At times, Washington’s Olympic Peninsula looks totally surreal – the green forests and misty beaches look like something out of a movie. Photos of this area are some of the most iconic beach and wilderness shots in the state, but nothing tops seeing it in person… especially Cape Flattery, which is the northwesternmost point in the U.S.
To reach Cape Flattery, you’ll head to Neah Bay which is about 150 miles from Seattle.
Doug Kerr / Flickr Once you’ve arrived, prepare for a hike to Cape Flattery. The trail is an easy 0.75-mile walk down a scenic cedar-planked path that leads to an observation platform. The trail definitely gets muddy and wet, so you may want to pack extra shoes and clothing.
This area is home to some of the most astonishing scenic views in Washington.
Doug Kerr / Flickr
Despite its isolation, the Cape Flattery trail is one of the area’s more popular hikes.
kmsmolen / TripAdvisor This may be due to the ease of the trail, but the stunning views most likely have something to do with it.
The air at Cape Flattery is the purest and cleanest in the state.
Seth Stoll / Flickr This has been backed up by scientists from the University of Washington who have collected air samples. So take a few deep breaths and take a good look at the water… seal and whale sightings are common here.
Don’t forget to take a few photos of the Cape Flattery Light, the historic lighthouse built in 1854.
Charles W. Bash / Flickr Its first light was displayed in 1857, and it was only the third lighthouse in the Washington Territory. The lighthouse sits on Tatoosh Island, which is named after Chief Tatooche of the Makah Tribe.
If you want to take some day trips in Washington, add Cape Flattery to the top of your list.
Marius Strom / Flickr
These views are positively breathtaking.
Daniel Gasienica / Flickr Before you go, look into the vastness of the Pacific Ocean and be on the lookout for eagles, otters, seals or whales. The trail is accessible year-round, so you can come back to Cape Flattery anytime you’d like. But if you only have time to go on one adventure when you’re in Neah Bay, make this one it.
Doug Kerr / Flickr
Once you’ve arrived, prepare for a hike to Cape Flattery. The trail is an easy 0.75-mile walk down a scenic cedar-planked path that leads to an observation platform. The trail definitely gets muddy and wet, so you may want to pack extra shoes and clothing.
kmsmolen / TripAdvisor
This may be due to the ease of the trail, but the stunning views most likely have something to do with it.
Seth Stoll / Flickr
This has been backed up by scientists from the University of Washington who have collected air samples. So take a few deep breaths and take a good look at the water… seal and whale sightings are common here.
Charles W. Bash / Flickr
Its first light was displayed in 1857, and it was only the third lighthouse in the Washington Territory. The lighthouse sits on Tatoosh Island, which is named after Chief Tatooche of the Makah Tribe.
Marius Strom / Flickr
Daniel Gasienica / Flickr
Before you go, look into the vastness of the Pacific Ocean and be on the lookout for eagles, otters, seals or whales. The trail is accessible year-round, so you can come back to Cape Flattery anytime you’d like. But if you only have time to go on one adventure when you’re in Neah Bay, make this one it.
Cape Flattery is one of the best natural attractions in Washington and also happens to be the northwesternmost point in the U.S. Have you ever experienced its beauty? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
If you’re looking for more fun, check out these 15 adventurous places in Washington.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Cape Flattery, Washington 98357, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
northwesternmost point in the U.S. December 21, 2019 Elisa Regulski What are the best places to see beautiful views in Washington? The Washington Pass Overlook is one of the best places for scenic views in Washington. These gorgeous mountains are nestled along the North Cascades Highway. You won’t ever want to leave this magnificent attraction. What are the best day trips in Washington? Blake Island Marine State Park is one of the best day trips in Washington. This little island is located in Kitsap County, and it’s full of breathtaking views. You’ll have to hop on a tour boat or paddle a kayak to get there, but it’s so worth it. Roslyn is another fantastic day trip destination. This tiny town really has it all: historic landmarks, quaint cafes, and plenty of outdoor fun. Be sure to grab lunch at the Roslyn Cafe and enjoy a hearty meal. Afterward, you should venture to the award-winning Heritage Distilling. You’ll want to come back again and again. To learn more about the best day trips in Washington, read our article here. What are the best hikes in Washington? The Trail of the Cedars, located in Newhalem, is only a mile long, but it’s packed with stunning sights. You’ll walk over the Skagit River on a suspension bridge, explore an old forest grove, and walk past a historic powerhouse. Add this one to your list of nature outings. For another easy hike, head to the Shadow of the Sentinels Trail in Concrete, Washington. This pathway is also only a mile long, and it’s full of majestic trees. On this hike, you’ll walk along a trail and a paved boardwalk. It’s fun for the whole family!
The OIYS Visitor Center
northwesternmost point in the U.S.
December 21, 2019
Elisa Regulski
What are the best places to see beautiful views in Washington? The Washington Pass Overlook is one of the best places for scenic views in Washington. These gorgeous mountains are nestled along the North Cascades Highway. You won’t ever want to leave this magnificent attraction. What are the best day trips in Washington? Blake Island Marine State Park is one of the best day trips in Washington. This little island is located in Kitsap County, and it’s full of breathtaking views. You’ll have to hop on a tour boat or paddle a kayak to get there, but it’s so worth it. Roslyn is another fantastic day trip destination. This tiny town really has it all: historic landmarks, quaint cafes, and plenty of outdoor fun. Be sure to grab lunch at the Roslyn Cafe and enjoy a hearty meal. Afterward, you should venture to the award-winning Heritage Distilling. You’ll want to come back again and again. To learn more about the best day trips in Washington, read our article here. What are the best hikes in Washington? The Trail of the Cedars, located in Newhalem, is only a mile long, but it’s packed with stunning sights. You’ll walk over the Skagit River on a suspension bridge, explore an old forest grove, and walk past a historic powerhouse. Add this one to your list of nature outings. For another easy hike, head to the Shadow of the Sentinels Trail in Concrete, Washington. This pathway is also only a mile long, and it’s full of majestic trees. On this hike, you’ll walk along a trail and a paved boardwalk. It’s fun for the whole family!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Washington Pass Overlook is one of the best places for scenic views in Washington. These gorgeous mountains are nestled along the North Cascades Highway. You won’t ever want to leave this magnificent attraction.
What are the best day trips in Washington?
Blake Island Marine State Park is one of the best day trips in Washington. This little island is located in Kitsap County, and it’s full of breathtaking views. You’ll have to hop on a tour boat or paddle a kayak to get there, but it’s so worth it. Roslyn is another fantastic day trip destination. This tiny town really has it all: historic landmarks, quaint cafes, and plenty of outdoor fun. Be sure to grab lunch at the Roslyn Cafe and enjoy a hearty meal. Afterward, you should venture to the award-winning Heritage Distilling. You’ll want to come back again and again. To learn more about the best day trips in Washington, read our article here.
What are the best hikes in Washington?
The Trail of the Cedars, located in Newhalem, is only a mile long, but it’s packed with stunning sights. You’ll walk over the Skagit River on a suspension bridge, explore an old forest grove, and walk past a historic powerhouse. Add this one to your list of nature outings. For another easy hike, head to the Shadow of the Sentinels Trail in Concrete, Washington. This pathway is also only a mile long, and it’s full of majestic trees. On this hike, you’ll walk along a trail and a paved boardwalk. It’s fun for the whole family!
