Day 5 Neah Bay, Cape Flattery, Makah Museum, Lake Ozette
Head to the most Northwestern tip of the lower 48, visiting Cape Flattery on the Makah Reservation located 75 miles NW of PA on Hwy 112. Cape Flattery is located approx 7 miles from Neah Bay. The newly constructed wooden walk way takes you to some of the most gorgeous, rugged and wild scenery on the Pacific Coast.
Be sure to take time to explore the internationally known Makah Museum. The museum is open every day during the summer months and closed Mondays and Tuesdays from Sept. 16 through May 31. Hours are 10AM-5PM. The Makah Museum is the nation’s sole repository for archaeological discoveries at the Makah Coastal village of Ozette. The centuries old village was located 15 miles south of present day Neah Bay. Ozette served the Makah people as a year-around home well into the 20th century.
In 1970 tidal erosion exposed a group of 500 year old Ozette homes that have been perfectly preserved in an ancient mud slide. The thousands of artifacts subsequently discovered have helped recreate Makahs’ rich and exciting history as whalers, fishermen, hunters, gatherers, crafts people, basket weavers, and warriors. Lake Ozette is located off of Hwy 112 on the Hoko-Ozette Road and follow the road 21 miles to the Ozette Ranger Station.
Three miles of planked trail lead the hiker to Sand Point, one of the most beautiful and primitive beaches on the coast. Continuing north along the beach you will find dozens of Indian petroglyphs at Wedding Rocks, ask for the interpretive handout at the ranger station. The northern point of this 9 mile triangular trail is Cape Alava, with a rocky shore and reefs to explore at low tide. Cape Alava is also the site of an ancient Makah village. The site is now closed and marked with a small sign. Be sure to check a tide table and carry the 10 essentials – and lots of film as seals, deer, eagles and perhaps osprey, otters and whales may be there, rain or shine! Hike north to Cape Alava along the beach to keep the ocean breeze at your back, and avoid vibram- soled shoes as the cedar plank walkway can be slick!