Sand Point is a beautiful stretch of wilderness beach on the remote Pacific coast of Olympic National Park, reached via the Ozette area in the far northwest corner of Washington. A destination for hikers and backpackers, it's one leg of the classic Ozette Triangle and a gateway to some of the wildest, most pristine shoreline in the Lower 48.

From the Ozette Ranger Station, a roughly 3-mile cedar-boardwalk trail winds through coastal forest and bog to emerge at Sand Point, where a broad sandy beach meets crashing surf, offshore sea stacks, and tide pools full of life. Many visitors continue north along the beach to Cape Alava and back to complete the 9-mile Ozette Triangle loop; between the two points, the Wedding Rocks hold a remarkable collection of ancient Native American petroglyphs. Wildlife is everywhere here — look for bald eagles, sea otters, seals, and, offshore in season, migrating whales.

Sand Point is a favorite for coastal backpacking, with wilderness camping on the beach. Overnight trips require a wilderness permit and a bear canister (available from the park), and campfires and food storage are regulated to protect this fragile place.

Tides are the key safety factor here. Long stretches of beach are impassable at high tide, so carry a current tide table and a map, and time your beach walking for lower tides. Come prepared for classic Olympic-coast weather — expect rain, wind, and mud any time of year — with waterproof gear and sturdy footwear. Pack out all trash, respect the petroglyphs (look, don't touch), and enjoy one of the great wild beaches of the Pacific Northwest.