Official Hood Canal water-quality page describing the canal's minimal mixing and long water residence time.
Cold-water Hood Canal pinnacle with deep structure and rich critter life.
Cold-water Hood Canal pinnacle with deep structure and rich critter life.
Flagpole Point is a deep Hood Canal pinnacle with a private-access feel and a lot of structure in the water column. It is known for cloud sponges, wolf eels, giant Pacific octopus, and other cold-water life, but the same features that make it memorable also make it a site for experienced divers who are comfortable with current and a more demanding Hood Canal dive.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
6m - 27m
Depth Note
The reef top is around 65' with the knuckle dropping to roughly 80'-90'; shallower rock rises to about 20' for stops.
Best Season
summer and early fall
Typical Conditions
Cold Hood Canal water, mild but persistent current, and a steep rocky pinnacle with siltier flats to one side.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
Treat the surface swim with respect, stay off the busy surface near the point, and dive with cold-water gear and good buoyancy.
Access Restrictions
Use the private access route only by arrangement or take a boat; the shoreline is not a casual public entry.
Legal Notes
Respect private property, the access rules, and boat traffic around the point.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
A classic Hood Canal pinnacle dive for experienced cold-water divers who like structure, sponges, and critter hunting.
Freediving
Not a practical freedive target because the reef is deep, cold, and current-influenced.
Snorkeling
Only the shallowest shoreline water makes sense for snorkeling; the main reef is a scuba site.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Official Hood Canal water-quality page describing the canal's minimal mixing and long water residence time.
Independent Hood Canal dive note covering private access, current, silt, visibility, and boat-traffic risk.
Hood Canal resort activity page describing shore access, mild currents, tank fills, and common cold-water species.
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