Cape Flattery, WA

Posted by free.ranger (A) on October 31, 2014 at 18:39:04

This is the tip of Washington state's Olympic Peninsula that juts out into the Pacific. It forms the southern shore of the entrance into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, leading down toward the ports of Seattle and Tacoma. Canada's mountainous Vancouver Island forms the north shore.

This rocky tip is part of the Juan de Fuca oceanic plate that has moved and uplifted to attach to the continental plate. It's a small basaltic piece that is very different geologically from the continental mass. A few miles inland, the Waatch River runs through the separation trough of the conjoining land parts, from the Makah Indian Reservation town of Neah Bay. This end of the Olympic Peninsula belongs to the Makah.

The Cape intercepts some of the worst weather in North America. There is a soggy hiking trail through a cedar and fern rainforest to the overlooking cliffs. This is a spectacular place. If you want to see it, I advise bringing heavy rain gear -- more often than not you'll need it.

Top down:
- Tug and barge entering the Strait, heading east-southeast toward Seattle-Tacoma. Vancouver Island is the background.
- Old growth red cedar.
- Basaltic cliffs and sea caves (4 photos).
- Tatoosh Island, half mile off shore, has a lighthouse marking the Strait entrance channel. Note the separated broken end rock where the fractured edges match.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

FAQ

Post a Message!

Forgot Password?

Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
	Remember my Moniker & Password (What's this?) Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:

Message:	(Posts are subject to Content Rules)

Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:	Automagically notify you when someone responds.

To view your new posting or follow-up, click on the RELOAD or REFRESH button on your browser.