Cape Alava

Often referred to as “three parks in one”, Olympic National Park encompasses three distinctly different ecosystems‑rugged glacier capped mountains, over 60 miles of wild Pacific coast and magnificent stands of old-growth and temperate rain forest. These diverse ecosystems are still largely pristine in character (about 95% of the park is designated wilderness) and are Olympic’s gift to you.

Olympic is also known for its biological diversity. Isolated for eons by glacial ice, the waters of Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic Peninsula has developed its own distinct array of plants and animals. Eight kinds of plants and five kinds of animals are found on the peninsula and live nowhere else in the world.

The Ozette-Cape Alava-Sand Point loop is a shore hike along the Washington coast. The views of the ocean, cliffs, headlands, islands, and sea stacks provide a unique experience. There is little elevation change on this hike so it is relatively easy, and there is a surprising amount of wildlife along the coast.