Second Beach in Neah Bay receives its name from the sequential designation of beaches along Bayview Avenue on the Makah Reservation, where multiple beaches line the bay parallel to the main waterfront road through this remote indigenous community at Washington's northwestern corner. This protected bay beach sits along the Strait of Juan de Fuca rather than the open Pacific Ocean, creating calmer conditions compared to the wild coastal beaches accessed from Cape Flattery and other western points on the reservation. The beach features a mix of sand and gravel characteristic of protected bay shorelines in the Pacific Northwest, with driftwood accumulations along the high tide line providing natural seating and beach character. Views extend across Neah Bay toward the working waterfront of Makah Marina where commercial fishing vessels and recreational boats dock, while distant mountains create scenic backdrops across the water. The Makah community surrounds the beach, offering visitors opportunities to experience indigenous culture at the westernmost incorporated place in the contiguous United States. A Makah Recreation Pass is required for beach access and parking, costing 20 dollars per vehicle and valid for the calendar year, supporting the tribe's management of these public lands. Bald eagles are frequently spotted perched in shoreline trees or soaring overhead hunting for fish in the nutrient-rich waters.
Beachcombing draws visitors throughout the year, with tides depositing shells, smooth stones, driftwood pieces, and occasional glass floats along the shoreline. Walking the beach provides gentle exercise while enjoying bay views and observing boat traffic moving in and out of Makah Marina as fishing vessels depart for Pacific waters or return with their catches. Bird watching rewards observers with sightings of bald eagles, great blue herons stalking the shallows, various gull species, cormorants, and other seabirds that frequent these protected bay waters. Swimming is possible during calm summer days, though water temperatures remain quite cold even during peak season, making it more suitable for wading and brief dips rather than extended swimming sessions. Fishing from shore can be productive for species that frequent the bay, though regulations and tribal fishing rights should be respected. Photography captures marina scenes with colorful fishing boats, bald eagles in flight or perched positions, mountain backdrops across the strait, and the dramatic weather patterns that characterize this northwest corner of the Olympic Peninsula. The beach provides convenient water access for visitors staying in Neah Bay while exploring nearby attractions including the Makah Cultural and Research Center museum showcasing the tribe's whaling heritage and archaeological finds, Cape Flattery Trail leading to the northwesternmost point of the lower 48 states, and Shi Shi Beach requiring a scenic 2.5-mile hike through coastal rainforest. Tide pooling during low tides reveals marine life in rocky areas at the beach margins including sea stars, anemones, and crabs.
Neah Bay's dining scene offers variety considering the remote location at the edge of the Olympic Peninsula. Warm House Restaurant serves American cuisine including steaks grilled to order, fresh seafood caught in local Makah tribal waters including salmon and halibut preparations, classic burgers with various toppings, and traditional American dishes in a casual family-friendly waterfront atmosphere at 1471 Bayview Avenue. Linda's Wood Fired Kitchen specializes in pizzas baked in traditional wood-fired ovens creating crispy crusts, topped with combinations including pepperoni, sausage, fresh vegetables, seafood options, and multiple cheese blends at 1110 Bayview Avenue. Calvin's Crab House combines coffee shop atmosphere with fresh seafood specialties featuring Dungeness crab caught in waters off the Makah coast, beer-battered fish and chips with cod or halibut, creamy clam chowder with local clams, grilled salmon with seasonal preparation, and other Pacific Northwest favorites at 160 Bayview Avenue. Bigginz Burgers Seafood features classic burgers prepared with quality beef in various styles, fresh seafood including grilled wild salmon and pan-seared halibut, fish tacos with cabbage slaw, and food truck-style casual service convenient for beachgoers seeking quick satisfying meals. Cedar Shack Espresso and Ice Cream provides espresso drinks, drip coffee, ice cream in multiple flavors, frozen yogurt, and sweet treats perfect for post-beach refreshment at 1260 Bayview Avenue, offering family-friendly dessert options.
