Octopus Hole Conservation Area is a little gem in Hoodsport, with quite a few resident octopuses.
However, it is a bit hard to find and access the water takes some efforts.
Address / Google Map
Address: 27387 US-101, Hoodsport, WA 98548 (Search “Octopus Hole Parking” on Google Maps)
VERY limited parking by the side of the road. I estimate the space can only fit two cars.
Entry
If the videos from Instagram didn’t work, head to youtube https://youtube.com/shorts/p92czfWmluU?feature=share
This site is very easy to miss. The parking is basically a divot from highway. Search “octopus hole parking” on Google Maps. Head north of Sund Rock, slow down after Terrace Rd, past 3 yellow signs and 1 speed limit sign, and you’ll find the roadside divot.
Once parked, find the guard rail with a stoned step, hop over, and you will see the steps down. Be cafeul when hopping over and walking down with gears becasue it is quite steep. Double is not doable here in my humble opinion.
Dive Site Information
Dive Profile: Two walls (longer shallow and shorter deep wall)
Shallow Wall: 10m/35 ft – 18m/60 ft. From the entrance, surface swim or walk south to the tree snag, swim to the buoy and descend. If buoy is not present, descend with a 90 degree heading and should run into the start of the wall at about 10m/35ft.
Deep Wall: From the entrance surface swim south till about the middle of parking (second big tree when looking at short). Descend with a 90 degree heading until 23-24m/75-80 ft. Follow South on that depth countour till you see a bunch of white plumose anemone. This marks the top of the deep wall.
Current: Typically minimal. Hood canal is famous for insensitivy to current.
Bottom composition: Large rocks and oyster shells at shore. Sand and silts underwater.
Things to see: Squat lobsters, wolf eels ,and octopus are regular sightings. We met our first sixgill shark here!
Check Tide Charts – Plan a safe, comfortable dive at PNWDiving.com or planyourdive.com
Dive Site Map
I do not remember where I saved this picture and added some info from youtube video, so sorry I can’t credit the original creator. Please let me know if you know the author!
Food for thought for planning
Levels: Any, but some fitness required to scarmbe down to the water, with gears.
Facilities: Not available
Fees: Free
Parking: About two spots at the side of the road
Hours: Any time
Other Activities: No
Reference Materials
Visibility report: https://pnwdiving.com/octopus-hole/visibility
Tide & current: https://www.planyourdive.com/sites/octopus-hole
Dive site info: NW Dive Club
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Editorial disclaimer
Please be aware that scuba diving is an inherently risky activity, even with certification and experience. The content on this blog reflects my personal opinions and experiences and should not be considered instructional. Always prioritize safety, seek guidance and certification from qualified diving professionals, and carefully consider the risks involved in any dives.
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