Cape Flattery WA

Cape Flattery WA: Gallery of many photos of Cape Flattery in Washington, with some historical detail to enhance your enjoyment of the photos and the place.

Cape Flattery makes my Top Ten Olympic Peninsula Attractions at number 3.

Getting to Cape Flattery involves a 0.75 mile (1.21 km one way) hike from a starting point in the parking lot at the trailhead, which I doubt will take you more than 20 - 30 minutes. The moderately easy trail winds through quintessential Pacific Northwest temperate rain forest. The views at the other end will likely take your breath away...!

Neah Bay, WANeah Bay, WA
Port Angeles WAPort Angeles WA
Clallam County, WAClallam County, WA


NOTICE: The Makah Reservation is Closed to Tourism until October, 2021

The dramatic cliffs of Cape Flattery (on the Olympic Peninsula)with the Pacific Ocean in the background.

Just as I'm making excited plans to return to Neah Bay and Cape Flattery after a year-long Covid closure, we have learned that the Elders are continuing the closure of the entire Makah Reservation, including Neah Bay and Cape Flattery, until fall, 2021. We understand, but.... Bummer! 

We're sorry you won't be able to visit this fabulous area during the 2021 tourist season! But for now, you can at least scroll down and check out the info and photos on this page and on the Neah Bay WA page.

<<< Pictured at left: The dramatic cliffs of Cape Flattery with the Pacific Ocean in the background. Cape Flattery is located within the Makah Reservation on the northwest tip of the Olympic Peninsula.

Tripadvisor Reviews of Cape Flattery Trail in Neah Bay WA

Yelp Reviews of Cape Flattery in Neah Bay

A Makah Recreation Pass is required to park at the trail head.

Such amazing views over the Pacific Ocean from the cliffs of Cape Flattery WA!Such amazing views over the Pacific Ocean from the cliffs of Cape Flattery WA!


Getting There

In Neah Bay, Cape Flattery Road turns into Cape Loop Road. Near the end of Cape Loop Road is a sign directing you to the parking lot for the Cape Flattery Trail. The Cape Flattery Trailhead itself is marked with a wooden sign pointing you towards the trail.

Wooden arrow sign pointing to the Cape Flattery Trailhead.Wooden arrow sign pointing to the Cape Flattery Trailhead. You can't miss it!

Cape Flattery Trail to the Cliffs of Cape Flattery

Click on any photo to open the Cape Flattery WA photo gallery in full size.

The Cape Flattery Trail in Washington State - wide and level at the outset.The Cape Flattery Trail starts out wide and level...
The Cape Flattery Trail becomes treacherous in spots....But as it approaches Cape Flattery WA it tends to become a bit treacherous in spots.

Getting There is Half the Fun

Trails that are only wide and level can be boring. The Cape Flattery WA trail is anything but. Watch your step; some stretches of the Cape Flattery Trail can be treacherous!

Heavily trodden roots choke the Cape Flattery Trail in certain spots.Heavily trodden roots choke the Cape Flattery Trail in certain spots.
Those gaps between the roots on the Cape Flattery Trail might be filled with puddles after a rain squall.Those gaps between the roots might be filled with puddles after a rain squall.
Boardwalk stretch of the Cape Flattery Trail bypasses an area of water seepage.Boardwalk stretch of the trail bypasses an area of continual water seepage.

Cape Flattery Trail "Amenities"

Wooden "stepping stones" placed in areas where the Cape Flattery Trail seems to always be puddled.Wooden "stepping stones" placed in areas where the Cape Flattery Trail seems to always be puddled.
Boardwalks guide you through very tall and dense understory brush while helping to keep you out of the mud.Boardwalks lead through tall and dense understory brush while also keeping you out of the mud.
Roots can be dangerous, but they can also serve for walking on when the trail is nothing but mud or puddles.Roots can serve for walking on when the trail is nothing but puddles or mud. Watch your step!
Benches along the Cape Flattery trail will help you rest if you need it.Benches along the trail will help you rest if you need it.
Stone stairs crafted in a steep section of the Cape Flattery Trail.Stone stairs crafted in a steep section of the trail.
Boardwalk stairs and handrails along the Cape Flattery TrailBoardwalk stairs and handrails to boot!
Gnarled old cedar tree near the Cape Flattery Trail.Gnarled old cedar tree near the Cape Flattery Trail.

