First Beach sits along Neah Bay on the Makah Reservation at the northwestern tip of Washington's Olympic Peninsula, accessible via Bayview Avenue that runs parallel to the waterfront through the community. This bay beach provides protected waters compared to the wild Pacific coastline just miles away at Cape Flattery, making it suitable for families and casual beach visitors. The beach features a mix of sand and gravel typical of protected bay beaches in the Pacific Northwest, with the waters of Neah Bay extending into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Views across the bay showcase the working waterfront of the Makah Marina where commercial and sport fishing vessels dock, while mountains rise in the distance creating scenic backdrops. Driftwood accumulates along the high tide line, providing natural seating and beach character. The Makah community of Neah Bay surrounds the beach, offering visitors a chance to experience indigenous culture at the westernmost point of the contiguous United States. Bald eagles are common sights, often perched in shoreline trees or soaring overhead hunting for fish. The beach serves both the local Makah community and visitors exploring this remote corner of Washington, with a Makah Recreation Pass required for parking and beach access at 20 dollars per vehicle valid for the calendar year.
Beachcombing occupies many visitors, with interesting shells, stones, and driftwood scattered along the shoreline deposited by tides and weather. Walking the beach provides exercise and relaxation while enjoying bay views and watching boat traffic in and out of Makah Marina. Bird watching rewards observers with sightings of bald eagles, great blue herons, various gull species, and other seabirds frequenting the protected bay waters. Swimming is possible during calm summer days, though the water remains quite cold even in peak season, making it more suitable for wading and quick dips rather than extended swimming. Fishing from shore can be productive, though the beach itself is part of a non-fishing resort area that emphasizes quiet enjoyment. Photography opportunities include marina scenes with colorful fishing vessels, mountain backdrops, eagle sightings, and dramatic weather conditions that characterize this northwest corner of the Olympic Peninsula. The beach provides convenient access to water views for those staying in Neah Bay while exploring nearby attractions including the Makah Cultural and Research Center museum, Cape Flattery Trail to the northwesternmost point of the lower 48 states, and the spectacular Shi Shi Beach requiring a scenic 2.5-mile rainforest hike. Tide pooling during low tides reveals marine life in rocky areas at the beach margins.
Dining options in Neah Bay provide variety considering the remote location. Warm House Restaurant serves American cuisine including steaks, fresh seafood caught in local waters, burgers, and traditional preparations in a casual family-friendly atmosphere at 1471 Bayview Avenue on the waterfront. Linda's Wood Fired Kitchen specializes in pizzas baked in wood-fired ovens, creating crispy crusts topped with various combinations including seafood, meats, vegetables, and cheese, perfect for casual dining at 1110 Bayview Avenue. Calvin's Crab House combines coffee shop atmosphere with fresh seafood specialties including Dungeness crab from local waters, fish and chips with halibut or cod, creamy clam chowder, salmon preparations, and other Pacific Northwest favorites at 160 Bayview Avenue. Bigginz Burgers Seafood features burgers prepared with quality beef in classic and specialty styles, fresh seafood including grilled salmon and halibut, fish tacos, and food truck-style casual service convenient for beachgoers. Cedar Shack Espresso and Ice Cream provides coffee drinks, ice cream, and yogurt treats perfect for post-beach refreshment at 1260 Bayview Avenue, with sweet options ideal for families with children seeking dessert after exploring the waterfront.
