Wedding Rocks — Olympic National Park

Summer and early fall (June through September) offer the most favorable conditions for camping at Wedding Rocks. During these months, you'll typically experience drier weather and more moderate temperatures. Spring can be beautiful but tends to be wetter, while winter brings harsh coastal storms and challenging conditions. Regardless of season, always check weather forecasts before your trip and be prepared for changing coastal conditions, including wind and rain, as this exposed coastal campsite offers minimal protection from weather coming off the ocean.

Yes, permits are required for camping at Wedding Rocks. As part of Olympic National Park's wilderness area, you'll need to obtain a wilderness camping permit from the National Park Service. These permits help manage visitor impact and preserve the remote coastal environment. Additionally, you'll need to pay the Olympic National Park entrance fee unless you have an annual pass. Reservations are recommended during peak summer months as the limited number of coastal camping permits can fill up quickly. Contact the Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center for current permit information and availability.

Wedding Rocks is accessible only by hiking in along the Olympic National Park coastline. The campsite is located on a rugged stretch of Washington's coast and requires backpacking to reach. Most hikers access it via the Cape Alava or Sand Point trails from the Ozette area. The hike involves traversing a combination of boardwalk trails through forest and walking along rocky beaches. Be prepared for a moderate to challenging hike depending on tides and weather conditions, and bring appropriate gear for this remote coastal location.

Wedding Rocks features ancient petroglyphs carved by indigenous peoples, primarily the Makah tribe, hundreds of years ago. These rock carvings include various designs such as faces, whales, and other symbolic figures etched into the coastal rocks. You can view these petroglyphs while camping in the area, but they can be difficult to spot depending on lighting conditions and tide levels. The best viewing is often during low tide when more of the rocks are exposed. Please respect these significant cultural artifacts by observing only—never touch, trace, or otherwise disturb the petroglyphs, as they are protected historical treasures within the national park.