h
Drive time
Jun – Sep
Best season
Trail map
Trail to take
Olympic Coast Traverse — 17 mi · Moderate
No coordinates for this one yet — open it on Trailforks by name.
Overview
Walk the sand and headland ladders from Ozette to Rialto, timing every point against the tide chart. Camp above the driftwood line, fall asleep to surf, wake to fog burning off the sea stacks.
Permits: Wilderness Coast permit + bear canister required (recreation.gov).
Where to get your permit
Fees, lottery dates and quotas change every season — confirm on the agency page before you plan around them.
Where to camp or stay
Popular sites open on a booking window months ahead and sell out fast.
Highlights
Sunset at the sea stacks
Cape Alava petroglyphs
Headland rope ladders
Tidepools at low water
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Ozette to Sand Point
Boardwalk through rainforest to the coast, easy afternoon on the beach, tidepools at low tide.
Day 2
South along the coast
Time the two impassable points, cross headland ladders, camp near a freshwater creek.
Day 3
Out at Rialto
Early beach miles at low tide, Hole-in-the-Wall, shuttle back to the car.
Packing list
Checked against your gear closet — 6 items to sort out.
- Tide chart (printed)
- Bear canister
- Rain shell + rain pants
- Waterproof boots
- Dry bags
- Sand stakes
- Water filter
Add gear for this trip
Suggestions shift with the trip length, activities and the forecast above.
3 L
Per person, per day
2 L
Heaviest carry
4.4 lb
Water weight (2.2 lb/L)
4.4 lb
Gear 0.0 lb + water
- Sources unconfirmed — this assumes one mid-day refill. Check conditions before you go.
Food plan
- Breakfast: oats + instant coffee
- Lunch: bagels + tuna packets
- Dinner: freeze-dried + miso broth
Weather & conditions
Trail conditions
We don't have a trailhead pinned for this route yet.
Nearby camping
Gear recommendations
Know before you go. Routes, distances, elevation and conditions shown here are estimates and may be inaccurate or out of date. Trail conditions change, and closures happen. Check with the managing land agency, carry a topographic map and compass or GPS, tell someone your plans, and know your limits — you're responsible for your own safety in the outdoors.