Bachelor Rock  |  USA: Pacific Northwest

Large Rock Formation / Pinnacle, Boulder Pile / Shelves, Kelp Forest

Although there is ample life within the protection of Freshwater Bay, the lure of this dive site lies out at the solitary rock at the western point called Bachelor Rock. A shallow rocky reef, alive with color, connects the rock to the point and provides some shelter from the currents and waves. Snorkel or Kayak over the shallow bay toward the reef. Descend near the inside of the reef and follow the contour through the kelp beds to explore rocky structure around the base of the rock. Depth on the inside of the reef is about 30ft and continues to deepen to about 55ft on the outside of Bachelor Rock.

Urchins, sponges, chitons and other colorful invertebrates cling to the rock reef, while schools of rockfish swim through amazing kelp beds. Keep your eyes open for octopus, craba nd other crevice dwelling creatures. This is a rewarding dive location to the determined diver.

Hazards include boat traffic, potential surf and moderate currents once outside the bay. It is a long swim and better suited for kayaks. Snorkelers will find it enjoyable as well being less burdened with heavy gear. Be very cautious not to approach the surf zone too closely as a wave could dash an unsuspecting diver against the rocks.

The site is accessible by kayak or as a shore dive from the small boat launch located at the very west end of Freshwater Bay Rd, but it is a long 30 minute swim each way to Bachelor Rock and should not be attempted during large surf or large ebbing currents, both of which would make the dive exhausting and dangerous.

Bachelor Rock lies at the west end of Freshwater Bay and marks the east end of the Observatory Point Reef. To reach Freshwater Bay from 101, take WA112 W (toward the Straight) about 4 miles West of Port Angeles. Continue on WA-112 4.5 miles and take a right onto Freshwater Bay Rd. This road will make several sharp turns but continue to follow it all the way to the water in Freshwater Bay. You will see Observatory Point off to the left.