Flagpole Point  |  USA: Pacific Northwest

Cloud Sponges, Wolf Eels, Octopus , Wall, Boulder Pile / Shelves

Flagpole Rock is a popular dive site adjacent to Mike’s Beach Resort and offers divers a dynamic reef with cloud sponges, wolf eels and giant pacific octopus.

The shore entrance is to the south of the flagpole point in the small cove. Boats can anchor in 20'-30' of water. Swim at a 240° heading to 75', if you have not hit the knuckle then turn left (north) and hold your depth until you reach the reef, which should be close by. The main portion of the reef is referred to as a knuckle, an odd shaped rocky outcropping like an underwater point, that reaches from 65' at the top to 80' - 90' at the bottom moving east along the reef. At the base of this reef are scattered boulders with large colonies of cloud sponges (aka glass sponges) and healthy schools of rockfish. The site is famed for its wolf eel and octopus populations that dwell within the crevices. To the south and below the knuckle the bottom is flat and silty. The north side is strewn with boulders. There are additional rocky reefs below the point that rise up to about 20', making a good spot for safety stops.

There is also a deep wall that can be located by continuing around the knuckle along the base of the reef and heading +/- northeast. After the knuckle descend to 100' and continue northeastward to find the top of the wall.

The site is deep by open water standards so be aware of your bottom time. Dive by boat or request access at Mike’s Beach Resort.

Flagpole Point is located within sight of Mike’s Beach Resort to the south. There is shore access if you stop by Mike's and get a key and pay a day-use fee. It is a noticeable rocky point with a large flag pole on it marking the reef below.