What is the current condition of the boardwalks along the Cape Alava Loop?

The boardwalks are reported to be in rough condition, with loose or missing planks and some sections completely broken as of [August 31](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-08.102840638644). Hikers should be prepared to watch their step, as these issues can be problematic, [July 19](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-20.193929116792), July 18.

Are water sources reliable along the loop?

Water sources at Cape Alava and Sand Point are generally reported as flowing. However, as of [August 31](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-08.102840638644), the water was described as very dark colored and barely flowing. Another report from [August 24](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-24.073820227266) also stated the streams were flowing and filterable.

What is the likelihood of encountering bears?

Bears are frequently reported along the Cape Alava Loop, particularly on the beach sections. Sightings were noted as recently as [August 31](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-08.102840638644) near Wedding Rocks and [August 25](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-30.210218450068) at Cape Alava. Other reports from August 7 and July 19 also mention bear activity.

Are there any significant obstacles on the beach sections?

Beach sections can present challenges with deep sand, requiring effort to traverse as noted on [August 31](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-08.102840638644). Hikers should also expect to navigate over and around numerous fallen trees, especially if the tide is higher, as mentioned on [August 25](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-30.210218450068) and July 28.

Cape Alava Loop (Ozette Triangle)

Olympic Peninsula

updated 2 months ago

The Cape Alava Loop (Ozette Triangle) is currently experiencing some trail infrastructure issues, with reports highlighting the boardwalks in rough shape, featuring loose or missing planks, and in some sections completely broken for several feet as of August 31 and August 24. Despite these boardwalk concerns, the trails themselves are generally passable, though beach sections can be challenging with deep sand, fallen trees, and slippery seaweed, especially at higher tides. Water sources at Cape Alava and Sand Point are reported to be flowing, though at times dark and low as of August 31. Wildlife, including bears, sea otters, seals, and eagles, continues to be frequently sighted along the route, with bears noted particularly on the beach sections near Wedding Rocks and Sand Point.

Generated from 30 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Cape Alava Loop (Ozette Triangle)

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 2 months ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

No trip reports on this trail in 2 months, so everything below is at least that old.

The boardwalks are reported to be in rough condition, with loose or missing planks and some sections completely broken as of August 31. Hikers should be prepared to watch their step, as these issues can be problematic, July 19, July 18.