- Book a campsite along the water
- Explore a vast collection of tide pool animals during low tide
- Scuba dive in Salt Creek, considered the state’s best diving area
- Go kayaking in Crescent Bay or on the Strait of Juan de Fuca
- Explore the bunkers of World War II installment, Fort Hayden
What can I see and do at Salt Creek County Park?
- Camping: The year-round Salt Creek Campground includes 90 sites, 72 of which have views of the water. Some are in open areas while others are in forested locations. A number of sites have water and electrical hook-ups. Reservations are available for half the sites and may be made in January for that calendar year.
- Tide Pooling: The tide pools here are among the best in the area, so schedule your visit for a low tide time if you’re interested in exploring the interesting miniature sea life here. Specifically, head to the Tongue Point Marine Life Sanctuary for the best tide pooling.
- Kayaking: Enjoy a close-to-shore paddling experience on the waters of Crescent Bay or launch into the ocean surf on the Strait of Juan de Fuca for a different kind of kayaking experience. Rentals are not offered here so you’ll need to bring your own.
- Scuba Diving: Salt Creek is considered one of the best areas in the Pacific Northwest for scuba diving. The underwater kelp forest, at its peak during the summer and fall, is the main attraction here, but you’ll also find lots of interesting sea life including sea urchins, anemones, sea cucumbers, and Wolf eels.
- Land Sports: Park visitors can take advantage of the baseball fields, basketball courts, horseshoe areas, and volleyball courts at the park. Some equipment is available for rental or you can bring your own.
- Bird Watching: Salt Creek County Park includes part of the Audubon Important Bird Area for the Olympic Peninsula. Birders can spy turkey vultures, thrushes, warblers, vireos, murrelets, auklets, Harlequin ducks, and many other interesting species.
- History: Salt Creek Park was once the site of a World War II installment known as Fort Hayden, a harbor defense base. Remnants of the fort still exist, including a number of small bunkers and two concrete bunkers that once housed 16 inch cannons.
Where is Salt Creek County Park?
The Park is located on the Strait of Juan de Fuca 15 miles west of Port Angeles. Take Highway 101 to WA-112 West. Travel 9 miles and turn north onto Camp Hayden Road Travel approximately 3 miles, to the park entrance on the right.
How much does Salt Creek County Park cost?
There is no charge for exploring the park. Camping costs vary according to site and season.
Who can I call if I have more questions?
For more information about this park, call 360-928-3441.
