Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway – SR 112

State: Washington
Length: 61.08 miles / 98.3 km
Time to Allow: Plan for 2 to 8 hours, depending on the number of stops you make.

For a shorter byway in Washington, travel the Straight of Juan de Fuca Highway on SR 112 just north of Seattle. The entire byway only measures 61 miles and borders the Pacific Ocean and the Salish Sea close to the San Juan Islands and Canada. At the tail end of SR 112 sits the Puget Sound body of water just north of Seattle near Whidbey Island. Take about two hours to drive the byway just for the scenery or take a full day to really enjoy the area. If you are lucky, you will spot eagles, gray whales, and otters along the coast.

Start your journey in the west at Neath Bay, right at the tip of Washington, the very edge of America, just a short swim to Canada. The Makah Indian reservation sits at the tip as well, with a rocky coast with incredibly blue waters turning the area into an oasis worth of film. Check out the Cape Flattery Trail surrounded by tiny islands for some breathtaking views. Then move on to the Makah Cultural and Research Center to learn about the natives.

The area also offers fishing with charters and tours. Make sure to check out Shi Shi Beach but don’t plan to swim as the water is filled with rocks. Take a Big Tree Tour over visit Lake Ozette for a swim. The Cape Motel and RV Park is a great place to park while you explore the area. Another fun stop along the way is Shipwreck point, with foothills covered in trees and rock. Nearby, stay at the Chito Beach Resort with delightful coastline cottages along the strait with full views of the Salish Sea, and it’s close to Cape flattery too, or take a hike around the Olympic National Park at Sol Duc Falls and Marymere Falls.

Stop in Joyce to visit Lake Crescent Lake or the Salt Creek Recreation Area. Kids can go to Camp David Jr for group retreats in the Olympic National Park. The Elwha Dam Removal Sit is nearby too, with beautiful access to the water. From there, you can do a little gambling at the Elwha River Casino or go to the Olympic Hot Springs for a refreshing water visit. Rent kayaks and canoes nearby, too, for more fun. Joyce also has a museum and a general store for a little local culture.

The byway ends at Port Angeles, where route ST 112 turns into 101. Take a ride on the Black Ball Ferry Line or visit the Salt Creek Recreation Area for some rest and relaxation. The Ediz Hook Reserve offers a great place to walk near the water. Port Angeles offers a pier too and a fine arts center too. Kids will love the Feiro Marine Life Center with an aquarium and educational opportunities. With Seattle so close, you could drive a little farther and enjoy a few nights in the city or even head up to Canada for a longer trek.

More Washington Byways

You can check out additional Byways in Washington by clicking on the list of byways below, or by going to the Washington Byways home section. To find even more of scenic byways in the United States, visit our scenic byways map.