Cape Flattery is the northwestern-most point in the lower 48. You can drive almost to the tip but not quite. You'll need to hoof it another .75 miles on the Cape Flattery Trail to get to the spectacular view points at the end of the trail. This is where the Pacific Ocean meets the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
The Makah Indian Nation have designated Cape Flattery a nature sanctuary and also maintain this amazing trail. They are good enough to allow dogs (on leash) to hike the trail as well. (Unlike those dog hating snobs with the National Park Service!)
While it was overcast and drizzly today, somehow that seems appropriate for this place, which gets over 100 inches of rain a year.
The views from here are crazy good. Tatoosh Island is just off the tip of the cape - and technically the northernmost point - but it's pretty tough to get out there. It sports an automated lighthouse and the only residents are sea lions and birds.
At the end of the trail is a lookout platform with a steep couple of stairs. Rudy walked right up and didn't balk about going down them when we were done. I was impressed! (Mostly because I had to be pretty dang careful both ways!)
There are lots of sea caves and if you stop to think about it long you realize you're standing on a honeycomb of caves underneath you. One of the information signs even mentions that sometimes you can feel how the crashing waves makes the cape shake a bit.
Even though Cape Flattery is off the beaten path, if you're up this way, it's definitely worth a visit!
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