Ozette Lake is a large freshwater body located on the northern Olympic Peninsula in Clallam County, Washington, United States. Situated within the boundaries of Olympic National Park, it is the largest natural lake in the park and the third largest natural lake in the state of Washington.
The lake covers an area of approximately 7,787 acres (31.5 km²) and reaches a maximum depth of 331 feet (101 meters). It is roughly 8 miles (13 km) long and 3 miles (4.8 km) wide. The lake is fed by several small tributaries and drains into the Pacific Ocean via the Ozette River. Several islands are located within the lake, the largest being Garden Island, Tivoli Island, and Baby Island.
Ecologically, Ozette Lake is significant as a habitat for various fish species, most notably the Ozette Lake sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). This specific population was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1999 due to declining numbers resulting from habitat degradation and other environmental factors. The surrounding landscape consists primarily of temperate rainforest and old-growth timber.
The region holds substantial cultural and archaeological importance. The lake and its surroundings are the ancestral lands of the Makah Tribe. Near the coast, west of the lake, lies the Ozette Indian Village archeological site. In 1970, a storm exposed a village that had been buried by a mudslide approximately 300 to 500 years ago, preserving thousands of organic artifacts that provided significant insight into pre-contact Makah life.
The lake is a destination for low-impact recreation, including kayaking, canoeing, and hiking. Motorized boat use is permitted but subject to specific National Park Service regulations to protect the wilderness character and ecological integrity of the area. Access to the lake is primarily through the Ozette Ranger Station, which serves as a trailhead for several coastal wilderness routes.