Olympic National Park spans 73 miles of wilderness coast from South Beach (south) to Sh Shi Beach (north). The 17.3 mile stretch from Rialto Beach to Ozette is considered one of the most scenic and challenging segments, with several long crescent beaches separated by steep headlands, rocky coves and slippery intertidal zones. Backpackers will enjoy incredible scenery, diverse coastal terrain and abundant wildlife in the heart of the Olympic Coast.

876,669 acres of Olympic National Park are designated wilderness areas, including 73 miles along the coast

Sea stacks and islands off the coast fall within Olympic National Park and the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary; stacks and islands that can't be reached by foot at low tide are off limits to visitors

Headland trails, like this one leading to Cedar Creek. are typically steep, muddy and minimally maintained; fixed ropes and cable ladders are in place to assist with these short but challenging segments

Though tide tables may differ slightly, 'Danger' usually means that a headland cannot be rounded at any time by walking on the beach, and 'Caution' usually suggests a tide height only below which it may be safe to round headlands

There are several established campsites on either side of Cedar Creek, most of which have well-developed fire rings, sitting logs and clearings for tents

The Prince Arthur departed Valparaiso, Chile in November 1903 for Port Blakely, WA; it ran aground along the Olympic Coast on Jan 2 1903, where 18 perished and only 2 survived

The most difficult section on this route lies between the Norwegian Memorial and Yellow Banks; long tracts off cobble, tidal pools and fallen trees are hemmed between the ocean and steep bluffs

Bald Eagles are effective hunters but have no problem scavenging or stealing their food

Kayostla Beach is one of the most compelling destinations on this route; this especially wide beach features good campsites, pristine sand and excellent tide pooling

Visitors may choose to camp on the beach itself, which can be done in some areas above the high tide line; these sites have less shelter from the elements than forested sites, but reduce resource damage

UV exposure is a constant when traveling up the coast, even on cloudy days

Beach cobble, which can resemble and function like wet bowling bowls, is nearly impossible (and certainly unsafe!) to traverse when the tide comes in

In coastal forests, prevailing westerly winds often leave first-line trees flagged on the lee side

All living organisms found on the beach and in tide pools are protected—disturbing or collecting is not permitted

Looking south down the route's widest beach from Sand Point

24 marine mammal species and over 300 bird species inhabit Olympic National Park

A tricky scramble north of Yellow Banks leads to two small, scenic coves

Black Tail Deer are considered a sub-species of Mule Deer, and are closely related to White Tail Deer

Dusk from a surf log stack near Cedar Creek

The safest time to round headlands is generally within 1-2 hours of low tide

Prominent sea stacks on Rialto Beach

Young golden eagles will have white patches at the base of the tail and in the wings, making them difficult to distinguish from juvenile bald eagles at a distance

Travel can slow to a crawl over tedious cobble and slippery tide pools between Norwegian Memorial and Yellow Banks

Fallen trees are a persistent obstacle along the coast

Headlands offer spectacular perspective over the coast, but overgrown vegetation can hide dangerous cliff edges

Strong winds and off-shore storms make tides higher than tide charts indicate, rendering normally passable routes impassable