Cape Flattery Observation Deck — Attraction in Neah Bay

Amazing and breathtaking experience. Keep in mind that you must first stop downtown in the Neah Bay Makah Reservation to get a permit - local businesses like Pats Place, the Visitors Center, Makah Museum etc sell the $20 pass which covers one car for the calendar year.

Then you make the 15-20 min drive up to the parking lot. On the way in, the trail is completely downhill and starts off as a dirt path which then transitions to some wooden pathways/small bridges. It is about a 25ish minute walk down for a typical adult in shape so it may take longer if you have kids, are disabled, etc. Once you get to the end of the trailhead there are a few observation points. Definitely visit all. I went on a Sunday non-holiday afternoon and it was quite busy with crowds but was able to see everything and get great pictures. Be warned that the hike back to the parking lot is completely uphill, with stairs. Doable and there are benches/resting points. The last stretch is the hardest as the incline is steep but folks of all ages and bodies were there doing it so definitely don’t miss out! Unfortunately I would say this trail is NOT...

It is a very curvy road to get to the area. We took this .75 mile trail ("hike") in late August. You must buy a ticket at "Pat's Place" (very pleasant people). The trail is shady. Not "buggy" with mosquitoes. (YAY!) It ends at the NW tip of the U.S. with a 200 feet elevation change. Weather was perfect. We went around noon on a weekday. VERY crowded. This presents a problem on the narrow, long "boardwalks" or "sidewalks" as they aren't wide enough to pass oncoming pedestrian traffic easily (see pic). Highly recommend going in the morning or closer to sunset. It also presents a problem trying to take photos. (The park does close 30 min after sunset.) Dogs are allowed on leashes. We saw 2 get into a fight on the wooden planks because it wasn't wide enough for them to pass comfortably (see pic). I was able to make this "journey" without much trouble even though I had a hip replacement 4 months ago. It is NOT wheelchair accessible. There is parking near the "trailhead." I saw parents with very young children there but I would not attempt it. Too many places to fall - and...

The view was simply...spec-tacular!!

The, "short easy hike" ya'll keep describing on these reviews...I guess if you are 20 and your lungs can still keep up, yeah it's a piece of cake.

We older folk can do it, let's not get crazy, however it is neither short nor easy...it's a freaking hike.

I still recommend it highly, just want you to be fully prepared so you are able to handle the slight "challenges" you will face.

If, on a daily basis, you cross your fingers when you take a step up on something hoping that your knee doesn't give out...this will be a hard walk for you.

If, you get winded in the grocery store trying to find anything...this will be a hard walk for you.

HOWEVER...you can do this hike, just know it has some obstacles, but it is absolutely doable.

Take your time, prepare your mind and body that you will have to hike BACK UP the mountain. Don't be ashamed to sit on the benches provided. It will be your saving grace!

Because the end result is the most breathtaking view of God's beautiful creation, and it is...