Cape Alava, Westernmost cape in Olympic National Park, Washington, United States
Cape Alava is a coastal headland in Olympic National Park's western section, accessed by a boardwalk that winds through temperate rainforest for several kilometers. The trail eventually reaches a sandy beach where the forest meets the ocean.
The location has long served as a significant point along the Pacific coast and was used strategically by multiple cultures. During the 1800s, a Japanese vessel arrived here after an extended drift across the ocean.
The indigenous Makah people maintained settlements near Cape Alava, utilizing the coastal resources and establishing connections with maritime activities.
Visitors should check tide tables before heading out, as high water levels can flood sections of the beach and limit exploration time. Planning the hike around lower tides ensures safer walking conditions along the shore.
The trail received National Recreation Trail designation in 1981 and serves as the western starting point for a major long-distance hiking route. This connection makes it an important landmark for backpackers crossing the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
