Journey to the far Northwest Corner of the Continental United States

The destination was Cape Flattery, the most Northwest point in the Continental United States. The plan was to take the Scenic Byway - Hwy 112 along the Straights of Juan de Fuca and then hike the Cape Flattery Trail.

This is a trip I've made a few times before but I've been wanting to go again for a while now and I wanted to take Jim on the hike. I knew he would grumble a bit about the hike, not long, but a little tough on knees, but I also knew he would love the destination and agree the walk was worth it.

This trip can be done in a day from Seattle but much better to plan an overnight stay somewhere on the Olympic Peninsula.

First stop for us is usually Sunny Farms Country Store along HWY 101 in Sequim. Along with a wonderful grocery and nursery they have a great deli and we pick up custom sandwiches, beverages and snacks for the drive.

After turning off HWY 101 onto HWY 112 we stopped at Salt Creek Recreation Area where you'll find camping, picnic areas, playgrounds and several paths to the rocky and sandy beaches.

Above: Oystercatchers

A photographer from Seattle heading out to try and get photos of the Oystercatchers.

Deer roam the park.

Normally we would continue on along HWY 112 to Neah Bay and on the the Cape Flattery Trail, but the winter storms have closed HWY at milepost 37 so we take the Joyce Piedmont Road to reconnect with with HWY 101 and head west again along the shore of Lake Crescent.

The fog was still lifting but the drive was beautiful and the reflections perfect.

We eventually took HWY 113 to cut back up to HWY 112 beyond the landslide that caused the closure.

Once in Neah Bay stop to pick up a recreational permit at the Makah Museum and do take time to tour this amazing museum.

Drive on through town following signs to Cape Flattery. The road is paved all the way and there is a nice parking lot with rest rooms at the trail head.

The 3/4 mile trail is a moderate hike, part dirt path, part boardwalk and while not a great elevation change, the steps can be hard for some.

At the final destination you'll look out into the Pacific Ocean and see Tatoosh Island with the Cape Flattery Lighthouse.

Views in every direction, including "down" are spectacular.

This couple sat on very edge of the cliff looking into the sunset and below at the waves breaking on the rocky shore.

Abby along the trail - this part made of tree roots.

The sunset reflects on the trees above as the boardwalk stairs are already in the shade of evening.

A final look back toward the Pacific Ocean after sunset.

We headed home, a long drive, but to make a perfect ending, and break up the drive we stopped in Port Angeles at a favorite restaurant, Bella Italia.

I just Googled to get a link for Bella Italia and noticed this statement on their site: "TWILIGHT FANS" : Bella and Edward had their very first date at Bella Italia and had a delicious dinner of mushroom ravoli.

That's what I had last night and it was WONDERFUL!