Named for the abandoned whaling village of Ozette (B.C. 440 to A.D. 1750), Ozette Lake is known to the Makah people as Kahouk, or "Large Lake." Covering an area of more than 12 square miles, the lake has certainly earned it’s Makahian name, and it can also boast the title of the “Largest Unaltered Natural Lake” in Washington.

There are many rivers and bays to explore in Ozette Lake, so more curious kayakers may want to budget a few extra hours to see what is off of the more popular routes. The lake has three islands: Garden Island in Swan Bay, Baby Island in the South End, and Tivoli Island, the largest of the three, located in the southern third of the lake east of Allen’s Bay.

If camping is on your agenda, a backcountry permit must be obtained at the ranger station at the north end of the the lake for a fee of $5 plus $2 per person per night. All food, garbage, and scented items must be stored in a park-approved bear cannister (available for loan at the ranger station with a suggested donation of $3 per cannister) except while camping on Garden Island and Tivoli Island.