Neah Bay, Makah Nation, Washington
It's a geographical fascination that everyone has: the desire to see what's at the end of the road. Cape Flattery is the northwestern-most point in the continental US. This area has been the home to the Makah people who have been living off the sea for thousands of years. Their whale hunting tradition continues even today, though limited for traditional purposes only. Driving into the Makah Nation on Highway 112, the coastal vista was brilliant with deep blue sky and even deeper blue ocean. After a lunch in the sun outside Makah Cafe, I drove though the town following the signs to the fish hatchery. At the fork near the old Air Force base, I went straight to go to Cape Flattery. (Taking the left across the Waatch River would take you to the Shi Shi Beach trailhead.) About five miles on a dirt road, you will see a parking lot for the Cape Flattery Trail. The trail only 1/2 mile. There are half dozen view decks along the way for great photo ops. Afterwards I drove across the Waatch River and to the Shi Shi Beach trailhead. After 2.5 miles on a dirt road (please be considerate and drive slow not to kick up dirt) and across another bridge, the road takes a sharp left. There is a gate with signs warning car vandalism. I drove back to the last house and parked my car there for $5 (just as Ira and Harvey recommended in their 100 Classic Hikes in Washington ). It's safe and assuring. The hike to Shi Shi Beach is 3 miles past the gate. From the beach, I could see Point of the Arches in the distant, probably another 1.5 mile hike on the beach. I saw a bald eagle flying overhead with its wing spread wide and flying so straight.
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