cape flattery trail

I have been wanting to visit Cape Flattery since I moved to Seattle. It was totally worth the wait and it now my favorite place so far in Washington. Stunning views and beautiful scenery through the entire area. Make the trip and the hike. The hike itself is very easy - lots of boardwalks so be careful with little kids. January was a great time - less people and not too cold (40-50).

The trail was pretty well maintained - there was a minimum amount of walking in mud. The payoff at the end, islands, a cave in the bay, and the lighthouse far off in the distance, was amazing. Definitely worth it!

My wife and I visited with her parents today. Gorgeous view accessed by trail that drops about 250 feet from trail head to view point. The others went on to the end and got great pictures and loved it. I had to stop about half way down as my bad knees were showing signs of giving out. The hand out given to us at the Makah Museum (where we purchased our annual recreation pass for $10) said the CF trail is not recommended for those with weak knees, back or ankles, and I'd say that assessment is spot on. My older in laws without joint issues made it just fine. After about 100' of vertical decent, my knees were screaming, so I headed back to the car, leaving at the trailhead sign the walking stick I'd borrowed from those left before us for common use.

If you are up in the Olympic National Park area it is well worth the effort to take the ride up to Neah Bay and Cape Flattery. After a bit of winding road from Neah Bay and maybe a visit to the Makah tribe's cultural center and museum you have only a short walk out to some great views of the rocky tip of the US and Tatoosh Island where the Cape Flattery lighthouse is located.

AWESOME POSSUMBack in the 80’s I wandered out to this point completely not knowing where I was. I am the curious one and found a back road that went into and past at that time the city dump. I continued and found an outlet road now the main road to this point, back then a pot hole dirt road filled with 8” deep puddles. When I got to this junction it appeared to have a rough parking lot, this is paved now, I saw a sign 25’ in a tree suggesting a trail. Up for the challenge I parked and proceeded in the forest. No trails back then and the tree root matted the forest floor. Took 20 minutes to navigate back then, the trail is very good now. When I finally popped out, I was amazed to see the Pacific Ocean to the left, a set of Islands with a lighthouse, and the Strait of Juan De Fuca on the right. Back then no lookout platform, just your ability to keep sure footed. You are about 100 feet above the water, the drop vertical. Good days see water life, seals, otters, whales, and bird. Sunsets are memorable. If you are a mind wander in time, the first European sailing visitors must been in awe. Time changes everything, but beauty stays constant.Before you head to this destination a few things you should be prepared for.1. This can be a day trip from Seattle if you start very early.2. Take the ferries as time is critical. Remember last ferry time back.3. Once past Port Angeles the road can be very slow to travel.4. Bring rain gear, hiking boots, camera, snacks. Neah Bay has very few food places, or stores. If raining the deal is to stay as dry as possible. 5. Pick a sunny good weekend. You will appreciate this adventure so much more.6. The hike is about 1 mile and the trail is good.7. Enjoy the sites.8. Can bring well behaved animals on lease. Be careful the drop is one way.

My husband and I recently eloped to Cape Flattery (with prior permission from the Makah Tribe). We initially visited in August to view it as a potential spot for our ceremony - sunshine, strong winds, and relatively dry path. It was stunning! You really feel like you are on the edge of the world as you stand on one of the viewpoints, looking off into the expanse of dark water. It's a humbling experience to be in such a natural, relatively untouched space.We wed at the end of October on a weekday with a completely different weather pattern - constant rain/drizzle, overcast gray skies, slight breeze. And it was even more spectacular! Unless there is a storm advisory or gusting winds, I strongly encourage anyone to make to trek.And that's just it - it is a trek by car on very winding roads. You also must walk 3/4 of a mile to the first look out. Wear good walking boots ANYTIME of the year (we encountered a fair amount of mud even in dry August) with good grips to the bottom of your shoes - we managed somehow with dress shoes on, but we did slide quite a bit on mossy rocks, slick wooden planks, and sometimes you just couldn't avoid that large puddle. That being said, it's not a rough hike by any means, you just need to be prepared. Plus, the views are stunning.

