Freshwater Bay (Washington) facts for kids
Freshwater Bay is a beautiful bay located on the northern coast of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. It's part of the large Strait of Juan de Fuca. You can find it about 10 miles (16 km) west of Port Angeles, just off State Route 112. It's also only 3 miles (5 km) north on Freshwater Bay Road. The bay is a great spot for outdoor fun and exploring nature. It sits just east of Striped Peak.
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Exploring Freshwater Bay
Freshwater Bay is a lovely natural area on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. It's a part of the large Strait of Juan de Fuca. This bay is located near Port Angeles, a city on the northern coast. It's a popular place for people who enjoy being outdoors.
Water Access and Boating
The bay has a small boat ramp for getting into the water. However, it's best for small boats and kayaks. Launching and taking out boats can be tricky when the tide is low. This is because the bay is very shallow, and the paved ramp can be completely exposed. There is no dock at the launch ramp. Many boaters and kayakers start their adventures from here.
The Park and Beach
There is also a 5-acre (2-hectare) park at Freshwater Bay. This park is open during the summer months. The park also includes about 1,450 feet (442 meters) of public tidelands. These are areas of the shore that are covered and uncovered by the tides.
A small public beach is available around the boat ramp. When the tide is low, this beach gets much bigger. It stretches far out into the bay.
Wildlife and Nature
At Freshwater Bay, you can go clamming when the tide is out. You can also observe many different kinds of wildlife. Look for interesting creatures like sea stars and sea anemones. You might also see kelp, which is a type of large seaweed. Sea gulls are often flying overhead or resting on the water.
From the bay, you can also see Bachelor Rock. This is a sea stack, which is a tall, thin rock column that stands in the sea. It was once part of the coastline.
A Look Back: History of the Bay
Freshwater Bay has an interesting history regarding its name. In 1790, a Spanish explorer named Manuel Quimper visited the area. He named the bay Ensenada de Davila. Later, in 1846, the bay received its current name, Freshwater Bay. This name was given by Henry Kellett.
