Cape Flattery

Elwha Dam RV Park
Port Angeles, WA
July 15, 2018

Joe and I are having a great time in Port Angeles and  Elwha Dam RV Park has turned out to be the perfect place for us to call home.   Most mornings, the "neigh"bors and I get together to share a few laughs.  They sure have some stories to share !    

We are located in a good spot to head east or west. It's easy to find really good stuff to explore in both directions.  Cape Flattery is one of those picturesque places that I have wanted to visit for along time.  

The furthest northwest tip of the contiguous U.S. is about 70 miles west of us on Hwy 112, better known as The Strait of Juan de Fuca National Scenic Byway.

This scenic byway first began as walking trails between logging and fishing communities for such activities as baseball games, dancing, education and missionary efforts.  The baseball teams of the logging camps provide an example of how the Strait of Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway affected the culture and activities of early residents.  

It became a National Scenic Byway in 2000 and continues to be a vital link connecting the people, landscape and culture of the Northwest Coast.  

Neah Bay (located at the far northwestern tip of the Olympic Peninsula)  is a small fishing village and home to the Makah Indian Tribe who have inhabited this region for more than 3,800 years. They refer to themselves as Kwih-dich-chuh-ahtx  which translates to "the people who live by the rocks and seagulls"...so fitting since their region is flanked by the Pacific Ocean and the Strait of Juan de Fuca and surrounded by steep rugged cliffs and lush forests.  



Cape Flattery and Tatoosh Island are managed by the Makah Indians.  And what a great job they do.  





Walking sticks are provided at the kiosk as you begin.

The well maintained trail leads through a forest of old-growth trees 200+ years old. 

 Boardwalks cover marshy area...

stumps help out in muddy areas...
   

and in some places nature provides steps.














Its a short 1.5 miles round trip hike. All down hill out to the point, we knew what that meant.  At the end of the trail, there are several viewing platforms.  The first of these really did take my break away. 

I had read the second viewing area was a good place to see Puffins so I lingered extra time hoping...

The last viewing area is at the point.  From here we saw Tatoosh Island.  It is the largest of a small group of islands about 1/2 mile offshore of Cape Flattery.  The island's name comes from a Makah chief.  






The small island has been home to the Cape Flattery Light since 1857.  The light was among the first group of U.S. navigational stations built on the west coast.  In fact, I read that the lighthouse at Point Loma in San Diego was in this first group too.  When it was completed, the "light" was too big to fit so it was shipped to Cape Flattery and used there.  

The Strait is 10 to 18 miles wide and serves as the regional International Boundary between the U.S. and Canada.   

Vancouver Island, BC, Canada

Cape Flattery should definitely be on everyone's to do list when visiting the Olympic Peninsula.  We were fortunate to have a clear, sunny day for our visit.  It's incredibly beautiful.  It's also a popular stop.  Even though the parking lot was almost full when we arrived (about 11:00 am), the trail and viewing areas did not seem all that crowded.  

Until next time, 

   HAPPY TRAILS !