ADDRESS

Makah Nation
Neah Bay, WA

HOURS

Open Year Round
10:00am – 5:00pm
Harsh weather closures

AMENITIES

Camping, Lodging, Picnic Facilities, Restrooms, Trails

Cape Flattery is the most northwest tip of the contiguous United States. Located on the Makah Nation at Neah Bay, the Cape offers stunning views of marine mammals, birds, and dramatic marine landscapes. A 3.5 mile trail winds from a parking lot to the tip of the Cape, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the entrance of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Tatoosh Island.

The Whale Trail site is at Cape Flattery. To access the Cape Flattery Trail, follow the signs at the entrance to the Reservation. Be sure to buy a permit at the Makah Museum and Cultural Center.

WHERE THE WHALES ARE

Cape Flattery offers a spectacular vantage to see marine mammals. From the lookout platform at the end of the trail, look down in any direction – you may see gray whales swimming below, or sea otters in the kelp beds. Further out, look for orcas or other whales passing near Tatoosh Island.

You can also see marine mammals Makah Marina. Sea lions are often hauled out at docks in the marina. Transient orcas have come into the marina in recent years, hunting the sea lions.

SEA-SOUND NODE

The Makah Tribe participates in the sea-sound network, which is a series of hyrdophones placed at strategic locations around the Sound. By listening to orca calls on the hydrophones, listeners can detect which pods are present and where they are. These acoustic data are complementing photo-ID and other studies, and are especially valuable in the winter when visibility is poor. The hydrophone at Neah Bay is located near the Makah Museum and Cultural Center.

RESEARCH AND INTERPRETATION

The Makah Tribe has a full-time marine biologist on staff, who conducts regular surveys of the marine mammals in the area. During the summer, members of the tribe serve as natural history guides on the Cape Flattery trail, educating visitors about marine mammals and Makah culture.

MAP AND DIRECTIONS

VIEWING GUIDE

View our guide on how to watch marine animals from shore.

NOMINATE A SITE

Fill out our nomination form for that amazing site.

SHARE YOUR STORY

Share your inspiring story below or tag #thewhaletrail.

SUPPORT US

The Whale Trail depends on your support. Get involved!