One of my all time favorite paddles is the cliff section between Freshwater Bay and Salt Creek Recreation Area, on the Olympic Peninsula.
20 minutes west of Port Angeles, you can access this section from either the Freshwater Bay Boat Ramp (Freshwater Bay Road) or via Salt Creek Rec Area (Crescent Beach).
The route takes you under 300' tall rock cliffs and through protected pocket beaches each with their own personality. Whether at low or high tide there's always something to see.
There's quite a bit of current off shore, so tuck in around the rocks when exploring, then take the outer water, about 50' out back to your car providing the current and/or wind is running in that direction.
For sups, I recommend a waist quick release leash (on PFD) as you feet will be caught in thick kelp beds or under rocks if you fall. Quick release is a good thing if needed.
Helmets are an option if the swell is up. Unless you're planning on rock gardening, avoid a W or NW swell over 5'. Launching from Salt Creek, a popular surfing spot, can be tricky if you don't have surf skills.
I can provide surf and coastal paddling training for both kayak and sup if needed.
Available all year. Trip #41 in the book.
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| My clients exploring a cave |
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| Humpback in Crescent Bay |
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| Me exploring a pocket beach cliff |
Rob Casey is author of Kayaking Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, 60 Trips and Stand Up Paddling Flat Water to Surf and Rivers, both by Mountaineers Books. He owns Salmon Bay Paddle a SUP school in Seattle.
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