NEAH BAY – A free shuttle is available from the Makah Cultural and Research Center on Bay View Avenue to Cape Flattery while a road between that scenic point and Neah Bay is under construction.
The road, which is now gravel, is being paved by Scarsella Brothers Inc.
During construction work, the shuttle is the only way to get to Cape Flattery – the most northwestern point of the contiguous United States.
The shuttle leaves the museum about every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. until about 3:45 p.m.
The last shuttle returns from the cape at 6 p.m.
Throughout the 25 minute journey, the driver – all the drivers are enrolled Makah tribal members – tell passengers about the history of the area, hot spots to visit in Neah Bay and answer questions.
“We’ve hired drivers who have also served in the museum – really knowledgeable in the history of the Makah,” said Janine Bowechop, executive director of the Makah Cultural and Research Center in Neah Bay.
On weekends, the shuttle is optional because construction is not under way and the road is open to traffic.
The shuttle is funded by Scarsella Brothers Inc., until it reopens the road on Sept. 30.
The shuttle began its runs on July 18.
“The road out there is just gravel and rather bumpy to drive on, so we had quite a few people taking us up on it,” Bowechop said.
The fleet of shuttles is made up of two vans and one bus – all of which are about half-full on a regular basis, said Theresa Parker, education specialist at the museum.
“We’re really pleased with how everyone is receiving it,” Parker said.
“People are taking advantage of it to go out to see the beautiful country here at Neah Bay.”
To catch a ride on the shuttle, visitors can check in at the front desk at the museum and wait for the next arrival.
“They are leaving about at every hour and half hour,” Bowechop said.
