Reaching farther out into the cold waters of the North Pacific than any other mainland point in the lower 48 states, this byway follows the shoreline of a glacial fjord that connects Puget Sound to the Pacific Ocean. While you travel along the remote stretch of coastline with rugged cliffs and forests, watch as eagles search for food among inter-tidal rocks and gray whales feed in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Natural wonders that are rare and exciting events in other places of the world are everyday occurrences here.
The Crescent Bay Loop travels right along the edge of the shore, offering striking views of the lapping waves and smooth, sandy beach. Get a little closer to the natural environment as you stroll along the beaches and scout for driftwood or other wind swept pieces of nature. Stopping by Pillar Point County Park will treat you to beach access and the imposing profile of Pillar Point. When visiting Clallam Bay County Park, relax with a picnic lunch or search for a memento of your trip. Take a self-guided tour among timber forests with rain forests, mountain terrains and cascading rivers.
Immerse yourself in the solitude of Lake Ozette. Olympic National Park is home to the largest undisturbed old-growth and temperate rain forests in the Northwest. View the wild shoreline looking out toward the Sail and Seal Rocks; these picturesque twin offshore rocks are the center of popular feeding grounds for gray whales. Later, watch for the many species of migrating and resident birds all along the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
The towns along the roadway offer information about the history of the byway and the people who once lived here. The Joyce General Store and Museum is a perfect example, with its early 20th Century building housing many artifacts from the logging industry. The building still has the same false front, oiled wood floors, and many of the original fixtures. Pieces of history are still preserved at the Salt Creek Recreation Center, where two concrete bunkers, sitting bunkers and army gun emplacements remain, a remnant of Fort Hayden and World War II. The light keeper's quarters still remain at Slip Point in Clallam Bay where the lighthouse and horn guided mariners since the very early 1900's.
Continue on to the Cape Flattery Tribal Scenic Byway and visit the Makah Indian Reservation, hike to the coast and to Cape Flattery, the most northwestern part of the contiguous United States. Along the trail and boardwalk is an excellent view of the 18-acre Tatoosh Island, the only piece of land between Cape Flattery and Asia. When you get tired walking the trails, visit the Makah Cultural Museum, which was originally built to house the thousands of artifacts recovered from an ancient Ozette fishing village.
Whether it's watching the waves break, learning about Native American cultures, or watching eagles soar high above you, the Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway will be an adventure to remember.
Birding Discoveries on the Strait of Juan de Fuca