The Oregon coast is a spectacular blend of ocean, coves, inlets, forests, and mountains - having long been a popular destination point for divers of all abilities. We have included here some well-known sites for your underwater pleasure - from Southern Oregon all the way North to Tillamook Bay. Please check with the local resource providers for detailed information for planning a safe and enjoyable dive!

Oregon

Divers will travel far and wide to find the best diving. But those who live in the United States have plenty of great diving on their doorstep as well, with plentiful access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. From warm-water reefs to temperate seas, here are some of the top places to scuba dive in the United States.

United States



Located just North of Barview Jetty and the Lumber Dock at Garabaldi

Nehalem Jetty

The Crab Dock at Winchester Bay is a nice location for just about everything.  We wanted to 'pull up roots' and move here once we realized everything this small community could offer.  Plan on spending the day there just diving, crabbing, eating and soaking up the ambiance of this coastal town. By the way, if you like raw oysters, the best we've ever tasted are at a small factory/store located right there in the marina area called Umpqua Aquaculture. The oysters are cold, fresh out of the water, and opened in front of you. Yum!

Winchester Bay is located just South of Reedsport, on the Southern bank of the mouth of the Umpqua River.  From 101 in Winchester Bay, turn North on Broadway, then an immediate left onto Salmon Harbor Drive.  Wind your way to the water until you see the landmarks below.

Winchester Bay

Whales Head is a very nice destination for a day's diving.  Kelp beds on the North side of bay provide the most interesting sights.  Start at low tide and kick out about 100 yards.

Located about 7 miles North of Brookings, look for the small sign at the entrance on the ocean-side of the road.

Whales Head

Another great place to grab a few crab for dinner.  It's an easy drive, and parking is just a few feet away from the entry.  If you're looking for peace and quiet, this is the place!

Take the nearest exit from the South side of the Newport Bridge.  Head down the hill until you are by the water on East side of the bridge.  You'll be on SE Marine Science Drive.  Continue for a short way, and turn right on SE 25th Street, then left on SE Ferry Ship Road.  When the road dead ends, you're there!.

Wacoma Dock

Fingers is probably the best known dive in the Newport area.  The jetty area provides some great hiding places for the smaller marine life, and the fingers outstretching perpendicular from the main jetty can protect you a bit from the current.  It is recommended that you dive one of the first three fingers you come to, as the fourth and fifth are subject to stronger current.  Since this is the main channel out of Newport Bay, dive only at slack tide, and be careful of the boat traffic.

Take the nearest exit from the South side of the Newport Bridge.  Head down hill toward the water, and turn left on SW 26th Street, which then takes you to SE Jetty Way and the park.

Fingers



Located just south of Barview Jetty and the Lumber Dock at Garabaldi

Netarts

Hobsonville Point is an out-of-the-way dive site with no facilities, but a lot of scenery!   Look for crabs, clams, and treasure.  Once on the beach you'll notice that there use to be a large dock on the point, so who knows what you'll find!

From Portland, take Highway 26 West to Highway 6 West into Tillamook on the coast.  Drive North 9.9 miles into the Heart of Garibaldi.  Now do a U-turn and drive 2.4 miles South back to the turn-off below (or just drive 7.5 miles North of Tillamook!)

Hobsonville Point

Barview County Park offers camping, beach combing, sunning, and, of course, diving!   You'll be sure to find enough crab and clams for dinner, so come prepared.  As you'll be able to tell from the photos, conditions here can change radically very quickly.  Check with a local dive shop about the tides, harvesting limits, visibility, etc.  If you have not dived in this area before, you might seriously consider a guide on your first couple of sites.

From Portland, take Highway 26 West to Highway 6 West into Tillamook on the coast.  Drive North 9.9 miles into the Heart of Garibaldi.  Drive 1.7 miles farther North and turn left onto Cedar Street.

Barview Park

Another excellent place for crab.  The location is a little remote and out-of-the-way, which provides additional adventure!  No more than 40 feet deep, you'll find crab and clams, and the occasional abandoned crab pot lost by boaters.

Located in Florence, on the North bank of the Siuslaw River, you'll need to get on Rhododendron Drive, which parallels the river bank heading to the ocean.  For a scenic drive, head West on 9th Street and turn right on Rhodie, or go West on 35th street and turn right on Rhodie.  Follow the directions below.

Siuslaw River

Extremely clear fresh water altitude dive.  Old forest preserved underwater.  Good facilities, including camping, cabins, store, boat rentals and cafe.  No motorized craft are allowed on the lake. At an elevation of 3100 feet, this is considered an altitude dive. The water is approximately 43 degrees on average year round at the surface. A few feet below the surface the water can get to near freezing temps. The visibility can reach over 100 feet in parts of the lake. Nothing in the way of biology, but a great dive if you have a dry suit.

Take highway 126 from Eugene, OR toward Sisters, OR. 18 miles northeast of McKenzie Bridge. From McKenzie Bridge, travel east on Hwy 126 to Coldwater Cove Campground. Plenty of places to park, and easy access to the water.

Approx 3 miles south of 20/126 interchange on east side of road.

Clear Lake

Three Graces is a beautiful site that has it all.  Beach-combing is at its finest at low tide, and harvesting is excellent at high.  Bring your camera for macro-photographic opportunities!

From Portland, take Highway 26 West to Highway 6 West into Tillamook on the coast.  Drive North 9.9 miles into the Heart of Garibaldi.  Drive 1.2 miles farther North to the turnout below.

Nehalem Jetty

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Nehalem Jetty