Salt Creek

The 196-acre park facility includes upland forests, rocky bluffs, tide pools, sandy beaches, Salt Creek River access, and panoramic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Crescent Bay, and Victoria, British Columbia. The remnants of World War II Fort Hayden are preserved on the site - two concrete bunkers which housed 16" cannons, and several sitting bunkers.

Salt Creek has 90 campsites, 3 full service (handicap accessible) restrooms (two with showers). Hiking trails, 5 beach access walkways with interpretive information signs, a large playground, picnic areas, group picnic shelter, dump station, baseball field, horseshoe court, and a marine life sanctuary. The park also serves as a hiking trail access to the Department of Natural Resources trails which accesses the Striped Peak area.

The park and campground are open year round with the gate closing at dark.  Approximately 72 of the 90 campsites have a view of the water.  The campground is naturally divided into two distinct areas.  The first has 49 campsites in a relatively open area, all with outstanding views of the Strait.  39 of these sites have water and electrical hook-ups (30 and 50 amp) available.  The remaining 51 standard sites are located in a forested area. The park is managed by a resident park manager who lives on the site year round. A fee is charged for camping, showers, and firewood.

Favorite activities for park users are camping, picnicking, social gatherings, playing at the playground, beach walking, tide pool exploring, hiking, scuba diving, whale watching inside Crescent Bay, swimming in the river, and surf boarding.

Salt Creek is a regional park that draws visitors from all areas of the northwest and is one of Clallam County's premier parks. Many colleges and schools from all over the United States visit the park to study and observe the marine life. It is also famous for its Tongue Point Marine Life Sanctuary.

The working western boundary line of the County Park is the mouth of Salt Creek. Please respect the private beach that lies west of the river mouth. This private beach and recreation area may be used by contacting Crescent Beach and R.V. Park at 360-928-3344. A few basic campground regulations:

  • Self registration
  • One extra non-camping vehicle may be allowed in sites that are large enough to safely handle vehicle within site pad. Extra vehicle must be registered on camp fee permit and proper fee paid.
  • The occupancy of a single campsite shall be limited to 6 individuals or a single family.
  • A 15-day continuous camping limit will be enforced.
  • Pets are allowed on leashes not longer than 8 feet.
  • The tide pools in front of Salt Creek Recreation Area are rich with marine life and are designated as a Marine Life Sanctuary. This means "look but don't touch".



Directions:
Follow Highway 101 west out of Port Angeles. Turn right onto Highway 112. Follow Highway 112 to Camp Hayden Road. Follow Camp Hayden Road to Salt Creek

Travel Time:
25 - 35 minutes

Mileage Distance:
13 miles

Best Time of Year:
Good throughout the year

Special Notes:
Pets must be leashed

For all other information visit www.clallam.net/CountyParks/html/parks_saltcreek.htm