Alki Pipeline
Description
This dive is centered around an
old, abandoned (and never used!!) sewer pipeline leading
out into the Puget Sound. It appears floor roughly 100 yards
from the beach at a depth of 10 feet, and proceeds from
the shore at a 45-degree angle (direction?), until it breaks
at a depth of roughly 40 feet. Following the line of the
pipe about 100 or 200 yards, another segment appears, following
out well past the point. A wealth of colorful plant and
animal life can be found on the pipe, and on a sunny day,
the surrounding water almost glows. As it slopes deeper,
shining the covered pipe with a flashlight can almost be
dazzling. Also be sure to check out the large shrimp colony
inside the pipe from the open end!
Considering the ease of this dive
in relation to its rewards, it can't be but highly recommended
to nearly any diver in all seasons. The entire length of
the dive does not proceed outside the depth and difficulty
of an "Open Water" level of experience, and exploring the
pipe itself is fascinating, as the plants and critters on
it are of great variety and color. Following along its length
makes for a long, satisfying swim without getting too deep
(and cold!), while navigating past the break in the pipe
can challenge the skills of many divers. The only point
to be aware of, is that past the break the water cools significantly,
and water movement becomes much more forceful as you pass
the point. Be sure to remember a heading of your exit at
all times!
Location
The Alki Pipeline site is located
past the southern tip of the public Alki Beach, just past
the lighthouse. It's almost straight across the street from
the Alki Sewer treatment plant. Take I-5 South to get there
from Seattle. Once on I-5, take the W. Seattle Freeway Exit
- the one next to the Rainier Brewery. Take the Harbor Ave
Exit and exit to right on Harbor Ave. Follow this road,
along side the water, until the road turns into Beach Drive.
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