Canoe Rock - Pacific Northwest

Canoe Rock is one of those places that reminds you why we dive the Pacific Northwest. Forget the usual suspects; here, the current often rips, and that’s precisely what makes it good. We've seen schools of herring so dense they blot out the sun, a shimmering, living curtain that pulses with every passing spiny dogfish. It's not a gentle drift, but rather a proper adventure, the kind where you brace against the flow and feel the sheer power of the ocean. We love dropping in just as the current starts to pick up, letting it carry us along the rock face, keeping an eye out for the resident plainfin midshipmen tucked into crevices. Keep your eyes peeled for enormous sunflower stars clinging to the rocks, their arms stretching out like neon fireworks. This is a site for divers who appreciate a bit of a challenge, who want to witness the raw energy of a healthy, productive ecosystem. You’ll leave feeling invigorated, and probably a little humbled.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.733334, -123.338330
Type
pinnacle

Marine Protected Area: Kellett Bluff 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 Canoe 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 Canoe 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