Neah Bay

Neah Bay is a small town on the northwest side of Washington state's Olympic Peninsula. It's the northwestern most town of the contiguous United States, with its coast facing north towards Canada's Vancouver Island. The whole town and its surrounding areas are part of the Makah Indian Reservation.

Understand
Neah Bay is on Admiralty Inlet, north of Olympic National Park and close to Cape Flattery, which is the northwestern most point of the contiguous United States.

The Makah (pron.: /məˈkɑː/, from the Klallam name for the tribe, màq̓áʔa) are a Native American tribe that lives in and around Neah Bay. Their reservation on the northwest tip of the Olympic Peninsula includes Tatoosh Island. The Makah people refer to themselves as "Kwih-dich-chuh-ahtx" ( Qʷidiččaʔa·tx̌ ) which translates as "the people who live by the rocks and seagulls".

The cities of Clallam Bay and Sekiu are within half an hour away along Highway 112; altogether they have a combined population of only about 800 people. Due to the minimum population & attractions for each cities, this travel guide covers all three areas.

A Makah Reservation Recreational Permit is required for every vehicle visiting Neah Bay. It can be purchased for $20 at the marina, the museum & cultural center, Makah Mini Mart, Visitors Center, and the Hobuck Beach Resort, and is valid for one calendar year.

By car
The intersection of Highway 113 and US-Highway 101 is 44 mi (70 km) west of Port Angeles and 12.3 mi (19 km) north of Forks in Sappho. From the intersection it is another 37 mi (59 km) to Neah Bay. Hwy 113 becomes Hwy 112 when the road turns westwards in Clallam Bay town/village and ends in Neah Bay.

By bus
Neah Bay is served by  from Forks via Sappho and Sekieu. From Port Angeles take the #14 Clallam Transit bus towards Forks and get off at Sappho (there is a gravel parking lot before the intersection with Hwy 113). Transfer to the #16 bus coming from Forks to get to Neah Bay. See schedules. The first & last stop for Clallam Transit in town is in front of the Senior Center at Bayview (SR-112) & Kal-Chote.

By plane
The can be used for general aviation and air taxi. If your aircraft need to land in a longer runway, you may land at Forks or Port Angeles.

The nearest airports for commercial passenger flights are in Sea-Tac and Victoria

By boat
You can request for moorage at the Makah Marina, which is right at the city center.

Get around
Every attraction within the city proper can be reached on foot. You have to drive a car, however, to get to other attractions, especially Cape Flattery.

By bus
The Makah Tribe operates to provide local public transportation in and around town on a single route.

Buy
There are no ATM branches from big banks in the area, though small ATMs that spits out only a handful of cash may be found at fuel stations. A few major establishments accept cards but you are advised to bring at least a stash of cash.

Arts and crafts can be bought at the museum shop.

Drink
You won't find alcohol in the town as it is forbidden in the Makah Indian Reservation Area. The above restaurants in Sekiu and Clallam Bay also serves alcohol.

Sleep
Places to sleep mostly consist of motels and small houses that are scattered throughout the area. You can choose a city-center location or secluded with a beach. You are in luck if you want to enjoy the great outdoors, as many sites offer camping and RV hookups.

Stay safe
Alcohol and marijuana are prohibited in the Makah Indian Reservation area, although it is in Washington state where both are legal for ages 21 and above. Please do not attempt to or inadvertently bring them into the area to avoid any further hassle.

Certain species of dogs are also prohibited from roaming the reservation area and all canines are not allowed on Shi-Shi Beach as it's part of the Olympic National Park.

If you are traveling in the wintertime, you are advised to check the weather forecast as it is frequently rainy and sometimes stormy. High winds can cause power outages and rain can cause mudslides. Check with your resort regarding travel advisories before you get there.

Connect
Mobile connection can be spotty and so far, only Verizon phones can receive signal well in this "remote" part of the USA. When you use your phone along the highway, it can sometimes switch to a Canadian cellular network without you knowing it. Turn off the international roaming to avoid paying a high roaming fare.

It is advisable to bring a physical map in addition to the map on your smartphone, especially if you are venturing out further into the Indian Reservation where you may have little luck in finding a signal.

Wireless Internet is usually available at hotels and selected restaurants.

Go next
As Neah Bay is the last frontier of western Washington, there's no other way but to get back to land and explore the rest of the Olympic Peninsula.
 * Olympic National Park is the main attraction of the peninsula.
 * The largest city in the peninsula, Port Angeles can be reached by taking a left on the US-101 intersection.
 * Forks is straight at the same junction.