The Appeal of La Push

Situated in Clallan County, Washington, there is an old American Indian dwelling place which exists within these modern times. La Push, Washington, is a settlement granted to the Quileute Tribe of American Indians back in the nineteenth century which still exists under its own governance today. The area itself is one of outstanding natural beauty, full of natural wildlife, which offers history as well as relaxation within its boundaries.

One of the great natural features of La Push is the incredibly sandy beach which runs along the Pacific Ocean. The surf here can be spectacular so is highly regarded as an area for surfing, as well as kayaking. For the more indolently inclined there are the delights of whale watching, viewing sea lions and looking at seals. The most spectacular feature within the ocean itself is the natural fort of James Island. This is a huge sea stack which sits just off the coast. A sea stack is essentially a small island which forms when part of the mainland is separated by constant erosion by the waves. James Island, now a sea stack separated from the land by the sea, is an island perfectly suited to its previous use as an island fort against invaders. In days gone by the Quiluete tribe used to defend themselves there from invading enemies, using boiling water poured down the stack to keep intruders away.

The village of La Push, Washington, is situated at the mouth of the Quillayute river which is surrounded by the Olympic National Park. The river itself is another draw for natural wildlife, in the form of birds. The most famous species to be spotted in this area are butter-heads, cormorants, golden-eyes, and eagles. It is possible to see eagles diving into the ocean to share a meal with the sealions.

In 1889 the La Push reservation was founded as an area for the Quileute tribe to reside in. The people were a tribe of Native Americans who were famous for owning possessions and keeping slaves. Theirs was a proud history of sea faring, boat building and whaling, and today more than eighty percent of the population of La Push is of Quileute descent. Today La Push is known as a sovereign nation as it is governed by the Quileute Tribal Council which operates with tribal powers. It overseas the museum of La Push, as well as holding power over land sales in the area and collection of taxes from businesses which operate there. Under this jurisdiction there is the marina, a fish hatchery, a health facility, businesses, and a variety of accommodation in the oceanfront resorts, ranging from rustic to luxurious.

In recent years the ‘Twilight Books’ penned by Stephanie Meyers, have increased the number of tourists to the area, as the books were set in the area, and they are welcomed by the Quiluete tribe. The tribe offers great hospitality as befits their many years of culture, but requests that burial grounds and religious ceremonies are kept as sacred. Fishing and logging are the two main sources of industry in the are though, in keeping with the long traditions. In the past the Quiluete tribe were famous whalers, but these days their interests are more focused on salmon, which are reared in the hatchery and then released into the Quilllayute river. Still though the fishing industry continues in the area as it has for centuries.

The appeal of La Push is that one can visit a sovereign nation within the United States, without crossing a border. There is history to be discovered in the past of the Quiluete Tribe whilst relaxing in the splendour of glorious natural scenery.