Do you like a bit of history or art with your hike and beach trip? If so, you can reach the petroglyphs all over this beautiful beach by trail at low tide, and the historic art is breathtaking. After finding and deciphering the images, the scenery is a definite bonus. Mark Ozette Beach down for a future bucket-list-worthy trip in Washington when nature sounds like the best destination for the day.
Welcome to today’s adventure, a hike out to Ozette beach in Olympic National Park. Here, there is not only a beautiful and quiet beach, but a piece of history you can see for yourself.
Debajit Ghosh/AllTrails
This beach is near Ozette, Washington, and lies between Cape Alva and Sand Point. During low tide, you can hike in to view the beautiful carved artwork for yourself.
Yongbing Wan/AllTrails
The petroglyphs include whales (pictured) among other pictures from nature, objects, and symbols. Can you recognize each symbol for what it represents?
Jake N Kristin Pool/AllTrails
Carved into these rocks centuries ago by the Ozette band of the Makah tribe, many of the images are dated around 300-500 years ago. Though some have been lost to vandalism, most remain beautiful and untouched by harmful hands.
Brian Talbert/AllTrails
The easiest way out to the petroglyphs is to take Wedding Rocks Trail, 8.7 miles of out-and-back that starts at the Ozette campground. The trail is pretty popular, but the beach is often quiet and perfect for a day exploring the artwork.
Ken Shawcroft/AllTrails
The trail is wooded and beautiful, with wildflowers and beautiful steps and boardwalks. It is rated as a moderate level hike due to elevation gain and the paths, but it’s well-worth it to be able to see this stunning historic artwork.
Yongbing Wan/AllTrails
Make sure to keep from tampering with the petroglyphs and bring all trash back with you that you brought out. If you see anyone vandalizing the rocks, the park has asked people to take photos of the people responsible and get a description of their vehicle if possible. It takes all of us to keep these important historic sites safe!
Brian Talbert/AllTrails
Olympic National Park does charge a per-vehicle or per-person fee for entering the park, so be prepared before you you arrive. Otherwise, you can purchase an annual pass at the park website. For more information about the hike itself, check out the Wedding Rocks Trail AllTrails page for the route map, reviews, and weather forecast.
Debajit Ghosh/AllTrails
Yongbing Wan/AllTrails
Jake N Kristin Pool/AllTrails
Brian Talbert/AllTrails
Ken Shawcroft/AllTrails
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Address: Wedding Rocks, Washington, USA
