Arrived at 10am - parking lot had no more than 10 other cars. We hiked the loop counterclockwise, heading out to Cape Alava, then down along the beach, and back along the return trail from Sand Point. The return trails are fairly obviously signed (regardless of which direction you hike the loop) with black and red discs at the edge of the beach.
The sections through the forest and bogs are largely on wooden boardwalks. These were extremely slippery, especially on the frosty/icy sections. The route from the trailhead to Cape Alava seems to have slightly fewer boardwalks and is more varied (forest, bog, open meadows), whereas the section from the trailhead to Sand Point is mainly through dense forest (though some of the boardwalks along this section have been replaced with newer, less slippery ones).
The leg along the beach was beautiful and wild. The mist quickly burnt away and left a really warm, sunny day. As is to be expected, the beach section is slightly harder going, as you're looking to find the best way across soft sand/rocks/downed trees/pebbles/tidepools etc.
Don't forget to check out the petroglyphs which are just under half way to Sand Point, on the far side of the first outcrop that you go around.
Importantly, make sure to check the tide times and ensure that you aren't on the beach stretch during high tide, as there are a couple of points that would be completely cut off.
There was plenty of wildlife along the beach. We saw an elk following the tree line at the edge of the beach, plenty of birds, as well as two bald eagles sat in a tree at Sand Point.
We saw around 20 other people during the day who were mostly hiking the loop clockwise. The parking lot was no busier when we got back than when we arrived.
Overall a really great day hike. The drive in is a bit of a slog from wherever you're coming from (there's currently a diversion around Clallam Bay to avoid a short stretch of the 112), but it's definitely worth it. The coast is very wild and dramatic, and along with the wildlife, petroglyphs, sea stacks and overnight camping opportunities, makes for a really unique hike.
Distance: 10.4 miles
Elevation gain: 610 feet
Elapsed time: 4 hours 45 mins
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