Cape Alava Loop (Ozette Triangle) — Saturday, Sep. 7, 2019

So many backpackers - first-time overnighters, families with kids, and couples - are on this trail! As a day hiker, I had to keep passing people on the boardwalks - over 50 people in the first hour alone. So get an early start and hike contra-flow if you want to avoid big crowds. There was no reason I could see to do this hike in a clockwise vs. counter-clockwise direction. I did it counter-clockwise and went first to Cape Alava on a boardwalk in mostly good repair, then down the beach at low tide. Make sure to check the tide tables before you head out on this hike, so you can time your beach crossing (the 2nd third of the hike) for low tide. You'll still have to scramble up and/or around big logs on the beach and avoid punching through the kelp and sea grass piles, but low tide does make the trek around rocky outcroppings easier. Otherwise, you may be stuck using ropes to ascend and descend steep dirt "trails" farther inland, which isn't much fun if you have a heavy pack. The final third of the hike back from Sand Point is on a boardwalk with several more missing boards - nothing dangerous, but a few of the boards flipped or almost cracked through when I walked on them, so take care and step lightly. Note: there are no garbage cans at the trailhead parking lot, so plan to pack out all of your trash. There is a pit toilet in the parking lot that everyone seems to use, but there are better bathrooms near the ranger station.