Cape Flattery, with its dramatic cliffs, roaring surf and dense coastal forest, is tucked away on the farthest corner of the Pacific Northwest. It’s located on the Makah Reservation in Washington State where land, sea, and sky come together on the most northwestern point in the contiguous U.S.
Since Cape Flattery is located on Makah Tribal Land you’ll need to purchase a permit to visit. We purchased ours at the Makah Museum at the Makah Cultural and Research Center though several locations are also available.
We originally planned to check this area off our bucket list back in 2020 when we visited a number of other Washington Parks, however the area was closed due to covid. On a follow-up trip to Vancouver Island we made a point to visit in the fall of 2023.
The winding drive takes you through dense, misty forest on the Olympic Peninsula which is an adventure in itself. It leads to a well-maintained trailhead with parking for about twenty or so vehicles. Restrooms are also available at the start of the trail.
The short trail is .75 mile (1.2km) each way that leads through lush coastal rainforest. It begins as a wide gravel trail before narrowing and switching over to a series of boardwalks to prevent you from walking in the worst of the mud. Remember it is a rain forest so you can expect it to be damp.
You’ll be descending about 200 feet from the trailhead. While the trail is generally considered an easy hike, remember that you will be walking uphill on the return trip which may require a moderate level of exertion. The trail is not wheelchair accessible but does offer several benches along the way for those with mobility issues.
There are four viewing platforms perched atop the sea cliffs. The first fork in the trail to the left leads to a platform facing south with views that are absolutely stunning, with rugged sea stacks jutting from the ocean shrouded in mist. A second branch leads to an upper and lower platform for views of sea caves on the north side. The final viewing platform looks to the west toward Tatoosh Island and the Cape Flattery Lighthouse. There are a couple of picnic tables near the viewpoints.
Cape Flattery Gallery
Cape Flattery isn’t just a natural wonder with stunning viewpoints, it’s a sacred place for the Makah people, whose deep-rooted cultural history adds a layer of richness to any visit.
Today, the Makah Tribe continues to steward Cape Flattery, welcoming visitors while protecting its cultural integrity. When you walk the trail and stand on those wind-swept platforms, take a moment to pause and reflect—not just on the view, but on the deep-rooted history and sacredness of the land beneath your feet.
Directions:
From the Makah Museum in Neah Bay you will turn left and and stay on Bayview Avenue until you turn left on Fort Street. Followed by a right turn on Third Street then left on Cape Flattery Road. Google Maps may suggest you take an alternate route on Backtrack Rd however we suggest following the Bayview Route.
