Tatoosh Island is a small island and small group of islands about a half mile northwest of Cape Flattery, which is on the northwestern tip of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. Tatoosh is the largest of a small group of islands also often referred to as simply "Tatoosh Island", which are almost as far west as Cape Alava, which is about fifteen miles to the south and the westernmost point in the contiguous 48 states. The islands are part of the Makah Reservation and a part of Clallam County. Historically, Tatoosh Island was inhabited seasonally by Makah fishing camps and employees of the United States Coast Guard, Weather Bureau, and Navy. Currently, there is no resident population on the islands. Access to the island requires written permission of the Makah tribe. The island's name comes from a Makah chief known as Tatoosh (also Tatooche or Tetacus). Tatoosh Island has been home to Cape Flattery Light, which overlooks the entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, since December 28, 1857. The whole island was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

Tatoosh Island seen from the air looking SE to Cape Flattery, 06 April 2012. Cape Flattery Lighthouse is visible at right.
NOAA Weather in Focus Photo Contest 2015, photographer Dr. Sophie McCoy, Florida State University. Image ID amer0377 via Wikipedia.