Brinn Rock - Pacific Northwest

Brinn Rock sits off the Pacific Northwest coast, a rugged lump of rock that hints at the wildness below. We love this site for its sheer, unpretentious PNW vibe; it’s not about flashy colours, but about the sheer density of life clinging to every surface. Drop down and you’ll find yourself in a world of greens and browns, where enormous sunflower stars sprawl like fuzzy dinner plates and eelgrass sways in the gentle surge. It’s an easy dive, often calmer than some of the more exposed spots, making it a great choice when the weather kicks up elsewhere. Look closely and you might spot a Blackbelly Eelpout peeking from a crevice, or a gangly Slender Crab scuttling across the rock. This is a site for those who appreciate the subtle beauty of temperate waters, for divers who get a kick out of spotting the less glamorous but equally fascinating critters. We've often seen Common Loons and Surf Scoters diving around the surface, a reminder of the wildlife above, and there’s always that small chance of an Orca passing through – a truly humbling encounter if it happens. Our pick for a good dive here is mid-morning, just after slack tide, when the light penetrates a little deeper and the current is minimal.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.424590, -123.222550
Type
pinnacle
Maximum Depth
15-30m

Marine Protected Area: Pile Point Voluntary No - Take

Best Time to Dive in Pacific Northwest

The warmest water temperatures in Pacific Northwest occur in August, averaging 16.5°C (up to 15.6°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 6.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 7.1°C (air: 6.3°C)
  • February: 6.9°C (air: 4.5°C)
  • March: 7.7°C (air: 6.6°C)
  • April: 9.5°C (air: 8.7°C)
  • May: 12.0°C (air: 11.7°C)
  • June: 14.0°C (air: 13.7°C)
  • July: 15.7°C (air: 14.9°C)
  • August: 16.5°C (air: 15.7°C)
  • September: 14.3°C (air: 14.0°C)
  • October: 11.4°C (air: 10.5°C)
  • November: 8.8°C (air: 7.4°C)
  • December: 7.7°C (air: 5.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Pacific Northwest

Nearest Dive Centres to Brinn Rock

Marine Life in Pacific Northwest

Home to 38 recorded species including 18 reef fish, 7 crabs & lobsters, 3 whales & dolphins, 2 sharks & rays, 2 clams & mussels, 2 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Brinn Rock

Based on average water temperature of 11.0°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 11°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories