Ozette Triangle Loop - Olympic Peninsula [BP]

This 10-mile hike provides a superb introduction to the coastal region of Olympic National Park. This hike is a loop hike, but it is called a triangle for its three prominent legs: the North Sand Point Trail and the Cape Alava Trail both originate at Ozette Campground, each reaching the coast at points that are approximately 3 miles apart; walking the coastline between the points connects the two trails to make the triangle-shaped loop. Walking out to Cape Alava, keep in mind that the history of human habitation in this area is rich. Recent discoveries of evidence of human culture date to 2,000 years ago. Later in the loop, hikers will see petroglyphs on the coast as they near Wedding Rocks (unfortunately we did not find it). The Cape Alava route has a long history as a corridor between Ozette Lake and the coast, and given the protection and preservation this area has received, it isn't too difficult to imagine what the forest and coast were like back then. A more recent habitation, an early homestead near Ahlstrom's Prairie, is quickly being reclaimed by the surrounding plants, and it is a testament to the elements one would live within this temperate rainforest. [4Feet]: We had been mountaineering summit by summit in the past several weeks. This time we decided to stay low and went backpacking along the coastal region of the Olympic peninsula at an elevation of -12 feet. Yes, it was below sea level; at least part of the trial. Ocean tide could be tricky as part of the journey was on the beach. Luckily, we had not encountered any high tide on the way to the campsite. Unlike Mt. Adams, this beach backpacking treated us nicely and relaxing. Hiking along with the shore on a sunny day, we followed the footprints of wild animals and the ocean sounds. The smell of the Pacific Ocean was strong yet so familiar and welcome as both of us were from ocean countries. The forest and coast were well preserved, and there was no human traffic, boat, building, nor car. The hike was not difficult by any means though dead seaweed and billions of sand bugs (they do not bite) along the beach may scare those who refuse to play dirty or can’t tolerate something smelly. With an experience of sandy wind in Rampart Lake and snow storm at Mt. Adams, we could not be more careful of what we prepared for every backpacking from now on. Therefore, we carried out our two-layer 4-season mountaineering tent to this beach hike. The sky had been beautifully clear throughout the weekend. The sunset painted the beach with golden color and silver lining. The moment was so peaceful that we almost forgot the tide was secretly elevating (the high tide reached its highest point at 7:30 in the evening). We fell asleep in the soothing ocean sound under the stars. We only concerned that our furry neighbors may visit us at night if the food smell was too strong; fortunately, they didn’t. After all, it had been one of the most unique backpacking experiences ever. Especially for me who had not seen the Pacific Ocean for the longest time, the excitement of seeing the ocean was indescribable. The journey was a bit short, and we would like to have more. I meant the trial, not driving. Ozette Triangle Loop locates at Forks of Washington, the most northwestern corner of the mainland US. It requires a minimum of 3.6 hours of driving from the Greater Seattle area. For me who is from Spokane of Washington, it adds up to 8 hours of driving. We know that we will do it again! we may go on a longer trial along the Ruby Beach at Olympic National Park next year. 10/24 – 10/25/2020