Cape Flattery
Washington · Tribal · Pacific Northwest Region
Cape Flattery is the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States, the end of the map. A 0.75 mile boardwalk through old growth forest brings you to sea cave overlooks where the Pacific crashes into ancient rock and Tatoosh Island sits offshore in the mist with its lighthouse. The remoteness is the point. Orcas and gray whales pass offshore. The forest is ancient. It takes the word 'edge' seriously.
- Best season
- May through September
- Permit required
- Yes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Max group size
- 15 people
- Permit info verified
- April 2026
Permit Information
Located on the Makah Indian Reservation. A Makah Recreation Permit is required for all visitors ($20/vehicle, valid for one year, available at the Makah Visitor Center in Neah Bay). For groups larger than 5, call the Makah Nation directly to confirm any additional requirements for your gathering.
Seasonal Planning
May through September is driest and most accessible. Gray whale migration peaks in March through April. Orca sightings are possible summer through fall. The Makah Cultural Center in Neah Bay is worth visiting.
Planning Your Day at Cape Flattery
One-Spot Day
Cape Flattery one spot days are the whole point here. The 0.75 mile boardwalk ends at four observation platforms above sea caves, and that is the ceremony spot. Shi Shi Beach is the adventure option, a 4 mile one way hike to a wilderness beach with sea stacks. Pick based on stamina, the boardwalk is accessible, the beach is a real hike. Both require the Makah Recreation Permit.
Ceremony + Portraits Split
The two signature sites are about 15 minutes apart by road plus the respective hike times. Cape Flattery boardwalk and Shi Shi Beach trailhead both sit past Neah Bay. A ceremony at the overlooks and portraits at Shi Shi the next day is realistic if you are staying in Neah Bay or La Push. Same day split is tight, the Shi Shi hike alone is 6 to 8 hours with beach time.
A Note on Light
The overlook platforms face west toward the open Pacific, late afternoon and sunset light hits the cliff faces at a low angle and reveals the texture of the ancient rock. Misty overcast days add atmosphere rather than hurt the shoot, lean into the Pacific Northwest mood. Orcas and gray whales pass offshore seasonally, March through April peak for gray whales, summer through fall for orcas. The old growth forest along the trail gives filtered light for portraits on the walk in.
Ceremony Spots at Cape Flattery
- Cape Flattery Sea Cave Overlooks — Ceremony at the northwesternmost point of the contiguous US with sea cave and offshore island views
- Shi Shi Beach — Remote wilderness beach ceremony with sea stacks and tidepools at the edge of the Olympic coast