Backpacking>Ozette
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  We are fortunate to have a friend/relative working on the coast who will meet us at our hike destination so that we can leave our vehicle and drive us to our point of departure. This allows us to walk from start to finish without the need to double back and pick up a vehicle.

During our hike our lowest tide was -1.3 and our highest tide was 7.8. Our low tides were around 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM with the high tides around midnight and noon. This made for some early mornings to make sure that we were getting across the low tide only crossings while we could. We would try to be in position a couple of hours before the low tide, especially in the evening, to give us more time to cross. The extra time was especially helpful when crossing the rock fields.

My research indicates that the maximum tide for this area is 13.62 feet and the minimum tide is -4.72 which makes the mean tide 4.45 feet. So any tide below 4.45 would be considered a low tide and any tide above 4.45 would be a high tide. You should verify this for yourself.

 
     
   
     
 


Ozette to Mora
June 27, 2003

Ease Payoff Conditions
6 of 10 8 of 10 8 of 10

Ease: One might be tempted to assume that, since this is a coastal hike it is easy. It is easy compared to a mountain hike, but as Washington coastal hikes go it is challenging. I very seldom fall. I fell once going around Colchuck Lake on my way to Aasgard Pass and I fell once on this hike. The algae on the rocks is extremely slippery and the rocks are really hard. There are 8 low tide only crossing points on this hike. The rock fields at 6 and 7 and again at 1, 2 and 3 make for slow and meticulous traveling. I seriously recommend trekking poles with titanium tips.

Payoff: The sites and the view may be the best the Washington coast has to offer. The small islands, rock formations and cliffs are uncharacteristic of Washington. Campfires are normally allowed below Yellow Banks which makes for enjoyable evenings. We saw several deer and eagles. No bears but we used a bear canister for our food.

Conditions: We had beautiful weather which made for a great hike. Pay attention to drinking water. It can be a little sparse in places. I believe that at Yellow Banks, the Norwegian Memorial and the Chilean Memorial you have the choice of camping off of the beach in the wooded areas. I enjoy beach camping more than camping in the woods along the beach. You will need to pay close attention to your tide charts if you want to remain dry.

  

 
   
       
    Last Updated:
Monday January 28, 2008
at 12:30 AM
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