Cape Flattery Tribal Scenic Byway is the first tribal road in the nation to be awarded scenic status. This scenic byway is the only road that leads to the northwesternmost spot in the contiguous U.S. The route travels through lush coastal forests and into the heart of the Makah Indian Reservation.
Cape Flattery Scenic Byway, a 12-mile stretch of U.S. State Route 112 on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, offers an unforgettable journey to the northwestern edge of the contiguous United States. This road trip combines stunning scenery, outdoor adventure, and rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for explorers.
Winding through the ancestral home of the Makah Tribe, the byway connects the eastern boundary of the Makah Indian Reservation to Cape Flattery. Along the way, visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Neah Bay, a remote and historic town steeped in tribal tradition. The Makah Cultural Center provides insight into the tribe’s centuries-old connection to the land and water.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do on this road trip; from hiking and kayaking to beachcombing and fishing. Cast a line for salmon or halibut in Neah Bay, explore tide pools at Shi Shi Beach, or surf the rugged coastline renown for its winter swells. Hikers and photographers will enjoy the lush rainforests and untamed beaches.
At the route’s end, Cape Flattery awaits with jaw-dropping views of where the Pacific Ocean meets the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Here, sheer cliffs, sea stacks, and pounding waves create dramatic scenery, while the emerald waters surrounding the Makah Reservation offer a sense of serenity. You’ll certainly feel like you are standing at the edge of the world once you reach this northernmost point in the contiguous United States.
Whether it’s the unspoiled beauty, Native American culture, or outdoor recreation that draws you here, Cape Flattery Tribal Scenic Byway is a gateway to one of the most spectacular regions of the Pacific Northwest.
If you’re exploring Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, this is a road trip not to be missed! Here are all the best stops along the way.
Need to know: All visitors on Makah land must purchase a Makah Tribe Recreation Permit. Permits are $20 per vehicle and good for the calendar year. You can purchase permits in Neah Bay from local businesses or from the Makah Cultural Museum.
Best stops on Cape Flattery Scenic Byway
Neah Bay
Neah Bay is a small coastal town situated on Makah tribal land. This little fishing village marks the start of the drive along Cape Flattery Tribal Scenic Byway.
Before embarking on your journey to the northernmost tip of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, spend an hour or two immersing yourself in Neah Bay’s rich Native history and culture.
The best place to start is at Makah Cultural and Research Center, a museum showcasing 300-500 year old artifacts recovered from the Ozette Archaeological Site. A few centuries ago, this archeologic site was once a Makah village that was buried by a mudslide.
At the museum you’ll see full-size replicas of traditional Makah longhouses and their contents that were buried by the mudslide, along with canoes and whaling gear. In the museum’s gift shop you can pick up basketry, jewelry, prints, and books made by Makah artists.
The Makah Cultural and Research Center is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.
During spring and summer, Neah Bay attracts sports fishermen who come to fish for ling cod, kelp greenling, black rockfish, yellow eye, canary rockfish, and salmon. However, Neah Bay is most famous for its halibut fishing.
There are a handful of fishing charters here that can help you organize fishing trips during your visit to Neah Bay. Check out SeaWalker Charters or John Thomas Adventures to arrange an exciting day out on the water!
Hobuck Beach
Hobuck Beach is a remote beach located on the rugged Pacific Coast side of the Olympic Peninsula. Its remote location makes it an ideal destination for anyone looking to unplug from the stresses of daily life.
Enjoy peaceful strolls along the long stretch of sand, search for scattered driftwood, and enjoy breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky with vivid hues of pink, orange, and purple.
In summer, surfers and sea kayakers make the trek to Hobuck Beach for its consistent and uncrowded waves. Winter attracts more serious surfers since this is when the waves get much bigger due to winter storms generating large swells. You can check the surf report for Hobuck Beach here.
Shi Shi Beach
Shi Shi Beach is another wild and rugged beach located in the remote northwest corner of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. This beach is a bucket list destination for many, notable for its seemingly endless sea stacks that extend far into the ocean.
The dramatic coastline full of rocky outcrops make it an interesting landscape to photograph. Point of Arches, with its slew of rock formations, is an iconic, must-see spot when visiting Shi Shi Beach. You’ll see it at the far southern end.
If you want to explore the tide pools full of sea stars, anemones, and other marine life, be sure to visit during low tide. Offshore you might get lucky and spot seals, sea otters, and whales. Be sure to bring your binoculars!
The only way to reach Shi Shi Beach is via an 8-mile roundtrip hike. It is a moderately challenging trail through a lush rainforest. Some sections are muddy so you’ll definitely need to bring waterproof boots like these waterproof boots for men or these waterproof boots for women.
Lonely Shi Shi Beach, with its parade of sea stacks and prolific marine life, offers a serene experience for anyone willing to make the journey.
Primitive campsites are available for backpackers who would like to stay immersed longer in this unspoiled beachscape.
Cape Flattery
Cape Flattery is the cherry on top of this drive to the most northerly point on the Olympic Coast. Like Shi Shi Beach, the only way to reach Cape Flattery is via a hike through lush temperate rainforest. Luckily, this hike is not quite as long.
The easy, 1.5 mile hike travels through towering Sitka trees and a canopy of mosses, then culminates in a series of wooden observation platforms perched above rocky sea cliffs. What you’ll see at the end is one of the most iconic and breathtaking sights in Washington.
This is where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets the Pacific Ocean. Like elsewhere on the Olympic Coast, the coastline here is rugged and features sea stacks, rock arches, and caves carved out by waves.
Just offshore is Tatoosh Island, home to a historic lighthouse and a variety of seabirds like puffins and gulls. On a clear day, you might be able to spot Vancouver Island in the distance.
Take your time and be sure to bring a camera—this is a view you’ll definitely want to capture!
When is the best time of year to take this road trip?
The best time of year to visit Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is between June and September when the days are warm and long. During summer the sun usually burns off any low-lying clouds providing opportunities to see beyond a couple feet and view spectacular west coast sunsets.
Outside of summer, the Olympic Peninsula and the Pacific Northwest in general is known for being grey and gloomy throughout the rest of the year. The Olympic Coast is especially renowned for its high rainfall and receiving somewhere between 100-170 inches of rainfall annually. Winter is when you’re most likely to encounter wet weather.
However that’s not to say you shouldn’t visit in winter. On the contrary, the Olympic Coast in winter is spellbinding. The moody weather, untamed desolate beaches, wild surf, and forests cloaked in a veil of mist, lends an ethereal qaulity to the landscape. Just be sure to bring a positive attitude, wet weather gear, and a tolerance for mud and you’ll be fine!