Cape Flattery is situated on the far northwest point of the Continental United States, and is among the most breathtaking sights in this country. Due to a number of sheer cliffs, please exercise extreme caution with younger children.
Cape Flattery is a two-hour drive west of Port Angeles along the Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway (Highway 112). The road hugs the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and passes through the townships of Clallam Bay, Sekiu and then finally Neah Bay.
The stretch of Highway 112 beyond Clallam Bay provides spectacular views around every corner. It's only a short drive from Neah Bay to the Cape Flattery carpark.
The Cape Flattery Trail is an easy three-quarters of a mile walk from the carpark along boardwalks and tracks. After 15 minutes of walking downhill through Sitka Spruce forest you will catch a glimpse of the ocean, and then reach the first observation deck. The word "wow" is frequently uttered when visitors first arrive at this deck and stand in awe of the sheer cliffs and rocky outcrops.
This dramatic scenery is accompanied by the sound of waves crashing as well as sea lions and other wildlife. Brownish-red kelp lie on the surface of the water and can grow as long as 70 feet.
A short distance down the path, the second and third observation decks are just as spectacular and they take you right to the cliff's edge. As you venture further out along the narrow headland you will eventually reach the final viewing platform, perched high above a cliff with uninterrupted views of Tatoosh Island. The lighthouse on Tatoosh Island, built in 1857 to assist mariners entering the Strait of Juan de Fuca, is now fully automated and owned by the U.S. Coast Guard.
This is a truly remarkable area on the edge of the Continental United States.
By Fiona Gardella is the founder of CoolDayTrips.com[[In-content Ad]]
