Lake Ozette is regarded as a premier destination of the Olympic National Park, both for the large, remote & isolated lake set in the coastal rainforest, and for the seashore trails that branch out from its visitor center. There is a conventional boat launch on the east shore, and docks by the Ranger Station and campground, at the far north end. Ozette is well off the mainstream roads, and takes roughly an extra hour to reach, along and finally at the terminus of deadend roads – undoubtedly part of the attraction. There have been reservation systems advertised in recent times, but they have not been in evidence lately. Do check with WIC Wilderness Information Center.
Day: February 7, 2015
Happy Lake Ridge Trail, Olympic Nat’l Park close-in, easy-access, lightly-used, less-dramatic, classic backpacking, loop
Happy Lake Ridge Trail, lower timber & salal
Happy Lake Ridge Trail is part of a complete loop-route, 17 miles long. It’s a 3,000′ climb from the Happy Lake Ridge Trailhead, topping out in about 3 miles, and then a subalpine walk along a very broad & mild, semi-open ridge-system; almost rolling plateau-like. There is standard camping at Happy Lake, which someone once called wet and buggy (weather-related?), but is set in a fine geology-exhibit & invitation to explore. The trail makes a tee with the Aurora Divide Trail at about 7.5 miles, and then reaches its end at Boulder Lake, at 9.5 miles. Then it’s downhill for the rest of the loop (partly on the low-key, antique road).