Skill Level: All Divers
Current Sensitive: Yes. Currents can be squirrely here but seem to match the nearby Point Hudson gauge. Dive around slack, and err on the side of earlier rather than later. For best vis, plan on diving at the end of a flood tide.
Location/Address: Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend WA
Directions: Best entry area is next to the Marine Science Pier, in the boat ramp parking area.
Free Parking: Discovery Pass required which can be purchased at the camping check-in building, or a day pass which can be purchased next to the boat ramp. They do check for passes, and will ticket cars without one.
Staging Area: Good. Some picnic benches available.
Surface Swim: None.
Nearby Facilities: Bathrooms and a shower (seasonal) are right across the street. The adjacent canteen might be open too for food and drink: If you see Batch Brothers is open, stop in for the best hamburger in Port Townsend.
Special Considerations: Boats and kayaks may launch from this area (seasonal). The lagoon inside the pier area is a great place to enter and check gear, but use a float or flag if you're going to spend any time there. Be prepared to change the dive plan if the currents are wonky.
Maximum Depth: Typically 25-35fsw, 50 ft max.
Known Hazards: Some boating activity, particularly during summer.
Dive Site Description: The pier is covered in life, especially around the outside pilings. Bait balls and otters are common here. South of the pier there's not much to see, just the occasional rock or a log with a GPO in it. North of the pier are structures and junk from WWI and when the fort was active; pilings, concrete tank traps, logs with octopuses, rocks, and other debris provide a huge playground for divers and critters. Look for old bottles and lumps of coal from the early 1900's.