How to Visit Cape Flattery (+ Permits) in Olympic National Park

Cape Flattery is the northwesternmost point in the contiguous lower 48 states. Situated just outside the Olympic National Park boundary, this area is well worth the detour.

Cape Flattery is known for its moody, vast ocean views. A 3/4th mile hike to Cape Flattery takes you through a thriving temperate rainforest to overlooks showcasing a dramatic coastal landscape. While it is a little off the beaten path, the trip is well worth it. With beautiful ocean views, breathtaking forests, and so much cultural history to learn, it’s an amazing way to spend a day or two.

I’ve been fortunate enough to make the trek to Cape Flattery a handful of times and have even befriended some of the locals living in Neah Bay (the closest town to Cape Flattery). It’s by far one of my favorite places in the country, and I’m happy to share with you all of the things I’ve learned about the area.

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Cape Flattery Hike Information

The hike to Cape Flattery is an easy 1.5 miles out-and-back. The walk is gradual with 229 feet of elevation gain, taking an average of 39 minutes to complete.

Permits and Information

One of the biggest know-before-you-go things is how the permits work, and understanding the land that you will be visiting. Cape Flattery is located on the Makah Reservation, so you will need to purchase a Makah Recreation Permit before visiting. They can be purchased at the locations below:

• Makah Marina
• Makah Culture and Research Center Museum
• Pat’s Place (a local restaurant)
• Makah Tribal Center
• Hobuck Beach Resort
• During the summer, you can purchase a pass at the check-in booth at the beginning of the Cape Loop Road.
• Online-you must have access to a printer

*Permits are checked before heading up the Cape Loop Road.

The Makah Recreation Permit is ~$20 and valid for one year after purchase. This pass grants you access to other beaches and camping locations as well. You will be given a map with the permit pass, showing you where you are allowed to recreate and which areas are just for residents. I should note that no alcohol is allowed on the reservation.

Getting to Cape Flattery

Cape Flattery is situated 44 miles from Highway 101, north of Forks, Washington. The road from Highway 101 isn’t an easy drive. There are places where it is narrow and winding for miles. The road is buckling from all the rainfall they get here. Last time I visited, the road was under construction, making it a one-lane road in some places. Of course, construction comes and goes, so it may be better when you visit.

The drive is scenic, though, with much of it taking place on a cliffside with steep drop-offs next to the ocean. There are pull-outs along the way to stop and take in the scenery. At the beginning of the drive, you’ll pass through some farmland meadows. Watch out for elk in this area.

About 37 miles into your drive, you’ll arrive at Neah Bay. Neah Bay is a small town with a few restaurants and one grocery store. This is where you’ll stop to get a Makah Recreation Permit.

Cape Flattery is about 8 miles from Neah Bay. You’ll drive through town until you reach Cape Flattery Road. You will see plenty of informational signs along the drive guiding you in the right direction. Cape Flattery Road will turn to Cape Loop Road. There is a permit checkpoint at the beginning of Cape Loop Road.

Once you arrive at Cape Flattery, there is a trail sign telling you about the hike and the area. There are also restrooms available in the parking lot.

CHECK OUT: How to Get to Olympic National Park (Road Trip Ideas + Airports)

The Hike to Cape Flattery

The hike to Cape Flattery is an easy 1.5 miles out-and-back. The trail is gradual with 229 feet of elevation gain, taking an average of 39 minutes to complete.

The Cape Flattery hike leads you through a dense temperate rainforest, with Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and ferns lining the walkway. Throughout the trail, you’ll find a mixture of dirt paths and boardwalks. The boardwalks make up about half of the trail, helping you navigate over muddy areas. However, because of the amount of rainfall here, expect the trail to still have muddy sections.

DISCOVER: 7 Can’t-Miss Hikes in Olympic National Park: A Quick and Easy Guide

While the trail itself is quite peaceful, the main attraction of this hike is the ending. Once you navigate through the forest, you’ll reach an opening in the greenery where you’ll find the overlooks. There are four platforms to choose from with views of turquoise blue waters, rock formations, and waves crashing into the cliffside hundreds of feet below you.

Each overlook has a unique view, allowing you to see the ocean from all angles. There is a staircase connecting all of the platforms. Watch your step here and be courteous to other hikers on the trail.

My favorite viewing platforms are at the end, of course, and on the right side. The right overlook gives you views of the deepest, baby blue water you could ever see. It always makes me want to go for a swim. Plus, I usually get glimpses of sea stars along the rocks from here.

The viewing platform at the very end offers sweeping views of the ocean and seastacks surrounding you. You are eye-to-eye with Tatoosh Island, which is about half a mile away.

INTERESTING FACT: Tatoosh Island has quite a history. Once used by the Mahak Tribe as a seasonal home for hunting and fishing, now Tatoosh Island is mostly used for scientific research. It is actually one of the most researched marine environments in the world. Also, if you look closely through the fog, you can see a lighthouse on the island. The lighthouse is automated now, but used to be manned by the U.S Coast Guard.

