72 degrees and sunny means it’s time to hit the beach. Just 10 miles west of Port Angeles is Freshwater Bay County Park, a 21-acre park on the Strait of Juan de Fuca with over 1,400 feet of shoreline. Part of the “Whale Trail” today wasn’t my day to spot any orca, gray whales, humpback whales, sea otter, seals or any marine mammal. Just means I’ll have to come back!

The plaque beneath the sign reads “This site donated to the public by Charles ‘Chet’ Smith to insure an access to the water through private lands.”  I, for one, appreciate Mr. Smith’s generosity!

Despite its name, Freshwater Bay is saltwater, not sweet (or fresh). According to a park sign, “in 1790, Spanish Captain Manuel Quimper Benitaz del Pino stopped here to replenish the ship’s supply of fresh water. The name stuck and was written on British Admiralty charts in 1846 by Captain Kellett.”

The boat ramp doesn’t reach out to the water at low tide. Plan accordingly!

The sea stack is nicknamed “The Bachelor”. You can see the faint outlines of Victoria, BC in the far distance, across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Kayakers paddling in, with Mount Baker looming in the background. The calm water of the bay makes it a favorite for paddleboarders and kayakers.

Low tide unveils more than just a larger beach. Drift wood, barnacle encrusted rocks and tidepools all come into view.

Could it be a sea monster rising out of the muck at low tide? 

Sea anemones force out water and retract their tentacles, folding inward during low tide.

Close up of the sea anemones

The contrast between the white barnacles and dark rock look a bit skeletal. 

This little crab’s camouflage skills need some improvement.

This chiton washed up on the beach. The shell feels more leathery than hard.

Gastropods washed up at Freshwater Bay. That’s my technobabble way of saying I know little about seashells but these caught my eye.

The air bubbles by this Littleneck clam tell me it’s alive, though if it doesn’t hide soon, the gulls will get to it.

Glaucous-wing gull strutting down the beach. 

While not part of the natural wildlife here, a couple of Clallam County Sheriffs were inspecting a wrecked truck just above the beach line.  I spoke to one of the officers afterwards, and was told that the truck had been abandoned last September and had slid partway down the embankment so that it was inaccessible. Apparently, the embankment had now given way, sending the truck down to the beach.

And because a day at the beach isn’t complete without waves, here’s my moment of zen.

Things to note:

• The upper area of the park with picnic sites and amenities, is open from May 15 – September 15. 
• Boat ramp and beach access open all year.
• Day use only; no fee.
• Restroom closed for repair, but there is a sanican by the boat ramp.

Links of Interest:

• Freshwater Bay County Park, official Clallam County webpage
• The Whale Trail page on Freshwater Bay

Location:

2298 Freshwater Bay Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98363