The story
James Island, known to the Quileute as A-Ka-Lat, or top of the rock, is a forested sea island standing just offshore where the Quillayute River meets the Pacific by La Push. Historically a defensive refuge and the traditional burial place of Quileute chiefs, it remains a deeply sacred site to the Tribe and is not open to public access.
On the way back in, hold onto the sight of that island standing guard at the river's mouth. A-Ka-Lat, where Quileute chiefs were laid to rest, watching the sea their people have always lived by. You looked on a sacred place today, from the respectful distance it asks for. Not every wonder out here is yours to walk up to. Some you simply honor and leave be.
Photo: Ron Clausen · CC BY-SA 4.0
