Cape Flattery: A First Time Visitor Guide
Cape Flattery, located on the rugged northwestern tip of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, is known for its stunning coastal views, dramatic sea cliffs, and abundant marine life. It’s the most northwestern point of the contiguous United States and offers breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean, rocky islets, and the distant Tatoosh Island. Managed by the Makah Tribe, Cape Flattery offers an unforgettable experience for first-time visitors who want to explore one of the most scenic spots in the Pacific Northwest.
Basic Info:
- Name: Cape Flattery
- Location: Neah Bay Washington
- Fee to enter: $20 per car
- Things to do: Hiking, overlooks, sunsets, and more (see visitor recommendations)
- Hotels? See top options
Getting There:
Cape Flattery is located within the Makah Reservation, near the small town of Neah Bay, Washington. It’s a remote destination, but the journey is worth the effort.
- By Car: From Port Angeles, the drive to Cape Flattery takes about 2 hours (about 80 miles) via US-101 West and State Route 112. The route offers scenic coastal views, winding roads, and a glimpse of the region’s natural beauty.
- Parking: Once you arrive, you’ll find a designated parking area at the trailhead for Cape Flattery. The parking area has limited space, so it’s best to arrive early, especially during summer weekends or holidays.
- Makah Recreation Pass: Since Cape Flattery is part of the Makah Reservation, all visitors need to purchase a Makah Recreation Pass for access. The pass costs $20 per vehicle and is valid for the calendar year. It can be purchased at several locations in Neah Bay, including the Makah Cultural and Research Center, local stores, and gas stations. See info.
Photos:
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (March to May): Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers along the trail. Daytime temperatures range from 45°F to 55°F (7°C to 13°C). This is a good time for birdwatching, as migratory seabirds return to the area.
- Summer (June to August): Summer is the most popular time to visit, with daytime temperatures ranging from 55°F to 65°F (13°C to 18°C). The weather is generally clear, providing the best conditions for panoramic ocean views and wildlife sightings.
- Fall (September to November): Fall offers fewer crowds and cool, crisp air. It’s also a great time to see the coastline’s dramatic waves and vibrant fall foliage. Daytime temperatures range from 45°F to 60°F (7°C to 16°C).
- Winter (December to February): Winter brings cooler temperatures (35°F to 45°F) and more frequent rain, but it’s also the best time to witness the powerful waves crashing against the sea cliffs. If you’re prepared for rain and wind, winter can offer a uniquely peaceful experience with fewer visitors.
The Cape Flattery Trail:
The highlight of Cape Flattery is the Cape Flattery Trail, a 1 mile round-trip hike that leads visitors to a series of wooden observation platforms overlooking the Pacific Ocean, sea caves and a distant island with lighthouse at the top of it. Here are the details of the trail:
- Length: 1.5 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 50 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail Description: The trail is well-maintained, with a combination of dirt paths, boardwalks, and stairs. It winds through lush coastal rainforest, featuring towering Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and ferns. As you approach the observation platforms, the forest opens up to reveal spectacular views of rugged sea cliffs, rocky islets, and the vast Pacific Ocean.
- Observation Platforms: The trail has several observation platforms, each offering a different perspective of the coastline. The final platform offers the best panoramic view, with a clear sight of Tatoosh Island and its historic lighthouse.
What Else to See:
- Tatoosh Island: Just offshore from Cape Flattery is Tatoosh Island, home to a historic lighthouse that has been guiding ships since the late 1800s. While the island is not accessible to the public, it serves as a scenic focal point from the viewing platforms. The island is also an important nesting site for seabirds and a haul-out spot for sea lions.
- Sea Caves and Sea Stacks: The observation platforms offer views of impressive sea caves and sea stacks carved into the coastline by the relentless power of the Pacific Ocean. These geological features create a dramatic backdrop for photography, especially at sunset when the low-angle light casts a warm glow over the cliffs.
- Marine Life: The waters around Cape Flattery are part of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, making it a prime spot for marine wildlife viewing. Look out for: Sea Otters, Harbor seals, Whales and birds.
More Things to Do:
- Photography: Cape Flattery is a photographer’s paradise, offering stunning seascapes, dramatic cliffs, and unique lighting conditions, especially during sunrise and sunset. Be sure to bring a tripod for longer exposures, particularly during low-light conditions.
- Wildlife Watching: Bring binoculars or a spotting scope to enhance your wildlife-watching experience. The observation platforms provide the perfect vantage point for spotting sea otters, seals, and seabirds.
- Cultural Exploration: Take some time to explore Neah Bay, the main town on the Makah Reservation. Visit the Makah Cultural and Research Center, which offers exhibits on the Makah Tribe’s history, culture, and traditions, including artifacts from the Ozette Archaeological Site, an ancient Makah village.
- Tide Pooling: On the way to Cape Flattery, consider stopping at Shi Shi Beach, located within the Makah Reservation. This remote beach offers excellent tide pooling, with colorful sea stars, anemones, and crabs visible during low tide.
Tips for First-Time Visitors:
- Dress in Layers: The weather at Cape Flattery can be unpredictable, with sudden shifts in temperature, wind, and fog. Dress in layers, and bring a waterproof jacket, even in summer.
- Wear Sturdy Shoes: The trail can be muddy, especially after rain, so wear sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes to ensure a comfortable walk.
- Check the Weather: Fog is common at Cape Flattery, particularly in the morning. For the clearest views, aim to visit in the afternoon when the fog tends to lift.
- Bring Binoculars: Binoculars will enhance your wildlife-watching experience, allowing you to spot seabirds, whales, and marine mammals from the observation platforms.
- Respect the Environment: Cape Flattery is a sacred place to the Makah Tribe and a protected natural area. Stay on designated trails, pack out all trash, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Bring Snacks and Water: There are no amenities or services at Cape Flattery, so bring enough water and snacks for your visit.
Nearby Attractions:
- Shi Shi Beach: Located within the Makah Reservation, Shi Shi Beach is known for its long stretches of sand, sea stacks, and tide pools. It’s accessible via a 2-mile hike through coastal forest.
- Hobuck Beach: Hobuck Beach is a popular spot for beachcombing, picnicking, and camping. It’s located just a short drive from Cape Flattery and offers a chance to relax by the Pacific Ocean.
- Ozette Loop Trail: This 9.2-mile loop trail in Olympic National Park takes you through lush forest and along the rocky coastline. It’s known for its petroglyphs at Wedding Rocks, which provide a glimpse into the area’s ancient history.
- Lake Crescent: An amazing gigantic lake with scenic drives, hikes, waterfalls and much more about 2 hours east of Cape Flattery.
- Sol Duc Falls: A hike located in Lake Crescent that takes people to the popular Sol Duc Falls through a scenic forest trail.
- Marymere Falls: A hike located close to Sol Duc Falls that also takes people to a beautiful waterfall via a beautiful rainforest, giant trees, rivers and more. More on the Marymere falls trail.
Final things to know:
Cape Flattery offers a memorable experience for first-time visitors, with its rugged coastal beauty, rich cultural heritage, and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re hiking the trail, watching for whales, or capturing the perfect photo of Tatoosh Island, this remote destination is sure to leave a lasting impression!
You can just paddle to cape flattery from Hobuck beach, that way you can visit all the beaches you want.
That’s a great suggestion, but I looked on the map and it looks like it’s a 4 mile paddle from that beach to Cape Flattery. People need to be careful with the tides coming in for these kinds of things and perhaps hire an expert for it.