Lewis Reef - Pacific Northwest

Lewis Reef, tucked away in the often-overlooked cold waters of the Pacific Northwest, is a fantastic reminder that you don't need tropical sunshine for a truly captivating dive. Forget the typical coral for a moment. Here, it’s all about the dramatic topography, a landscape of jagged rock formations covered in a tapestry of anemones and sponges. We’ve had some cracking dives here, especially when a gentle current sweeps through, bringing in the bigger pelagics. Our favourite moments are always the encounters with spiny dogfish cruising past, their sleek bodies ghosting through the kelp. And keep an eye out for the common minke whales; we've spotted them on the surface, a truly special bonus to the dive itself. The reef offers a surprising amount of macro life if you take your time, with red rock crabs hunkering down in crevices and green sea urchins clinging to the rock face. For the observant diver, the smaller stuff, like the quirky daubed shanny peeking from under a frond of sea lettuce, is pure gold. It’s a site that rewards patience and a good dive light, perfect for divers who appreciate the subtle beauty of a temperate reef and aren't afraid of a bit of chill.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.425430, -123.279800
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Lime Kiln Lighthouse 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 Lewis Reef

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 Lewis Reef

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