Cape Flattery, NW most point of the Continental U.S.

Cape Flattery is the northwestern most point of the Continental U.S. – located on the edge of Neah Bay, Washington. It is a beautiful day-trip through the Makah Indian Reservation. The hike is easy, yet can be challenging during the rainy season – with most of the path underwater. I highly recommend hiking poles as there is a grade. I do not recommend people with RVs (unhook!) to park in the lot designated for the Cape Flattery Trail. There is a new RV turnaround, but it is very narrow and you would still have difficulty parking. If you visit this area, you will want to unhook in a campground.  Also make sure you visit the general store or Makah Museum before heading to the Cape to obtain a permit to park at the trail. Permits are only $10 for any day use areas inside Makah lands and good for the entire year.

Tatoosh Island Lighthouse, Pacific Ocean (Washington Coast)

Tatoosh Island Lighthouse can be scene from Cape Flattery, outside of Neah Bay, WA. The lighthouse is three miles from shore and can be scene quite clearly from the end of the Cape Flattery Trail. You may want to take binoculars to get a better view of the lighthouse. The hardest thing is taking photos from the observation platform at the Cape. There are sea tunnel eroding away underneath you and giant waves shake the tunnels and, of course, you! An informational sign read that the area you are standing will be gone in 100 years from the constant erosion. Definately one of the most memorable stops we had in Washington. Just remember to take hiking poles, a day pack, water and your rain gear. It sometimes rains in Washington!!!

Hoh Rainforest outside Forks, Washington

A wonderful day hike is among the moss-covered trees in the Hoh Rainforest. The Hoh Rainforest is located just a few miles from Forks (which if you are a “Twilight” fan is the home of the Cullen clan). An interesting thing about this region is the Bigfoot sightings along the Hoh River. We joked about stepping in Bigfoot poo along the trail (although it was more likely from some elk we spotted) and purchased some Bigfoot souvenirs from a local backpacker shop located just outside the park.

If you go to Hoh, remember they get well over 100 inches of rainfall each year (hmm… so that’s where the “rain” forest part comes in! ) and that you should be prepared. There is a paved trail for those less adventurous, yet it can be very slippery without the proper footwear. So don’t forget that raingear, hiking boots and extra socks!

Ediz Hook in Port Angeles

A great place to visit on the North Olympic Peninsula is Port Angeles. Port Angeles is where “the mountains meet the sea”. The Gateway to Olympic National Park is in Port Angeles’ backyard, while the Strait of Juan de Fuca and a view of Vancouver Island is in the front. Ferries depart daily from Port Angeles to Vancouver Island (Victoria) and it is a great way to visit Canada for a few hours.

MORE PHOTOS COMING SOON!