Though high waves meant many canoes had to be trailered in, pullers from coastal tribes throughout Washington and British Columbia celebrated in La Push on Sunday and Monday during their stop with the Quileutes.

Members of the Makah welcome canoes ashore at Neah Bay before the flotilla turned the Cape Flattery corner toward the open ocean Friday. Photo by Donna Barr

After a greeting ceremony Sunday, the tribes enjoyed traditional songs and dancing inside the A-Ka-Lat center at La Push on Monday, capped off with a traditional feast in the evening.

The Quileute Tribe prepared for some 5,000 visitors — pullers, families and support crews.

The canoes left Tuesday morning for the Hoh River, where they were set to stay before arriving in Quinalt lands Wednesday and Thursday for the week-long Paddle to Quinalt celebration.

Tribes have gathered for the annual spiritual paddle since 1989, with dancing, singing and feasting on traditional foods enjoyed all along the way.