Neah Bay Lookout

Neah Bay Lookout had a 1940s frame cabin. We do not know when in the 1940s this cabin was built. We also do not know how long this cabin was used. It is likely nothing was here in 1942 when the Army built an AWS station called Neah just 2 miles to the Northwest. I would suspect the Army would have used the Neah Bay Lookout site if it existed in 1942.

It could be possible that the Neah Bay frame cabin is the AWS cabin moved to this location after the war. AWS records say the Army cabin was given to the private landowner Crown Zellerbach after the war for them to use at their will. Maybe the timber company moved it to a more needed location.

Finally, don’t confuse these two locations above with the site called Neah on the Makah Reservation. It was 4 miles to the Northwest, was an 80 foot Coast Guard AWS lookout tower that was used for fire after the war.

On Highway 112 between Neah Bay and Clallam Bay is the signed Sekiu River Road. Leave the highway and drive up passing several homes. Soon you come to a gate at Private Timberlands (Campbell Group or Pacific West Timber in 2020). The signs at the gate are contradictory. They say authorized vehicles only but on the same sign in red says that daytime recreational use is allowed. Other signs nearby say No Trespassing. I’m pretty sure you can go in but maybe make a call or two if you are not prepared to get locked in behind a gate. Website information appears it could be referring to non-motorized vehicles only. Follow the good gravel and paved sections of the North Fork Sekiu River Road until the turn for the lookout on the right (see map). Follow road to the end and park. Work has been done and any car should be able to make it.

Although short, the bushwhack to the top is pretty horrendous. BUT, if you can find it, there is a cut brush trail that takes you most of the way. The first part of the trail is hard to find. At the top, look for an opening in the jungle, be carful not to step on nails poking upward.

Neah Bay Lookout Site