Cape Alava Loop is two hikes in one: a forest stroll and a walk on the beach. For those who don't have time for a 9-mile loop, the short hike on a beautiful boardwalk through forest is just the ticket. Take the Cape Alava Trail out to the beach and back for a 6.2 mile hike.Courtesy of wta.org

You could do it as a day hike, but camping on the ocean beach is what makes the experience special. Courtesy of oregonlive.com

Olympic National Park’s coastal wilderness is even wilder when the crowds thin after September. Just wait for a good weather window.Courtesy of seattletimes.com

Off the beach there are a number of large rocks which are wildlife refuges. During some times of the year there is a cacophony of noises from birds and mammals.Courtesy of oregonhikers.org

Ozette Lake was once ringed with Scandinavian homesteaders, and Cape Alava was once home to a large Makah fishing village. Today, where these two communities once thrived, there are only whispering forests and crashing waves.Courtesy of exploreolympics.com

Permits/Reservations: Permits are limited year round for the Ozette area, and must be obtained from the Wilderness Information Center. Reservations are recommended for camping in the Ozette area between May 1 and September 30.

Group Size: Groups are limited to 12 people. Associated groups of more than 12 people must camp and travel at least 1 mile apart and may not combine at any time into a group of more than 12. Associated groups must also camp in separate camp areas, like Cape Alava and Sand Point.

Food Storage: On the coast, all food, garbage, beverages other than water, and scented items must be stored—overnight and when unattended—in park-approved Bear Canisters along the entire Olympic National Park Wilderness Coast. Buckets or other hard-sided containers are no longer permitted.

Campsites: Primary destinations are Sand Point and Cape Alava. Click on links for maps.

Toilet Facilities: Pit toilets are available at Sand Point and Cape Alava. In other areas bury waste 6-8" deep and 200 feet (70 steps) from campsites and water sources. Don't be a "surface pooper"! When toilets are not available, please be sure to bury your waste and toilet paper so the next campers will not have to experience your poo.

Water Sources: Creeks at Sand Point and Cape Alava. Most coastal water sources have a tea-stained appearance. The light tan color originates from tannin leached from leaves. Cryptosporidium and giardia exist in coastal streams and rivers; therefore, always filter or boil water. iodine is ineffective against cryptosporidium.

Stock: Prohibited on all park beaches and beach trails.Courtesy of nps.gov