Current status of La Push and Neah Bay???

[ksanders]

We are starting the final leg of our journey up the Pacific Coast this week.

The first stop will be Tilimook, followed by Westport Washington.

After that it gets a bit challenging. Remember Vicky is driving the jeep, and that adds a dynamic to the journey.

Would you feel safe leaving your jeep overnight at either La Push or Neah Bay?

Do cruisers even pull into La Push?

I ask because the last time I was in Neah Bay was several years ago and it was a complete mess.
A place that clearly has problems.

Any current information???

Worst case is we leave the jeep in Westport or pre-deliver it to Port Angeles, and avoid the risk, then travel together in the boat.

 

[mycows]

I was just in Neah bay last week. I always anchor there and I have not used the marina in years due to the deplorable condition of the docks. LaPush is a pass for us also and would only use it if I needed to get off the ocean for some reason. Should be an easy trip if you go Westport-Neah bay-Port Angeles. Very few crab pots spotted. Mostly ghost pots lost or abandoned. Wait for a perfect weather window and it will be stress free....

 

[Bmarler]

I don’t think I’d be inclined to leave a vehicle in either town. Pre deliver to PA would be my choice.
La push has some new docks that mostly cater to fishing boats, but should have space. I’d steer clear of neah bay.

Edit, steer clear of neah bay marina…anchor off is fine.

 

[tiltrider1]

Move the jeep to PA. Park it close to the ferry. You won’t need it for the rest of the trip. Make your way to Victoria. Walk on the Black Ball ferry and go get the jeep when you feel like it.

(This is after you get to WestPort)

 

[Portage_Bay]

I've used La Push in a work boat. It's mostly a commercial and sport fishing port with limited dock space, no good anchorage and a very challenging entrance in bad weather. Pass on by. Neah Bay is also primarily a working boat port but there is more dock space and good anchorage. I don't think I'd leave a nice boat or car in either place. Also consider the roads to/from either port. A lot of driving for very little gain.

If I were trying to move a car and boat from Westport I'd find a way to get the car to Port Angeles. Then run Westport to Neah Bay, a long but easy run in decent weather. Arriving Neah Bay after dark if need be is not a challenge, very easy entrance. I'm guessing you can push your boat faster than the 7.5 kts I've made that run many times. Drop the hook at Neah and catch a break before continuing.

Sometimes the run in the Juan de Fuca straits is rougher than the coast. Treat it like a big river with respect to opposed wind and current. Keep in mind that the central straits has it's own weather pattern often quite a bit windier than either end. Nothing that you with your experience can't handle but why not make it as pleasant as possible.

 

[SteveK]

wow, Neah Bay, the town gave me a good feeling about a dozen years ago when on a road trip. One fond memory was I asked a native Indian where I can purchase some salmon for dinner. He said everyone fishes so not sold locally, follow me home, it was what I thought may be the reserve. I did and was given enough for four to BBQ. He would not accept money. Saw him again the next day, said farewell and moved on.
What happened there since 2012?

 

[Portage_Bay]

Nothing has really changed. The Makah are a good people. Treat them with respect and kindness and you will be treated even better. To their credit the village is dry.

The docks are a shambles, have been for a very long time. Thus my recommendation against leaving a nice boat there and going off for a few days.

There is no secure place to park a car to leave ir for a few days. Theft and vandalism happen everywhere.

 

[ksanders]

Thanks guys!

Yes, my challenge leaving the jeep is teenager committed theft and vandalisim. I remember when I was buying fuel in Neah Bay several years ago now the guy at the fuel dock said they were having a problem.

That is the reason for the question.

What I think I'll do, as others have suggested is to first try to find a rental company that will accept a one way rental. If that does not work Vicky and I will Caravan, renting a car in one location and returning it to the same location, and her driving the jeep.

Which end we do this on will be dependent on if we get weather stuck in westport. If we are stuck for several days then we'll pre-deliver the jeep, if we have good weather, we'll spend a couple nights in westport, depart together, and return for the jeep.