Backup dive for Salt Creek

[YellowEye]

Hi
I really want to get out and dive Salt Creek soon. Weather/wind forecast can be a bit iffy... If we go out there and get skunked, is there a good backup site other than Crescent Lake (I don't care much for fresh water) or Point Hudson (undivable on large exchanges)

Also, what's the best surf report website?

Thanks!
-Eric

[Scubie Doo]

Magic Seaweed is what I use for surf report. Just use cape flattery for the location. You are looking for small swells with longer intervals, 1 to 0 star rating, and mild wind speeds.

[Scubie Doo]

Surfline is good too. As far as a backup, I don't know of any good backups.

[CaptnJack]

Lake Crescent or Freshwater Bay are really the only backups anywhere with an hour drive.

[Scubak]

What is the name of the dive shop that used to be in the Marina in Port Townsend? There was a wreck out front. There is also the pier in State Park...
When are you planning on diving Salt Creek?
Kirsten

[stphnmartin]

Bachelor Rock. Although it's a long surface swim!

[CaptnJack]

What is the name of the dive shop that used to be in the Marina in Port Townsend? There was a wreck out front. There is also the pier in State Park...
When are you planning on diving Salt Creek?
Kirsten

Octopus Gardens
http://www.octopusgardensdiving.com/contact.aspx

[BillZ]

This site has the forecast for Crescent Bay

http://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/Cre ... st/six_day

[Jeremy]

You might go check out Ediz Hook. I've heard there is some decent diving there.

http://www.nwdiveclub.com/viewtopic.php?t=9084

[taylortex]

Fort warden uw park, keystone jetty, hood canal bridge

[Jeremy]

Fort warden uw park, keystone jetty, hood canal bridge

I'd say Salt Creek is a back up for Hood Canal Bridge having dive both locations.

HCB >>>>>>> Salt Creek

[CaptnJack]

Yeah not sure how you could possibly hit slack at HCB after coming back from a failed salt creek attempt.

[YellowEye]

Ooh thanks for the suggestions and the links!

HCB? Hadn't really considered that dive before. Sound like a fun adventure. I love Salt Creek for its sunny & kelpy wide-angle photography opportunities, as well as the chance for stalked medusas and red eyed medusas. Do you think it competes with that, from that perspective? Maybe I'll have to try both (on different days)

[CaptnJack]

The bridge is highly current sensitive so you'll need to be there precisely, not just any old day.

Its better on a summer morning when the sun is already high-ish in the east. (although this is common at many sites like say sunrise). Personally I think Salt Creek is a way better photography dive.

[Jeremy]

I agree - for photography Salt Creek is better than HCB

[ScubaJess]

I hope we can get back to Salt Creek soon to spot another Red Eye Medusa! That was one of the coolest Jellies I've ever seen!

[fmerkel]

I thought the bridge was pretty much off limits now.....

[CaptnJack]

I thought the bridge was pretty much off limits now.....

What gave you that idea? Its been accessible ever since the cable replacement project was complete and the construction barges removed.

[deep diver]

I thought the bridge was pretty much off limits now.....

There are signs up saying no diving under bridge

[Jeremy]

I stopped by there on the way to Ed's Fault on Jan 2nd and there were no signs about diving

[Tom Nic]

They aren't super close to Salt Creek, but I would consider Sekiu Jetty and Pt. Whitney on Hood Canal.

If the same conditions that blow out Salt Creek don't blow out the Jetty it would be the perfect option for dive #1. So, if Salt Creek was undiveable I'd do the Jetty, then head back 101 to Hood Canal and do Pt. Whitney as dive #2.

Pt. Whitney is a great dive, generally good viz, and easy peasy navigation - just find the pipe, follow it out to 100fsw where it ends, then follow it back up. Lotsa critters and photo ops.

Or you could just return and do Whitney as Dive #1 and then dive your way back down the Canal toward Hoodsport.

[Grateful Diver]

You might go check out Ediz Hook. I've heard there is some decent diving there.

http://www.nwdiveclub.com/viewtopic.php?t=9084

I've dived Ediz Hook ... it's mostly sunken logs from back when the harbor was a holding pen for the timber industry. There can be some interesting things to find from time to time, but it's hit or miss. The closer to the end of the jetty you go the better chances you'll see something worthwhile.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

[fmerkel]

Before 911 you could go to the end of the jetty for a decent dive. If it's still closed you end up where Bob indicted, a barren sunken log wasteland. I wouldn't drive 10 minutes to see it, let alone go that far.