Information about this hike provided in partnership with
Mountaineers Books.
Copyright © Craig Romano/The Mountaineers Books Cape Flattery
Hike to the northwesternmost point in the continental United States. Here, where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets the Pacific, Cape Flattery protrudes into a sea of tumultuous waters. A land of dramatic headlands, sea stacks, and deep narrow coves, Cape Flattery exhibits sheer rugged beauty. Scores of seabirds ride the surf and scavenge the sea stacks. Watch for whales and sea lions too. And the sunsets... they're simply divine.
Thanks to the Makah Indian Nation, the stewards of this land, a well-constructed trail leads to this remote corner of the Northwest. Start through a mist-drenched forest of Sitka spruce. Utilizing boardwalks and steps, drop to a series of promontories that provide stunning vistas of rugged Cape Flattery. At 0.75 mile reach the final viewing platform teetering on the edge of terra firma. Admire the cape's abrupt contours of sea stacks, caves, and forbidding sheer cliffs. A hostile environment of strong currents, swift breezes, and frequent storms-all forces responsible for creating this stunning landscape. But nature has a way of adapting to such brutal conditions. Look carefully at this intimidating world where sea meets land and you'll see life. Lots of life! Puffins and guillemots surf the turbulent waters. Murres nest in the fortresslike cliffs. Oystercatchers probe the tidal pools left behind on offshore reefs. Sea otters, once on the brink of extinction, bob in the protected coves. Whales can often be spotted farther out. People, too, have adapted to this landscape, which is often draped in fog and receives over 100 inches of annual rainfall. Directly offshore is Tatoosh Island. Named for a Makah chief, this 20-acre treeless island once served as a summer fishing camp for the Makahs. The U.S. Coast Guard first constructed a lighthouse on the island in 1857. The current structure is automated. Now only sea lions, seals, and scads of seabirds live on Tatoosh. The Makahs have declared Cape Flattery a nature sanctuary-an enlightened move for this wild world sitting on the brink of the continent.
Driving Directions:
From Port Angeles follow US 101 west for 5 miles to the junction with State Route 112. Turn right (west) on SR 112, continuing for 64 miles to the community of Neah Bay. (Alternatively, take US 101 to Sappho and drive SR 113 north to SR 112 and then on to Neah Bay. This way is longer, but not as curvy.) Just past the Makah Tribal Museum is Washburn's, where you can purchase the required recreation pass. Continue west on Bayview Avenue for 1 mile, following signs for "Cape Flattery and Beaches."Turn left on Fort Street, and in 0.1 mile turn right on 3rd Street. In another 0.1 mile turn left on Cape Flattery Road. In 2.5 miles pass the Tribal Center. Proceed for another 5.1 miles to the trailhead. Privy available. Recent Trip Reports
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Day hike
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Water on trail
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Today was such a perfect day for hiking. The trail was superbly groomed. Other than a couple minor...
Today was such a perfect day for hiking. The trail was superbly groomed. Other than a couple minor puddles there were no other issues. Be prepared for sick kids though on the winding roads all the way out there.
Day hike
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Ripe berries
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Bugs
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Nice relaxing hike, and very kid and dog friendly. Great photo opportunities along the way and at th...
Nice relaxing hike, and very kid and dog friendly. Great photo opportunities along the way and at the cape. Make sure to bring binoculars so that you can peak around at Tatoosh Island and sea life that may swim by. We were fortunate enough to see sea lions and puffins.
The drive to the destination can get quite long. Warnings are posted on trails in regards to cougar and bear sightings, though they were dated. Expect bugs during relevant seasons but your largest pest will be groups of people and overly friendly dogs! We bought a Makah Tribe recreation pass though we are not entirely sure if a pass is required. Overall, a great family friendly hike. Day hike
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Wildflowers blooming
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I went fishing with my family out of Neah Bay over the weekend and we decided to take a hike. I had ...
I went fishing with my family out of Neah Bay over the weekend and we decided to take a hike. I had never explored the Lake Ozette side of Olympic National Park so we decided to hike the Cape Alava trail. The trail was an easy 6.2 miles round trip through lush forest walking along a rustic boardwalk for the majority of the distance. The trail ended along the beach allowing endless opportunities for wildlife viewing from photogenic bald eagles and white-tailed deer, to the tiny hermit crabs scuttling along tide pools. We watched the tide come in from our vantage spot on the beach and explored the rocky coastline. The views were spectacular and easily accessible.
We hiked the Cape Flattery trail after dinner and the views of the lighthouse rocky caves and dramatic cliffs were an excellent dessert. The trail was about a mile and had abundant viewpoints and scenery. Spending a full weekend in the park or at Neah Bay would allow more opportunities to find additional hikes and explore the rainforest and Olympic coast. Day hike
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Nice short hike. AWESOME views! Make sure to pick up your recreation pass at Washburn's General Stor...
Nice short hike. AWESOME views! Make sure to pick up your recreation pass at Washburn's General Store in Neah Bay.
Cape Flattery
— May 26, 2012
— Bufftester
Day hike
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Wildflowers blooming
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Took advantage of some nice weather Saturday afternoon and headed out to stand on the edge of the co...
Took advantage of some nice weather Saturday afternoon and headed out to stand on the edge of the continent. Just before Neah Bay the fog started, but it was warm and not raining. The hike down from the trailhead is smooth and easy, and the steps were mostly dry. This short hike is definitely a must-do, the reward is the amazing views of the Pacific/Straits and Tatoosh Island. We even saw boats racing in the SwiftSure race beating east ahead of the weather near Sieku.
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 Rounding Cape Flattery. Photo by Zachary Oliver.
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