Revision 8/24/2009 4:31 PM
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Salt Creek
 Port Angeles, WA |
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Salt Creek Recreation Area is located on the wild, Northern shore of the Olympic Peninsula from a World War II defense site. Underwater is just as fascinating: wolf eels, telia anemones, sculpin, sea cucumbers, sponges, and urchins, to name a few of the wildlife. The sites located along this shore are considered by many to be the best diving in Washington.Directions: Salt Creek County Park is located 11 miles West of Port Angeles. Traveling West from Port Angeles on 101, bear right in about 5 miles onto 112. Six miles further, turn right as shown below.
This is about the best shore diving spot in Washington. There’s the potential for surf, but currents are actually pretty minimal in close to shore. The kelp beds are spectacular and very lively, with oodles of invertebrates and loads of small fish. Despite its marine reserve status, large fish are not common. Despite the local guidebooks current planning descriptions, I have dove here without regard to currents. You’re more likely to have a problem with surf and/or surge. Diving before the summer afternoon sea breeze comes up is helpful.
Salt Creek is a dive site that offers many rewards for a diver that looks for the out of the way dive site. I started diving here in winter of 1978 have dove this site in all 4 seasons. It can be a challenge to dive here. The surge can toss you around or sweep you across the bottom. But if you watch the weather conditions and tides you can enjoyable dive. I like starting at the east end by the kitchen and heading west and coming out on Tongue Point. The reef with the kelp beds are is so spectacular in the spring with all of the new fishes swimming in schools. It is so colorful here like being in some aquarium seen. The depth is around 25-35 feet all the way. The exit is nice, and if you time the swell you can be standing up with your fins in your hand and walk out. Enjoy your dive.
This is worth the drive. Many people from "away" camp at the park to dive there. I feel that the best diving is down the stairs at the west end of the park. It is shallow, but is a labyrinth of gorgeous benthic organisms. It can be dived at any time of the year, but because of the exposure, you must watch for surf. The normal array of fish - lingcod, Irish lords, rockfish, wolf eel, perch - are present. A careful search will most likely be rewarded with several octopus. Organisms normally expected in the ocean often drift in here. A neat dive from a beautiful location.. This wonderful park of 196 acres and 90 campsites houses many fortified bunkers.
http://www.shorediving.com/Earth/USA_West/Washington/Salt_Creek/index.htm