This hike was on the grandma bucket list of hikes, so off we went to camp at the lake and do it! I have some tips on camping at the end of the report, so bear (and yes there was one, but we didn't see it) with me on the length. This is a classic NW hike, rain forest, beach and a lake, plus some petroglyphs. Considering the lack of elevation gain, this can be a fairly hard hike, not the walk in the park you might think. Start you hike going counterclockwise (right) at the trail fork. This has more stairs with ups and downs and would be more difficult coming up tired. It is a beautiful 3 miles thru the rain forest, over bridges and across boardwalks. The beach section is mostly rocky and loose sand, and in my opinion, is the hardest part of the hike. Balancing on wet seaweed covered rocks and loose sand makes up for the lack of uphill. But wow, what a beautiful beach! Hit this at low tide. The petroglyphs are located about a mile along the beach, on some outcropping rocks. When you see the first 'bow tie' (the round high tide alternate route indicator) start looking. You may see some small ones first. Take the path thru the rocks and when you come to the other side and see the 2nd 'bow tie', look back and on the large flat shaded rock facing toward the bank is where they are. Please be responsible, appreciate them and leave them be. Once past the petros, there are some nice lunch spots. We lingered here a bit too long, and barely made it across the last headland crossing before the tide came in! The next 2 miles were long but on firmer sand and the sea stacks are amazing. Where's the bear you might ask? Mom and cub were in the bushes at the beginning of the beach section, we walked right by them but the hikers behind us saw them.
The logistics of getting there: It's a looooong slog on narrow windy roads. Catch the 530 or 610 ferry or you might be SOL on a camping spot at Ozette. There is a private campground nearby if you don't luck out. We got there about 1030 and found a spot someone was just vacating. Don't circle around being annoying (Black Crosstrek you know who you are), just ask and then go get a slip. Also, no cash, you pay with your phone or leave your credit card #. There is no cell service at Ozette, you get it around Seiku. AND there is no garbage pick up for campers, you are required to pack out your trash. This is a huge backpacking jump off point and there is a large day/overnight parking lot. Reminder that you NEED A PERMIT to camp on the beach. The ranger was not at the ranger station, so you better get your permit beforehand. I will be hikeathoning in August and you can help me on my fundraiser for WTA
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