
Lake Ozette
Pristine lake in Olympic National Park offering cedar boardwalk trails, campsites & kayaking. A remote escape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds

Lake Ozette
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Pristine lake in Olympic National Park offering cedar boardwalk trails, campsites & kayaking. A remote escape.
"This is one stunning lake with amazing scenery. It's spot on for depth and serenity."

Pack for All Weather ☔
Olympic National Park weather changes rapidly. Bring layers, rain gear, and waterproof shoes.
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell service is unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps and trail info downloaded before arriving.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Boardwalk Trails to the Coast
Ozette Loop Trail
Walk through ancient forests on cedar boardwalks to reach dramatic Pacific coastline.

Remote Lakeside Camping
Ozette Lake Campground
Pitch a tent by the largest natural lake in Washington for a peaceful, secluded experience.

Kayaking & Exploration
Ozette Lake
Paddle the serene waters, explore islands, and enjoy the tranquility of this vast, unaltered lake.

Sunset Views
Various viewpoints around the lake
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the tranquil waters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Remote Beauty
Trail & Beach Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for All Weather ☔
Olympic National Park weather changes rapidly. Bring layers, rain gear, and waterproof shoes.
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell service is unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps and trail info downloaded before arriving.
Book Camping in Advance ⛺
Campsites at Lake Ozette can fill up, especially during peak season. Reserve your spot early!
Respect Wildlife 🦌
Observe animals from a distance and never feed them. This is their natural habitat.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for All Weather ☔
Olympic National Park weather changes rapidly. Bring layers, rain gear, and waterproof shoes.
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell service is unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps and trail info downloaded before arriving.
Book Camping in Advance ⛺
Campsites at Lake Ozette can fill up, especially during peak season. Reserve your spot early!
Respect Wildlife 🦌
Observe animals from a distance and never feed them. This is their natural habitat.
Leave No Trace ♻️
Pack out everything you pack in to preserve the pristine beauty of Lake Ozette.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Lake Ozette's stunning natural beauty and serene, remote atmosphere. The unique boardwalk trails leading to the dramatic coastline are a major highlight, offering a chance to connect with nature. While the drive is long and services are minimal, the peacefulness and unspoiled scenery make it a worthwhile destination for those seeking an escape.
"This is one stunning lake with amazing scenery.
Its name means a large deep lake with depth and serenity. I'd say it's spot on.
This lake is over 330 feet deep, 8 mile long, and 3 miles wide. It is also home to three islands, Tivoli, Garden Island, and Baby Island.
It is the largest unaltered natural lake in the state of Washington.
There are 2, 3 mile boardwalk trails that will take you to the coastline where you can view gray whales during migration, seals, and migratory birds, among other wildlife.
As always, leave no trace, leave it better than you found it, and enjoy 😉!"
R. Scherer
"Beautiful spot and worth the drive. So many great areas around there to camp and hike too. Bring your swimming trunks. Water is cold but not unbearable, especially in the summer."
Lee Webb
"The pure size of this lake is amazing. I went kayaking and was just an amazing day to paddle. I seen one other person that day so it wasn't crowded which made it a peaceful day.
The launch is a real good place to launch and take out ,the parking is just a short walk to the ramp.
I will be going back most definitely 👍"
Karl Cleveland
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Ozette is located in the northwestern part of Olympic National Park. From Port Angeles, take Highway 101 West towards Forks, then turn north on Highway 110. Follow signs for Lake Ozette. The drive is scenic but can be long, so factor in travel time.
Yes, you can drive to Lake Ozette. There is a parking area near the campground and trailhead. Be aware that the roads can be narrow and winding.
Forks, Washington, is the closest town to Lake Ozette, offering basic amenities like gas stations and a few restaurants. Port Angeles is a larger town with more services.
No, there is no public transportation directly to Lake Ozette. A personal vehicle is necessary for reaching this remote location.
Lake Ozette is approximately a 4-5 hour drive from Seattle, depending on traffic and ferry schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Lake Ozette is within Olympic National Park, so you will need a valid Olympic National Park entrance pass. These can be purchased at park entrance stations or online.
There is no separate parking fee for the Lake Ozette trailhead and campground beyond the park entrance fee.
Lake Ozette is accessible year-round, but facilities like the campground may have seasonal operating hours. Always check the official Olympic National Park website for the most current information.
While some first-come, first-served sites may be available, it is highly recommended to make camping reservations for Lake Ozette Campground in advance, especially during peak season.
The trails leading from Lake Ozette to the coast are part of Olympic National Park and are included with your park entrance pass.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The most popular trails are the boardwalks leading to the coast: the Ozette Loop Trail (9 miles roundtrip), and shorter out-and-back trails to Cape Alava and Sand Point.
The Ozette Loop Trail is considered a moderate backpacking trip. While scenic, it can be muddy and challenging, especially for solo beginners. Proper preparation and timing are key.
You might spot seals, migratory birds, and even gray whales during their migration season along the coast. The forests are home to various birds and small mammals.
Yes, you can swim in Lake Ozette, but be prepared for very cold water even in the summer.
Restrooms are available at the Lake Ozette trailhead and campground. It's always a good idea to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no restaurants or food services directly at Lake Ozette. You'll need to bring all your own food and supplies.
The closest place to buy groceries is in Forks, Washington, which has a small supermarket. For a wider selection, you'll need to go to Port Angeles.
Pack non-perishable items, snacks, and plenty of water. If camping, plan your meals and bring a portable stove and cooking utensils.
Yes, there are picnic areas available near the campground and trailhead, offering a pleasant spot to enjoy your packed meal amidst nature.
Campfires are typically allowed in designated fire rings at the Lake Ozette Campground, but always check for current fire restrictions with the National Park Service.
📸 📸 Photography
The boardwalk trails offer unique perspectives of the forest, and the coastline provides dramatic ocean views. Sunsets over the lake are also spectacular.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A sturdy tripod is useful for low-light conditions and long exposures of the coast.
While generally safe, it's always wise to be mindful of your surroundings, especially on trails. Keep your gear secure and protected from the elements.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography.
Drone usage is restricted in National Parks. Check the official Olympic National Park regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎒 Backpackers & Hikers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Ozette Loop Trail
Reaching the coast at Cape Alava and Sand Point reveals dramatic sea stacks, tide pools teeming with life, and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. If you time your visit with low tide, you can explore the rich intertidal zones, spotting sea stars, anemones, and other marine creatures. This area was historically significant, being home to one of the largest pre-Columbian settlements in North America. Solo beginners can tackle this loop, but it requires careful planning, especially regarding tides and weather.
Camping and Accommodations
While Lake Ozette cabins and resorts are not directly available at the lake itself, you can find lodging and accommodations in nearby towns like Forks or Port Angeles. These options range from rustic cabins to more established hotels. If you're looking for a unique stay, consider exploring Airbnb or Vrbo for lakefront properties in the broader Olympic Peninsula region, though direct Ozette cabins are scarce.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit