Waatch River

Waatch River
The mouth of the Waatch River near Neah Bay
Location
CountryUnited States
StateWashington
CountyClallam
Physical characteristics
SourceMakah Peaks
 • coordinates48°17′12″N 124°35′25″W / 48.28667°N 124.59028°W / 48.28667; -124.59028
MouthPacific Ocean
 • coordinates
48°20′37″N 124°40′31″W / 48.34361°N 124.67528°W / 48.34361; -124.67528
Length7.8 miles (12.6 km)
Basin size12.7 square miles (33 km2)

The Waatch River (also spelled Wa'atch) is a small river in the Makah Reservation on the Olympic Peninsula of northwestern Washington. It flows northwest from low mountains on the southern border of the reservation towards a large valley and tidal marsh, where it turns southwest and meets the Pacific near the town of Neah Bay. It is the main source of water for the town, a traditional fishing area, and a release site for various salmonids hatched at the Makah National Fish Hatchery.