Cape Alava Trail

Cape Alava Trail is gorgeous, combining the best of the Pacific Northwest with a rainforest walk and the beach. This walk can be shortened for younger kids or beginners, or you can plan to camp at Camp Alava to make a weekend out of it.

Begin at Lake Ozette. Cross the Ozette River. A quarter-mile in, stay right at the junction. Walk along a boardwalk through a dense red cedar forest. You’ll gain very gentle elevation as you continue through the forest.

You’ll hike through an area known as Ahlstrom’s Prairie at 2.3mi. It’s a big meadow that was previously taken care of by Swedish immigrants who gardened and kept animals. These days, you wouldn’t be able to tell they were ever there.

At 3.3mi, you’ll emerge onto the beach. Look for the fascinating Tskawahyah Island, the unmistakable freestanding island with trees on top. When you’re ready, return the same way you came.