The Western-most point in the continental United States is located in which state?

While many people might instinctively point to California, the coastline of the contiguous United States actually curves slightly to the northwest, giving the honor to its northern neighbor. The westernmost point of the lower 48 states is Cape Alava, a remote headland located within the stunningly rugged and wild Olympic National Park. This specific spot on the Pacific coast extends just a bit farther into the ocean than any other piece of land in the connected states.

Reaching this geographical landmark is an adventure in itself, typically requiring a hike of over three miles through dense coastal forest on the popular Ozette Loop Trail. The area is not just a simple point on a map but is also a place of deep historical significance. It is near the Ozette archaeological site, where a Makah village was perfectly preserved by a mudslide centuries ago, providing an invaluable window into the lives of the region’s indigenous people.

Of course, this is all true for the "continental" U.S. If the question were to include all 50 states, the answer would shift dramatically to Alaska. The state's Aleutian Islands stretch so far across the Pacific that some of them actually cross the 180th meridian into the Eastern Hemisphere. This creates a fun geographical paradox, making an Aleutian island the westernmost point of the United States, and another Aleutian island the easternmost.