Northwest Point Marine National Park wilderness guide
National Park · WA

Northwest Point Marine National Park

Northwest Point Marine National Park showcases diverse marine and coastal ecosystems, attracting visitors with its unique underwater landscapes and abundant wildlife.

National Park12,0004+ Trails
DesignationNational Park
Total Wilderness Area12,000
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Northwest Point Marine National Park

Northwest Point Marine National Park showcases diverse marine and coastal ecosystems, attracting visitors with its unique underwater landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Northwest Point Marine National Park, located along the northwestern coast of Washington, is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and stunning coastal scenery. The park covers vast stretches of ocean and shoreline, preserving vital habitats for marine species such as orcas, sea lions, and a wide variety of seabirds. Dating back to [Year Established], its waters are an aquatic haven ideal for diving enthusiasts, offering a vibrant underwater world teeming with kelp forests, reef systems, and shipwrecks. Visitors can enjoy numerous recreational opportunities, including kayaking, tidepooling, and guided marine tours. The park is also a hotspot for birdwatchers due to its numerous migratory bird species. Beyond its natural allure, Northwest Point holds cultural significance as it encompasses historical sites linked to indigenous communities that have resided in this region for millennia. As a whole, this park provides a unique blend of recreational, educational, and conservation opportunities, drawing thousands of visitors annually.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Northwest Point Marine National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Underwater Kelp Forests✦ Orca Whale Watching Spots✦ Historic Lighthouse✦ Tide Pools with Starfish
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Northwest Point Marine National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Northwest Point Marine National Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Northwest Point Marine National Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Northwest Point Marine National Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Northwest Point Marine National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Northwest Point Marine National Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Northwest Point Marine National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entry is free, but permits are required for diving.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Northwest Point Marine National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Northwest Point Marine National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Port Angeles, Washington
⌖ 1.14 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Port Angeles, Washington

Port Angeles is your gateway to Olympic National Park with hiking, kayaking, and whale watching. Embrace this vibrant town's coastal beauty and outdoor joys.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Lake Sutherland, Washington
⌖ 12.37 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lake Sutherland, Washington

Lake Sutherland is a quiet lakeside spot on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, ideal for paddling, fishing, and hiking. Surrounded by forest and mountains, it's a perfect base for peaceful outdoor adventures in all but the coldest months.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Sequim, Washington
⌖ 16.68 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sequim, Washington

Sequim, Washington, is a sunny outdoor hub on the Olympic Peninsula with hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking close to stunning coastal and forest landscapes. Its dry climate and diverse trails make it a great basecamp for exploring Dungeness Spit and Olympic National Park.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Metchosin, British Columbia
⌖ 19.01 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Metchosin, British Columbia

Metchosin is a quiet coastal town west of Victoria, BC, known for rugged coastal trails, scenic paddling spots, and tranquil beaches. It's perfect for hikers, bikers, and paddlers seeking natural beauty off the main tourist routes.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Fairfield, Victoria
⌖ 20.70 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fairfield, Victoria

Fairfield, Victoria is a welcoming riverside suburb offering gentle hiking, urban biking, paddling, and birdwatching along the scenic Yarra River. Ideal for day trips, it blends nature with easy city access for active outdoor enthusiasts.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Colwood, British Columbia
⌖ 20.72 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Colwood, British Columbia

Colwood, BC offers coastal hiking, mountain biking, and paddling amid beautiful seaside parks and wetlands. With mild weather and scenic trails, it’s an ideal gateway for outdoor adventures on Vancouver Island’s southern tip.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Northwest Point Marine National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Samuel Island Circumnavigation
ADVEXPEDITION
Saturna, British Columbia
KayakADV Bookable

Samuel Island Circumnavigation

Discover the scenic beauty and vibrant marine life on a guided kayak tour around Samuel Island. Perfect for paddlers of all levels, this adventure offers breathtaking views and wildlife encounters.

KayakCircumnavigate beautiful Samuel IslandCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Mineral Hot Springs Pool
ADVEXPEDITION
Port Angeles, Washington
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Mineral Hot Springs Pool

Sink into mineral-rich pools heated by volcanic activity at Sol Duc Springs Resort, just outside Port Angeles. This accessible soak—offering a range of temperatures and a freshwater plunge—pairs perfectly with nearby hikes and waterfall visits.

Water Activities1.5 Hour Sessions • Natural Wonder at Sol Duc Hot Springs ResortCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Hitch, Load, Roll — Port Angeles’ Bike-Rack Solution for eBike Trail Runs
ADVEXPEDITION
Port Angeles, Washington
Bike RentalADV Bookable

Hitch, Load, Roll — Port Angeles’ Bike-Rack Solution for eBike Trail Runs

A full‑day bike‑rack rental from Elwha eBike Adventures that lets you transport rented eBikes from their Port Angeles pickup to a trailhead; this guide explains compatibility, capacity, meeting logistics, cost and booking essentials.

Bike RentalPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Longbow Arch Hike
ADVEXPEDITION
Moab, Utah
HikingADV Bookable

Longbow Arch Hike

Discover ancient dinosaur tracks, petroglyphs, and a hidden sandstone arch on Moab’s Longbow Arch Hike—a four-hour trek blending outdoor adventure and cultural history.

HikingCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Comfort Cruiser eBike Rental
ADVEXPEDITION
Port Angeles, Washington
Bike TourADV Bookable

Comfort Cruiser eBike Rental

Discover Olympic National Park on an accessible eBike with Comfort Cruiser. Perfect for all riders, these bikes open up scenic trails and coastlines for an unforgettable ride.

Bike TourAges 16+ (14-15 call for requirements) • Must Book In Advance! • Starting at $65Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Pedal, Hike, Soak: The Bypass Route to Olympic Hot Springs
ADVEXPEDITION
Port Angeles, Washington
History TourADV Bookable

Pedal, Hike, Soak: The Bypass Route to Olympic Hot Springs

A full‑day Port Angeles outing that combines an e‑bike ride along Glines Canyon with a short hike to natural hot pools—this guide explains the route, the bike/hike split, and equipment you’ll need.

History TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Go Where Only Locals Go: A Full‑Day Route to Hidden Bear Beach
ADVEXPEDITION
Sooke, British Columbia
Guided TourADV Bookable

Go Where Only Locals Go: A Full‑Day Route to Hidden Bear Beach

A guided, full‑day (6‑hour) outing from Sooke to a secluded stretch of the Juan de Fuca Trail that combines a scenic drive, a moderate 45‑minute hike and a gourmet lunch on the beach.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Seated Freedom: The VanRaam City Walking Bike at UBC
ADVEXPEDITION
Victoria, British Columbia
City TourADV Bookable

Seated Freedom: The VanRaam City Walking Bike at UBC

A concise field guide to using the lightweight, foldable VanRaam city bike at UBC—designed to reduce strain on hips, knees and ankles and extend how far you can go.

City TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip