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Olympic National ParkHigh camp in the Olympic Mountains
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Olympic National Park
Exploring the Coast
 
two small children on wide sandy beach, low sun angle
Who can resist a beach at low tide?
 

No two miles of Olympic's Pacific coastline are alike. From beaches (that might be sandy, rocky, or boulder-strewn!) to cliffs plunging into the sea, you'll find it somewhere along Olympic's 73 miles of coastline.

Wherever you go along the coast, always carry a tide table and know how to use it!

 

Mora and Rialto Beach
About an hour's drive west of Port Angeles, Mora has a campground, self-guided nature trails and a ranger station that's open intermittently in summer. Another two miles beyond Mora is rocky Rialto Beach on the Pacific Ocean. Picnic tables, restrooms and a trailhead are provided at Rialto Beach.

Visiting Rialto Beach

 

Kalaloch
Kalaloch is known for its wide sandy beach.  The Kalaloch area has two campgrounds, a concession-operated lodge, a ranger station with exhibits and information desk (open daily in summer), a picnic area, self-guided nature trails.

Visiting Kalaloch

 

Lake Ozette Area
Although three miles from the Pacific, the Ozette area is a popular coastal access point. A small campground and ranger station (open daily in summer) are located at Lake Ozette. Two three-mile boardwalk trails lead to Sand Point and Cape Alava, both located on the Pacific Coast.

Visiting Ozette

Looking for more of a wilderness experience? Make sure to check out the Wilderness Trip Planner for details about hiking, camping, and safety during your wilderness getaway.

waves and rocky island
Coastal Ecosystems
Learn more about Olympic's coast.
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ocean waves
Weather Forecasts & Tide Info

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Hurricane Ridge
Park Destinations
A guide to the park's various destinations and information to help you plan your trip.
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Steller's sea lion
Marine Mammals of Olympic
Learn more about the marine mammals that inhabit coastal waters of the Olympic Peninsula.
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white flower  

Did You Know?
Does this flower look familiar? The bunchberry, a common groundcover of Olympic's lowland forest, is closely related to the dogwood trees found throughout North America.

Last Updated: March 20, 2009 at 14:59 EST