Cape Flattery, Makah Indian Reservation, Neah Bay, Washington

Cape Flattery
Near Neah Bay, WA

Cape Flattery at Sunset

One wind-swept tree hangs on the edge of Cape Flattery, the most northwestern point in the contiguous U.S.

Tip:

As you enter the Makah Reservation, signs advise you to pay $5 for the privilege of visiting their corner of the country. There are no toll booths, however, and to be quite honest, I'm not sure where you're supposed to go, to pay.

Cape Flattery at Sunset, Tatoosh Island

Just off Cape Flattery, you can see Tatoosh Island. There's a lighthouse here, which technically marks the most northwestern point in the country (excluding Alaska, of course.) The island and surrounding waters are protected by the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.

Cape Flattery at Sunset

Several viewpoints provide incredible views of the rocky coastline. This one looks south...

Cape Flattery at Sunset

... while this one looks north. The crashing waves have eroded the rock, forming a series of sea caves and inlets. If the surf is rough, you can feel the waves shaking the ground below your feet.

Cape Flattery at Sunset

As you look at this last picture, and notice how the sun has almost set, consider this: I still must hike a half mile up a muddy trail through a thick forest in near darkness, to get back to my car! That experience was a bit scary.

Tip:

The Makah tribe has recently made improvements in the trail that takes you to Cape Flattery, and the viewpoints at the end of the path. While the trail can still be a muddy, slippery mess in places, it's much better than it used to be. You can learn more about the restoration effort here. Or, learn about tribe, and view some impressive aerial photos of the coast, by visiting the official Makah website.

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Thank you for a wonderful web site tour. I hiked the Cape Flattery trail in 1992 or 1993. It was a misty grey afternoon. I don't recall many people on the trail, but there was an older blind woman slowly being led to the tip. I happened to have a copy of a Time Life Book description of Cape Flattery which I read to her as she stood there listening to the roar of the surf. A very special moment shared with someone I never saw again. I remained at the spot alone for a couple of hours before heading back to the car. I was deeply moved by it and can truly say it has remained one of the highlights of my life! Your photos (some of the same I have) brought the thrill of that experience back. I was worried when you noted the trail had been "improved". But from your photographs of the trail and lookouts it seems to have been tastefully done, in keeping with the mood of the coast and does not seem to detract from the experience. I encourage anyone with a love of wild places and of the Sea to put forth the effort to get to this spectacular spot.

---An Anonymous Email

Day 2
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