Hiking is an archetypal pastime in the Pacific Northwest, and a good trail will offer a combination of challenging terrain and stunning views. Located on the Olympic Peninsula, the Ozette Triangle Trail offers all that and more, offering a pleasant boardwalked journey right to the ocean. But while the boardwalks do bear some of the brunt of this hike, you can definitely expect to work up a sweat if you power through the entire path.

The Ozette Triangle Trail is located near the tiny community of Sekiu on the Olympic Peninsula.

Helia_linne / TripAdvisor The trail spans nearly nine miles in total, forming a triangle shape (hence the name).

The trail begins at the northern end of Ozette Lake, crossing the Ozette River on an arched bridge.

Lisa Lundy / alltrails.com At about 0.25 miles in, you’ll come to a junction and veer right. The trail to the left will be your return trail if you make the full loop (triangle).

Soon, you’ll be crossing a beautiful cedar boardwalk through dense forest.

Jean-François Thill / alltrails.com The elevated path is great for guidance, but proceed with caution – it can be slippery on a wet day.

Before you know it, you’ll start to hear and smell the ocean.

Justin Brown / alltrails.com That’s how you know you’ve reached the beach of Clallam Bay, which will happen after about 3.3 miles on the trail.

The trail continues on the beach for awhile, which is always a pleasant walk.

bernardo m / TripAdvisor You’ll pass a few landmarks like the Wedding Rocks, which are known for their ancient petroglyphs. The petroglyphs petroglyphs were carved by ancestors of the Makah tribe using various tools. While they’re fascinating to see, note that they are both culturally significant and legally protected, so make sure to be respectful.

Watch for Tskawahyah Island in the distance, which looks like an enormous rock overflowing with trees.

ImaCoug / TripAdvisor Enjoy every bit of your beach time, hugging the shore until you reach Sand Point. Then, the return trail will take you back to where it all began.

The Ozette Triangle Trail is one of the most underrated hikes on the Olympic Peninsula.

Jean-François Thill / alltrails.com Because of its length, many Washingtonians won’t attempt it. But if you do, you’ll be visually rewarded.

If you’re an experienced hiker, try the Ozette Triangle the next time you road trip around the Olympic Peninsula. It’s a great way to get some exercise and admire the rugged beauty unique to this part of the state.

Helia_linne / TripAdvisor

The trail spans nearly nine miles in total, forming a triangle shape (hence the name).

Lisa Lundy / alltrails.com

At about 0.25 miles in, you’ll come to a junction and veer right. The trail to the left will be your return trail if you make the full loop (triangle).

Jean-François Thill / alltrails.com

The elevated path is great for guidance, but proceed with caution – it can be slippery on a wet day.

Justin Brown / alltrails.com

That’s how you know you’ve reached the beach of Clallam Bay, which will happen after about 3.3 miles on the trail.

bernardo m / TripAdvisor

You’ll pass a few landmarks like the Wedding Rocks, which are known for their ancient petroglyphs. The petroglyphs petroglyphs were carved by ancestors of the Makah tribe using various tools. While they’re fascinating to see, note that they are both culturally significant and legally protected, so make sure to be respectful.

ImaCoug / TripAdvisor

Enjoy every bit of your beach time, hugging the shore until you reach Sand Point. Then, the return trail will take you back to where it all began.

Because of its length, many Washingtonians won’t attempt it. But if you do, you’ll be visually rewarded.

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