While you’re out on the point, be on the lookout for sealife. Orcas and gray whales frequent the area. You can also spot sea lions, otters, eagles, and distant sea stars that litter the rock formations below you. You can even see Canada from here!

What to Bring

With much of the Olympic Peninsula receiving over 100 inches of rainfall a year, you should come prepared for cold, rainy days. Here is a list of helpful things to bring.

• Rain coat
• Waterproof hiking shoes or comfortable rain boots
• Multiple layers
• A backpack to store snacks and extra layers in
• Water, as there is no water available at the trailhead

You can check out our recommended gear on our website.

When to Visit

If you are asking yourself, ‘When is the best time to visit Cape Flattery?’ I will tell you, there is never a bad time to visit.

The majority of the year, you will be met with rain and foggy views off the coast; however, that isn’t always the case. I have caught some of the most breathtaking sunsets at Cape Flattery, with bright orange and pink skies reflecting off the water even in October.

The good thing about Cape Flattery, and most of the Olympic Peninsula in general, is that it’s coastal and receives minimal snow. This allows Cape Flattery to be accessible year-round.

As far as the best time of day to visit, I highly recommend trying to catch a sunrise or sunset here. While the trail is quite popular, I’ve never seen the parking lot full, so you shouldn’t worry too much about trying to beat the crowds. Check out our article The Best (and Worst) Times of Year to Visit Olympic National Park for more.

Nearby Attractions

There are a few things you can add to your itinerary to make a full day out of the visit to Neah Bay.

Makah Cultural and Research Center Museum

This museum offers a look into the traditions of the Makah Tribe, with artifacts recently dug up dating back 500 years. Get a glimpse into the daily life and hunting practices of the Makah people, plus see a life-size replica of a long house. There is an admission fee of ~$10. There is also a gift shop and restrooms inside.

*Please note that no photos or cameras are allowed inside the exhibits.

Shi Shi Beach

Shi Shi Beach is one of the most popular hikes in the area. It is about 5 miles round trip to the beach and can be a real adventure. It’s a flat walk until the end, but the trail is often extremely muddy. Navigating through the mud can be a little tough. Rain boots are highly recommended on this trail, but my waterproof boots still kept my feet dry throughout the end.

Towards the end of the trail, you’ll get glimpses of the beach below you. Then you’ll reach the hardest part of the trail, a steep staircase. Be sure to bring water because the hike back up can be challenging.

Once you’ve finished the hike, you’re welcomed by a black sandy beach. There are large rock formations on both sides of the beach. It’s common to walk towards the arch rocks on the left side of the beach. This makes the total trail 8.8 miles long. That part is totally optional, though.

Visit Ozette

Ozette is part of the Olympic National Park and is located about 20 miles from Highway 112. This is where the artifacts of the Makah Museum originated. This area is filled with deep history and a connection to the Makah Tribe. There are several trails here, including two three-mile boardwalks leading to the coast, which are a great place to spot migrating whales and seals.

CHECK OUT: Perfect Olympic Peninsula Road Trip (Map + Where to Stay)

Where to Eat?

After a long day of exploring, you may be looking for some food to refuel. While Neah Bay is a small town, they do have a few restaurants to choose from.

• Pat’s Place: Traditional indian tacos
• Linda’s Woodfire Pizza: This is a local favorite. They are rarely open, so if you’re able to catch them, then you’re lucky. They specialize in pizza, but often offer king salmon and fresh crab too.
• Calvin’s Crabhouse: A restaurant specializing in fried fish with daily soup and bakery specials.
• Native Grounds Espresso: A coffee shop serving up breakfast, paninis, and salads.

DISCOVER: Where to Eat In and Around Olympic National Park

Where to Stay?

While I’ve done this part of Olympic National Park as a day trip several times, it can be an exhausting day. So, if you’re looking for a place to stay, there are a couple of options.

• Hobuck Beach Resort: This resort offers a wide range of options from tent camping, RV parking with full hook-ups, and cabins. Hobuck is only a few steps from the ocean, so it’s a great getaway to relax and restore. This campground offers a bathhouse with free showers and portable toilets around the site. You do need a Makah Recreation Pass to access the resort.
• Ozette Campground: Ran by the National Park Service, this campground is located at Ozette Lake. This campground is first-come, first-served. It offers a pit toilet and potable water in the summer, but is a primitive camp during the winter.
• Cape Resort: This resort offers camping, RV parking with hook-ups, and cabins for rent. It’s located across the street from the beachfront in Neah Bay. This site has full bathrooms, showers, and coin-operated laundry.

DON’T MISS: Best Places to Camp In and Around Olympic National Park

What Else Do I Need to Know?

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