Hood Canal Bridge
Description
By all accounts, this is a pretty
physical dive! Everything to look at is around the base
of the second Easternmost bridge piling (30' to 40' at
low tide), and the current there is pretty heavy. It's
strongly recommended you try it at either high or low
slack tide, as there will be little water movement drawing
you out into the heavier current in deeper water. At low
slack, your surface swim is MUCH reduced (turns much of
the dive into more of a stroll, really), saving your strength
for holding position as you examine the piling. On the
West side of the piling, you may have to swim at nearly
full speed just to stay in place. Most of it is covered
in animal life, so there isn't a lot to hold on to, although
the bottom is sandy, so you can use your knife to help
anchor yourself, or to return to the shore.
Even with all the effort, this
is a great site! Several different species of crabs can
be found here (Pretty big ones too, although I wouldn't
want to lug them around AND fight the current!), and the
piling is a veritable jungle of various anemones, sea
pens and other animals and plants. Different schools of
fish tend to pass through here as well, and can appear
so thickly that you may lose a buddy if you're not careful.
To make the site even MORE attractive, there's a park
nearby that may be used for an entrance point upriver
that has heated showers and facilities. How can
a wetsuit diver be happier?!
Specific Hazards
You will notice that the difficulty
level is Intermediate+, the reason is due to the potential
current. If you don't plan your dive you may find yourself
in a undesirable situation. I suggest you make this dive
during slack and bring your dive knife. If needed you
can pull yourself along the bottom, just be careful not
to spear the critters living here. It is also worth noting
that potentially you may find several small boats traveling
under the bridge. In short, know your limits and
and keep an eye open. For more specific information about
the current look in the book Northwest Shore Dives.
Location
This site is found near Salsbury
Point County Park in the Hood Canal area. If your familiar
with the Hood Canal Bridge, just head to the east side
and take a left at the intersection. You'll find the park
entrance on your left (Wheeler street). If your coming
from the Seattle area get on the Edmonds Kingston Ferry
and ride across the Puget Sound. As soon as you exit the
ferry follow Highway 104 west (~9 miles) and the park
entrance should be on your right (Wheeler Street). From
the park head north up the shoreline and you will see
the base of the Hood Canal Bridge.
Other Interesting Information
Current Table: Admiralty Inlet
Confirmed cell phone coverage: AT&T
|
