Is Neah Bay Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Neah Bay, Washington, is a small community located on the Makah Indian Reservation at the northwestern tip of the Olympic Peninsula.

This area is home to the Makah Tribe, who have lived in the region for thousands of years, with a rich cultural heritage deeply connected to the land and sea.

The town sits at the entrance of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, providing stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding landscapes.

Historically, the Makah people have been renowned for their maritime skills, particularly in whaling and fishing, which have been central to their way of life.

In the late 19th century, the Makah entered into a treaty with the U.S. government, retaining their fishing rights and sovereignty over their land.

A cultural celebration is held one weekend in late August manually, which is one of the best times to visit.

The Makah Cultural and Research Center is another key attraction, offering insights into the tribe’s history and artifacts from the Ozette Archaeological Site, a significant village preserved by a mudslide over 500 years ago.

Today, Neah Bay is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities.

It attracts visitors for whale watching, fishing, hiking, and exploring the rugged coastline.

The very activities that draw people here also pose the biggest dangers, so let’s look at the safety in Neha Bay and across the Makah Indian Reservation.

Warnings & Dangers in Neah Bay

OVERALL RISK: LOW

This risk is low, but we need to talk about some of the nuances of this unique area. The safest trip requires a good amount of preparation.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Makah Transit offers routes around town on weekdays and also connects to Clallam Transit to get around the county. However, you need a rental vehicle to get here. The fixed bus routes don't cover all the main attractions.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Between 2014 and 2019, just two purse snatchings and one pickpocket were reported. I used those specific years because the reservation was closed to visitors from 2020 through mid-2022 due to the pandemic.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Neah Bay faces natural disaster risks such as earthquakes, tsunamis, coastal erosion, powerful storms, rogue waves, and mudslides. The medium risk should be taken seriously, even when there isn't any type of weather watch or warning. Between November and April, the Olympic Peninsula gets anywhere from eight to 10 FEET of rain.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

This is a low risk, with no robberies to speak of in the past five years. Plus, everyone looks out for each other in this tight-knit community. However, you do need to take steps to prevent bears from taking your food. Carry bear spray and use bear-proof containers.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is yet another low risk, as this land is mostly undeveloped and remote. The shipping channel is highly secure from both the United States and Canadian sides.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

I think, for the first time in my research career, I found a city that had no recent scams. The risk is low. The sheriff's office has reported some spoofing phone call scams around the county, and you can read more about that on the website.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Provided that women know wilderness, water, and wildlife safety steps, there's a low risk. However, this isn't a great place for solo travelers due to the remote region and lack of mobile service.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

This is a big question mark since the tribal land doesn't follow the same regulations for tap water quality as states. There haven't been any illnesses or issues with the tap water, which suggests it's safe. However, I would ask the tribal council for a tap water test if you're so inclined. Do not drink water from rivers, lakes, or streams unless you know how to filter your water.

Safest Places to Visit in Neah Bay

The websites makah.com and neahbaywa.com are the best resources when looking for attractions, lodging, and dining.

For more about the region, visit Olympicpeninsula.org.

Neah Bay and the surrounding area are in the northwest section, which includes Forks, La Push, Port Angeles, and the Hoh Rain Forest of Olympic National Park.

Getting to Neay Bay can include the scenic drive on Route 112 along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which offers some of the most impressive views of the Pacific Northwest Rim.

It starts just west of Port Angeles and goes for 60 miles until just before the border with the Makah reservation.

When you enter Neah Bay, you should go right to the Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center, where you’ll purchase a $20 recreational permit.

This will get you access to all the trails, beaches, and campsites.

The permit should be tucked into your windshield from the inside so it’s easy to view.

Follow the Chamber on Facebook @neahbaychamberofcommerce.

The Makah Cultural and Research Center is in the center of town, and this is a must-see location.

Among the many artifacts are those that were found at the Ozette Archaeological Site.

Ozette was a neighborhood from hundreds of years ago that was buried by a mudslide.

Once found, much of what was stuck under the pile of debris was perfectly preserved.

From Neah Bay, you can take a fishing charter, tour boat or go on a diving adventure.

Private boat rentals are also available.

Another treat for anglers is the Makah National Fish Hatchery, which is open from late August through February.

Late fall and early winter are the best times to see spawning.

At the end of Cape Flattery/Cape Loop Road, about eight miles from Neah Bay, is the trail that leads to Cape Flattery.

The trail takes you through the rainforest and past at least four viewpoints.

In the distance, you can see Cape Flattery Lighthouse.

The trail is 1.2 miles out and back, but plan for extra time because the scenic views and sea cliffs are worth the extra time.

Six miles down the coast is Hobuck Beach, one of the largest and most popular beaches in the area.

There’s also a resort here with campsites and cabins.

For a longer hike, check out the eight-mile roundtrip Shi Shi Beach hike.

You’ll need that recreation pass from the reservation and a wilderness permit from Olympic National Park.

The trail goes through a coastal forest before arriving at one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast.

NOTE:

I purposely put Shi Shi Beach last because, for some of you, it might be a place to avoid.

You need to time the tides just right to avoid getting trapped.

Even with precision timing, waves and tides can be much larger than expected.

Places to Avoid in Neah Bay

You don’t need to avoid any area due to crime concerns, as the crime rates are very low.

Avoid trying to get around any of the tribal rules or laws; it could get you expelled from the reservation forever or arrested.

For example, you can’t drink alcohol or use marijuana here despite the laws in Washington state that allow it.

Stay on all the trails and roads while visiting Neah Bay.

Don’t leave the boardwalk or veer off trails to explore deep in the forest.

There are sacred places on the island that you won’t know about and don’t need to know about, but you don’t want to leave a trail only to find yourself violating one of the tribal ceremonies.

If you’re planning to visit during the winter storms, it’s okay to go storm-watching.

However, you want to do it from a safe place like an observation deck or inside a cabin.

Storms can kick up winds in excess of 100 miles per hour.

Bring enough supplies so that you have enough food, clothing and water to get through a few days without power or road access.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Neah Bay

So... How Safe Is Neah Bay Really?

Crime rates are incredibly low across the board in Neah Bay, with around five violent crimes annually and fewer than 25 property crimes each year.

However, property crime leans more toward zero than 25.

Even thefts are limited to just a handful each year.

Tribal police can work with Clallam County Sheriff’s Deputies when needed, but those are delicate situations considering the sovereign nature of tribal land.

The safety concerns of the wilderness and water are largely on your shoulders.

Waves are powerful enough to wash people away.

It’s not a place for beginning divers or surfers.

Ignoring mudslide warnings could lead to a dangerous situation.

In one instance, a 19-year-old man was washed away by a wave, and no cell service was available to call for help.

His friend had to drive eight miles to get help.

The man was never seen again.

While there are plenty of waterfront communities in Washington to enjoy, Neah Bay is for those who love fishing, want to learn about a different culture, and prefer a more isolated experience.

How Does Neah Bay Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States, even on tribal land. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. You can use cash in Neah Bay but don't expect there to be a currency exchange. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.

Weather

The weather stays pretty mild to cool throughout the year, with highs only getting into the upper 50s F and lows staying in the 40s. The bay city also gets 2.5 times as much rain as the average American city, so be prepared with waterproof boots and outer layers.

Airports

Since Neah Bay is so far away on the Olympic Peninsula, the drive to Seattle Tacoma International Airport is four hours (200 miles).

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind. You don't need specific travel insurance when visiting a tribal land.

Neah Bay Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Washington - Safety by City