Cliffs of Cape Flattery WA

At the far end of the trail, you will have arrived at the westernmost point of the lower 48 states.

Where to look first?!? From an elevated platform, you are rewarded with panoramic views from the southwest to the northwest, taking in the Pacific Ocean and Tatoosh Island.

Additionally, sea lions, seals and even whales can be seen from various railed platforms at the edges of the towering cliffs across which you have just hiked. Dramatic sea-stacks are alive with cormorants and sea gulls clinging to cliff edges. Wild waves below have crashed against these cliffs for millennia, undercutting and eroding their bases creating rocky caves and coves below. Stand still and wait for a moment or two - you'll feel the power of the waves under your feet when the next one slams into the cliffs.

Cape Flattery Views toward the North

A view like this is likely to be your first introduction to Cape Flattery looking to the northwest.A view like this is likely to be your first introduction to Cape Flattery looking to the northwest.
Cape Flattery view to the northwest.One of many caves located on the north side of Cape Flattery. These caves reverberate with the force of the waves.
Scores of cormorants were nesting on the steep cliffs of Cape Flattery. I can see at least five of them gripping the cliffside in this photo. Do you count more?Scores of cormorants were nesting on the steep cliffs of Cape Flattery. I can see at least five of them gripping the cliffside in this photo. Do you count more?

Cape Flattery Views to the West-Southwest

Cape Flattery view to the southwest.Cape Flattery view to the southwest. Because you are standing on bluffs, you won't have access to waves, sand, or shore. But those views...!
Cape Flattery view to the southwest. Beyond the rocks of Cape Flattery is nothing but water for nearly 4,000 miles.Beyond the rocks of Cape Flattery to the west is nothing but water for nearly 4,000 miles (6,437 km).
Cape Flattery view to the southwest.The water is always churning within the coves of Cape Flattery.
Cape Flattery view to the southwest.Dramatic Cape Flattery view to the southwest.
Cape Flattery view to the southwest.Sea stacks in one of many coves surrounding the cliffs of Cape Flattery.
One of a half-dozen railed viewpoints perched on the cliffs of Cape Flattery WA. The views are spectacular.One of a half-dozen railed viewpoints perched on the cliffs of Cape Flattery WA. If there were not a fog bank over the Strait of Juan de Fuca, you would see Vancouver Island in the distance.
Cape Flattery view to the southwest.Cape Flattery view to the southwest.

Cape Flattery Views toward the West: Tatoosh Island and Tatoosh Lighthouse

Tatoosh Island Lighthouse was first constructed in 1857 by the US Coast Guard, who purchased the island from the Makah Nation. Named for a Chief of the Makah Nation, Tatooche, the island was used as a summer base for hunting whales and salmon fishing. The lighthouse is now automated and the Island was returned to the Makah Nation, who maintain the grounds that are still considered highly sacred.

Tatoosh Island is oriented west-northwest of Cape Flattery.

Consider bringing a good telephoto lens or binoculars!

Tatoosh Lighthouse guards the tip of Cape Flattery WA from the vantage point of Tatoosh Island.Tatoosh Lighthouse guards the tip of Cape Flattery WA from the vantage point of Tatoosh Island.
Tatoosh Island, Tatoosh Lighthouse.Tatoosh Island, Tatoosh Lighthouse
Sea stacks off the north tip of Tatoosh Island. Seal Rock is amongst these rocks.Sea stacks off the north tip of Tatoosh Island. Seal Rock is amongst these rocks but out of view to the right.
A good telephoto lens or binoculars reveals wonderful details on Tatoosh Island not evident without them.A good telephoto lens or binoculars reveals wonderful details on Tatoosh Island not evident without them.
They don't call it Seal Rock for nothing. Look at them 'orca bon bons' sunning themselves on the rock.They don't call it Seal Rock for nuthin'. Look at all the 'orca bon-bons' sunning themselves on the rock.

I don't know how it will be for you, but I have a hard time pulling myself away from this awe-inspiring place. You may know what I mean when you see it.

See Beautiful Olympic Peninsula Travel Guide for:

  • Top 20 Attractions, page 18
  • Neah Bay, page 163
  • Cape Flattery WA, pages 166-168

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