Sand Point The Olympic Peninsula is home to over 60 miles of wilderness Pacific coastline, looking much the same today as it did when early explorers in wooden ships searched for the elusive "Northwest Passage". One of the most scenic beaches, reached by way of a 3-mile-planked trail, is Sand Point. A large sea otter population flourishes on the sea urchins in the offshore reefs and sightings of whales, seals, sea lions as well as deer, eagles, osprey and even elk are common. Low tide at Sand Point reveals rocky reefs teeming with tidal-zone creatures, and perhaps heron, eagle or raccoon perusing the landscape for a meal. Sand Point is also the southern point of a 9-mile triangular trail that includes Cape Alava and Lake Ozette. From Lake Ozette, both Sand Point and Cape Alava trails will lead over prairies and through forests to the coast. Cape Alava is near the site of the Ozette archaeological dig that uncovered artifacts from an ancient Makah village buried in a mudslide around 500 years ago. Today, the site is marked with a kiosk and many of the items recovered are displayed at the Makah Museum in Neah Bay. One can see dozens of Indian petroglyphs concentrated around rocky promerty, called Wedding Rock one mile south of Cape Alava. A $2.00 parking fee is required. Overnight camping is by reservation up to 30 days in advance with Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (360) 565-3100, or visit www.nps.gov/olym. Directions - Lodging - Details For more information, visit: Forks Chamber - Sand Point Day Trip Olympic National Park - Sand Point Trail