Port Angeles · Washington · USA
Salt Creek Recreation Area Beach
You descend a wooded staircase to find driftwood logs arranged like benches facing the Olympic Mountains across the strait. Low tide reveals a labyrinth of sandstone shelves where purple sea stars cling and anemones pulse. The beach stretches wide and flat, perfect for children chasing hermit crabs while you breathe in salt and Douglas fir.
Reading live conditions…
Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Salt Creek Recreation Area Beach. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.
- Purity
- 0%
- Conditions
- 0%
- Crowd
- 0%
- Vibe
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The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.
You descend a wooded staircase to find driftwood logs arranged like benches facing the Olympic Mountains across the strait. Low tide reveals a labyrinth of sandstone shelves where purple sea stars cling and anemones pulse. The beach stretches wide and flat, perfect for children chasing hermit crabs while you breathe in salt and Douglas fir.
Photos
8 captures from Salt Creek Recreation Area Beach
About this beach
Where it is
Salt Creek Recreation Area Beach
Port Angeles, Washington, USA
48.1284°, -123.6917°
Top things to do
At Salt Creek Recreation Area Beach
Tongue Point Trail
Bluff-top loop with strait overlooks
Tide Pool Documentation
Sea stars, anemones, sculpins
Strait Paddling
Protected launch, current awareness required
Bluff Picnic Shelters
WWII bunkers with mountain views
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Salt Creek Recreation Area Beach.
Questions people actually ask about Salt Creek Recreation Area Beach.
Is it safe to swim at Salt Creek Recreation Area Beach?
Swimming at Salt Creek is generally not recommended due to strong currents, cold water temperatures, and rocky conditions. The beach is better suited for tidepooling, beachcombing, and wading in shallow areas during low tide. The water remains cold year-round, typically 45-55°F, which can cause hypothermia quickly. Families should supervise children closely near the water's edge. The area is excellent for exploring marine life in tide pools, but always check tide schedules and watch for incoming waves on rocky surfaces.
What is the best time to visit Salt Creek Recreation Area Beach?
Salt Creek is accessible year-round, but summer months (June-September) offer the most pleasant weather with temperatures in the 60s-70s°F and less rainfall. For tidepooling, visit during low tide periods, which vary daily—check local tide tables before your trip. Spring and fall provide fewer crowds and good whale-watching opportunities. Winter visits can be dramatic with storm-watching possibilities, though expect rain and wind. Early morning visits offer the best chance for wildlife viewing and photography regardless of season.
