Clallam Bay to Neah Bay Scenic Drive

This route is primarily a scenic drive along Highway 112, serving as a gateway to several remarkable hiking experiences in the northwestern Olympic Peninsula. It leads to the Makah Indian Reservation and the outermost reaches of the contiguous United States, offering dramatic coastal and forest scenery. While the komoot tour is categorized as a hike, it refers to the overall journey and access to trails, not a continuous hiking path along the road itself.

The most popular hiking trails accessible from this route are the Cape Flattery Trail and the Shi Shi Beach Trail. The Cape Flattery Trail leads to the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States, offering spectacular ocean views. The Shi Shi Beach Trail takes you through a rainforest to a rugged, scenic beach known for its dramatic sea stacks at Point of Arches.

The hiking terrain varies significantly. Trails like Cape Flattery feature a mix of well-groomed paths, boardwalks, and stairs, often traversing coastal forests. The Shi Shi Beach Trail involves a rainforest path and wooden steps down to the beach. You'll encounter rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, and dramatic sea stacks. The driving portion of Highway 112 itself is winding with some steep hills and dense woods.

Yes, a Makah Recreation Permit is required for hiking and visiting beaches on the Makah Indian Reservation, which includes popular destinations like Cape Flattery and Shi Shi Beach. This permit helps support the local community and maintain the natural areas.

The difficulty of hiking varies. The Cape Flattery Trail is generally considered easy to moderate, featuring well-maintained paths and boardwalks, making it a good option for beginners. Other trails, like Shi Shi Beach, are moderate and may require more exertion. The scenic drive itself is winding and slow-going.

The best time to visit is typically during the drier months, from late spring through early fall (May to October), when weather conditions are generally more favorable for hiking and enjoying the coastal views. However, the Olympic Peninsula can experience rain year-round, so be prepared for changing conditions.

Regulations regarding dogs on trails within the Makah Indian Reservation can vary. It's best to check with the Makah Tribe or local visitor information centers for the most current rules regarding pets on specific trails like Cape Flattery and Shi Shi Beach. Generally, if allowed, dogs must be kept on a leash.

Parking is available at trailheads for specific hikes. For example, there is a designated parking area for the Cape Flattery Trail. For Shi Shi Beach, you'll typically drive through Neah Bay to reach its trailhead parking. Remember that a Makah Recreation Permit is required for accessing these areas.

Along the drive, you'll pass through settlements like Sekiu and Neah Bay. You can also visit the Makah Tribal Cemetery and learn about the rich culture at the Makah Museum in Neah Bay. The drive itself offers stunning vistas of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and leads to the iconic Cape Flattery.

The region is rich in wildlife. You might spot marine mammals such as seals, otters, and various bird species. Gray whales and orcas can sometimes be seen offshore, especially during migration seasons. The diverse ecosystems also support unique plant life, including towering Douglas firs, Ponderosa, Lodgepole Pines, and hemlocks.

While primarily a driving route, the area it covers does include sections of other paths. The komoot tour itself briefly touches upon official trails such as 460 (2% of the route) and Fr-S-1000 (2% of the route), which are part of the broader network of paths in the region.