WADDELL BEACHPark entrance is directly opposite the Waddell Beach parking lot - NORTH side of Waddell Creek. (NOT the Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center entrance!) The gate is always closed but not locked. Do not leave vehicles at the Nature Center, along Highway 1, or in the beach parking lot. Use the self-registration "Iron Ranger" envelopes to register.
One of the most beautiful backpacking routes I have hiked! Here is the full trip report I wrote after hiking the Teton Crest Trail:https://backpackers-review.com/trip-reports/teton-crest-trail/
I've travel through this area several times in the late spring and summer. It's a beautiful place to explore alone or with the family. The wildlife can be seen relatively frequent, pika, marmot, and deer. You won't regret visiting here. The visitor center is also a neat place to find information, souvenirs, and flushable toilets. Win win win!