Forest Island - Pacific Northwest

Forest Island, in the chilly waters of the Pacific Northwest, is a site we keep coming back to. It’s not about the depth here, or some massive reef system, but the sheer density of cool critters packed into a relatively small area. We love poking around the kelp fronds, spotting the bright purples of Green Sea Urchins contrasting with the drabber rock. Keep an eye out for the Flashy Pandalid shrimp, sometimes tucked into crevices – their colours are a real treat. Our favourite time to dive Forest Island is on a calm, overcast day; the light filters down through the surface in such a moody way, really highlighting the texture of the rock and the movement of the kelp. You’ll often see schools of Pacific herring shimmering in the distance, and the occasional Common Seal might cruise by, checking you out with those big, dark eyes. This site is a photographer’s dream, particularly for macro, but it’s also just a wonderfully chill dive for anyone who enjoys taking their time and observing the smaller details. We’d suggest going at slack tide to avoid fighting any strong currents – it lets you really settle in and appreciate the place.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.660000, -123.333336
Type
shore
Maximum Depth
10-30m

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 Forest Island

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 Forest Island

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