Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway

Port Angeles to Neah Bay

Olympic Peninsula · Washington · United States

Key measurements

Distance

64.9 miles

Elevation gain

3,557 ft

Elevation loss

4,070 ft

High point

608 ft

Low point

10 ft

Net change

-511 ft (526 ft to 14 ft)

Surface

Paved

Route type

point-to-point

Route Overview

Extending along the northern edge of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, Washington State Route 112—designated the Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway—runs from just west of Port Angeles to the tip of the continent at Neah Bay. The 64.9-mile point-to-point trip skirts the boundary between dense coastal rainforest, working timberlands, and the saltwater passage separating the United States from Vancouver Island.

The route stays low in absolute elevation, topping out at just 608 feet near mile 19.2 before dropping down to sea level near Sekiu at mile 51.5. Despite the modest altitude, the ride is physically engaging. WA-112 winds continuously through thick cedar and fir canopy, drops into tidal coves, and tracks unstable coastal bluffs that are perpetually reshaped by North Pacific storms and maritime moisture.

Key Segments & Geographic Transitions

Port Angeles Foothills & Pysht Uplands — Miles 0.0–20.0

Branching northwest off US-101 outside Port Angeles, the route immediately transitions into dense rainforest and active timberland. The initial stretch ascends gently through coastal foothills toward the small settlement of Joyce, reaching the trip's summit of about 608 feet near mile 19.2 in the upland drainage above the Pysht River.

Here, the asphalt weaves through tight inland curves under heavy timber canopy, punctuated by gravel-dusted logging spur cutoffs and occasional openings in the forest.

Strait Coast to Clallam Bay — Miles 20.0–45.0

Past mile 20, the road drops back toward the coast and begins following the shoreline bluffs westward. Views open across the Strait of Juan de Fuca, where ocean freighters move through the waterway against the backdrop of Vancouver Island's southern mountains.

The highway continues through a mix of forested coastal terrain and small communities as it approaches Clallam Bay. The road remains narrow and winding in places, with frequent transitions between enclosed timber sections and exposed stretches overlooking the strait.

Sekiu & Neah Bay — Miles 45.0–64.9

Around mile 45, the highway descends directly to sea level at Clallam Bay and continues past Sekiu, reaching its lowest elevation of about 9.9 feet near mile 51.5. The final 13 miles to Neah Bay hug the shoreline tightly, following the natural contour of the coastal shelf before entering the Makah Indian Reservation.

The route ends along Bayview Avenue in Neah Bay, completing the westward traverse of Washington's northern Olympic Peninsula.

Seasonal & Environmental Context

The Olympic Peninsula's northern coast is one of the wettest environments in North America. Persistent ocean fog, drizzle, and heavy rainfall mean damp pavement is a constant condition, even during midsummer. Shaded corners under dense forest canopy rarely dry out completely.

The geology underlying WA-112 consists of soft mudstone and glacial till sitting on steep coastal slopes. Landslides, roadbed subsidence, and pavement settling are chronic along this corridor. Expect rough asphalt transitions, patched pavement, and occasional temporary gravel bypasses where active slides are monitored or repaired. In winter and early spring, gale-force coastal winds frequently throw storm debris and fallen trees across the roadway.

Logistics & Services

Fuel and services are readily available at the start in Port Angeles. Once on WA-112, services become sparse: limited fuel and basic supplies can be found in Clallam Bay, Sekiu, and Neah Bay, but operating hours outside the summer season can be unpredictable. Carry sufficient fuel from Port Angeles to cover the round trip if riding early or late in the day.

Cellular coverage is spotty to nonexistent along major sections of WA-112, particularly in the inland timber stretches between Joyce and Clallam Bay.

Important Considerations

Neah Bay is located within the sovereign land of the Makah Tribe. Visitors staying in or exploring the area outside the main roadway corridor—such as visiting coastal trails or parking at beaches—are required to purchase a Makah Recreation Pass, which is available at local businesses upon entering town.

Timber harvesting is a primary industry along the peninsula; active logging trucks frequently enter and exit WA-112 from unpaved forestry roads, often tracking mud and loose gravel into the corners. Respect posted tribal speed limits strictly when entering Neah Bay and surrounding reservation lands.