This is a virtual cache. There is no container to find at the posted coordinates, and no log sheet to sign. To claim a find on this geocache, you must travel to the location and mail me the answers to the questions below. To park at the trailhead, you will need to purchase a Makah Recreation Pass from one of several locations in Neah Bay. As of 2022, the pass costs $20 and is good for the entire calendar year in which it was purchased.
Logging Requirements
To log a found it for this geocache, you must perform both of the following tasks. Logs that do not comply with these requirements will be deleted.
- At the posted coordinates, there are three informational signs. Read them to answer the following questions. Message me the answers within 5 days of logging your find. Do not post your answers or spoiler photos.
- A) A Sanctuary of Life: What three words are in quotes?
- B) Historic Vantage Point: From this vantage point, Makahs sighted early European expeditions that were searching for what?
- C) The Ocean's Siege: Ocean waves will eventually erode the cliffs. Within what timespan will the ground here be gone?
- UPDATE: One of these signs is missing. Which one?
- Include with your log a photo of yourself and your GPS, or if you prefer, just a photo of your GPS, taken at the posted coordinates with a unique feature of this area in the background. It could be the lighthouse island, a sea cave, or the sheer cliffs nearby. If your camera is also your GPS, use some other object to demonstrate that you are a geocacher.
Description
While this is neither the Northernmost point (that's in Minnesota) nor the Westernmost point (that's farther down the coast at Cape Alava), Cape Flattery is considered the Northwest corner of the continental United States. Your hike to the coastal viewpoint will afford spectacular views of ocean cliffs, sea caves, and a plethora of wildlife. Cormorants perch on the cliffsides, puffins and other shore birds abound, sea lions sun themselves on a distant rock, and you may even be blessed enough to spot a whale breaching nearby. Directly out from the viewpoint is Tatoosh Island, whose prominent feature is the Cape Flattery Light, a now-decommissioned lighthouse built in 1854.
Bring your binoculars! If you forget, a Makah Tribe member is usually posted at the viewpoint and may have a pair you can borrow for a short time.
Warnings
- Cell phone reception is spotty at best. My Verizon phone welcomed me to Canada during the hike, and charged me a fee. Portions of the drive and hike had no coverage at all. Plan accordingly.
- The path and vantage points are well marked and have safety rails. However, keep a very close eye on your little ones if wandering off the trail or around the platforms, as there are very sheer cliffs.
- As mentioned above, you will need a Makah Recreation Pass to park at the trailhead.
- Being a reservation, state laws do not apply. Possession of marijuana is considered illegal here, in accordance with current federal law. Leave your stash at home.
Virtual Reward - 2017/2018
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between August 24, 2017 and August 24, 2018. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards on the Geocaching Blog.