Travel along the northern coast of the Olympic Peninsula to Neah Bay and Cape Flattery. Hike to Shi Shi Beach or glide a kayak into Freshwater Bay.
Neah Bay and Cape Flattery
Reasons to Go
To see the farthest northwest point in the continental United States
A fascinating three-quarter-mile boardwalk trail through the forest and along incredible seaside terrain
Amazing sea caves and tidal pools
A spectacular vista at the end of the trail, which includes forbidden Tatoosh Island, Cape Flattery Lighthouse, and sea mammals – such as otters, sea lions, dolphins, seals, and whales
Makah Museum, which displays thousands of artifacts unearthed from a 500-year-old Native American fishing village
Shi Shi is the northernmost beach of the Olympic National Park, and the purest stretch of coastline in the Pacific Northwest. It is a two-mile, crescent-shaped strip of sand framed by the Point of Arches—a glorious headland of sea stacks, jagged rocks and captivating arches.
Not for the faint of heart, the first mile of the 3.3-mile trail winds through forest and bogs via cedar-planked boardwalks and bridges. The next piece of trail gives way to muddy terrain. Once you reach the boundary of the Olympic National Park, the only thing between you and Shi Shi beach is a steep trail down a 150-foot bluff. Brace your knees.
When you emerge into the raw wilderness of this spectacular beach, where dunes and bluffs hem the sandy shoreline, and giant logs dance in the thundering breakers, take a deep breath and enjoy. Just remember that you must eventually hike back.
For birders, Freshwater Bay is home to aucklets, common loons, cormorants, surf scoters, pigeon guillemonts, harlequins, marbled murrelets, bald eagles, muerres, phaloropes, and more.
An hour from Cape Flattery Trailhead. Rent a Kayak from Adventures in Kayaking.