The hike out to the point is not very far but the footing can be uneven. However, any effort is well worth it -- the view is spectacular. The guide on the platform (from the Makah tribe) was so knowledgeable and informative that it added so much to the experience. Be sure to bring binoculars. Spend as much time there as you like so that you won't miss seeing everything. What an outstanding spot!

I used to hike a lot before I tore my tendon. After almost a year of physical therapy and barely being able to walk a mile, my friend found the perfect hike to get me going again. It is a 4 1/2 hour drive from Seattle but well worth it. I still walk with a wrap on my foot and the hike itself was easy enough. I went at a steady pace, and the wooden planks helped a lot. I love how green the hike is and we went on a perfect day because we we arrived at the viewpoint, it was breathtaking.

If you can show up on clear day this is a thrilling experience. The trail has a lot of uneven footing so be cautious for anyone that would have difficulty with exposed roots, muddy trails and rather slippery wooden walkways. It is all worth it when you reach the western most point of the USA. Wow, what a beautiful spot.

The view from the cliff was just beautiful and we saw whales and sea lions. Make sure to wear walking shoes. It can be muddy.

Sea Stacks and mist. What a lovely view. It's a bit of a hike, if you have knee problems, but absolutely beautiful

This is a destination! Timely to get to and even more so if you forget your permit! You must stop in town and purchase a Cape Flattery/Beach use permit (supports the Makah tribe) prior to arriving at the trailhead. I stopped at the gas station, but I believe you can also stop at the large museum. It's a drive back to town and there are Reservation law enforcement along the way and at the trailhead.Excellent hike which is fairly level after an initial decent of 200 feet. The hike itself is 1.5 mile RT. I brought my mother who is in moderate to poor health. She did the hike just fine only needing a couple of breaks on the way back up to our car. Excellent boardwalks and a well-maintained path lead to the picturesque views! Although scenic and beautiful, I would avoid highway 112 west out of Port Angeles, unless you want the lengthier route. We took highway 113 south back to 101 east and it was far faster. I liked both highways, but in a crunch, use 113. Happy Trails!

The end of Cape Flattery trail touches the farthest northwest point of the continental US, and that was the fun fact that took me there. It's about a two-hour drive from Port Angeles, passing gorgeous Lake Crescent along Hwy 101 and beautiful coastline along Rt 112 into Neah Bay. But beyond the fun fact, the viewpoints along and at the end of the trail are among the most magnificent seen. It's worth the visit. The trail is ¾ mi., and takes a normally healthy person about 20-30 minutes along a gentle downhill path of mixed footings: forest floor, boardwalks with steps, some rocks and tree roots in several places. At the end, the viewing platform is reached by a 2-step ladder – the steps are tall. Be sure to stop at each of 4 viewpoints, which offers its own stellar look at Cape Flattery. The walk is doable for most people, even those with lower limb challenges, especially if you have sturdy shoes and walking sticks. An able-bodied companion would help too. The trail is not accessible. For a beautiful description of the viewpoint, see http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/cape-flattery.

We took our 3 young children on the hike. It requires some careful supervision (cliffs!) but is stunningly beautiful. The Makah tribe has done an excellent job creating the trail, boardwalks, handrails, etc. One of the prettiest places that I have ever seen. It is a ways out of the way, but well worth the trip. The trail does require a permit, which can only be purchased in Neah Bay. It is a reasonable cost for an annual permit ($10, I believe). The permits don't seem to be enforced, but purchase one anyway to keep the trail in good condition!

I've seen allot of wild and beautiful America, this ranks highest... Remote, off the beaten path; and you know what they say "Beaten men take beaten paths" Significant improvements to access this visit, an absolute pleasure to share with my wife. When my last sun has set and I am no more, I'd be content to have my ashes cast into eternity here!