Near Neah Bay in Clallam County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

Snow Creek

— Welcome to the Whale Trail —

Photographed By J. J. Prats, May 20, 2015

1. Snow Creek Marker

Inscription. Sail and Seal Rocks rise from the seascape in front of you, where Snow Creek enters the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This rich and productive marine habitat attracts fishermen, divers, kayakers—and whales!

Snow Creek overlook is one of the best places along the Strait to see gray whales. Watch for them close to shore, where they feed in the shallow, sloping bay. Look for their heart-shaped blows near the sea stacks.

Wolf eels, lingcod and octopuses thrive in the boulders and kelp. East of here, the wreck of the steamship Andalusia forms an artificial reef that is home to dozens of species.

To the west, the Strait makes a transition to the Pacific Ocean and Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary teems with marine mammals, seabirds, fishes and other sea life.

What will you discover?

The Whale Trail is a series of sites around the region where you may view orcas and other whales or marine mammals from shore.

Erected by the Whale Trail, a nonprofit organization in partnership with Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, People for Puget Sound, Seattle Aquarium, The Whale Museum, NOAA, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. (Marker Number 9.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these

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topic lists: Animals • Natural Resources.

Location. 48° 21.176′ N, 124° 32.727′ W. Marker is near Neah Bay, Washington, in Clallam County. Marker is on Straight of Juan de Fuca Highway (State Highway 112) just east of Snow Creek Resort, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Neah Bay WA 98357, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 1 other marker is within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Shipwreck Point (approx. 5.2 miles away).

More about this marker. This, and all Whale Trail markers contain color images, photographs, size information and description for orca (killer whale), gray whale, harbor seal, harbor porpoise, and California sea lion. Also shown are outlines of the Steller sea lion, Dall’s porpoise, humpback whale, sea otter, Minke whale, Pacific white-sided dolphin, and the river otter. A large map this corner of Washington shows the locations of the 17 Whale Trail markers and other Whale Trail sites, and the usual reminders of ecosystems in trouble, how you can help, and a warning to keep your distance from marine wildlife for your protection and theirs.

Also see . . .

Photographed By J. J. Prats, May 20, 2015

2. Snow Creek Marker

The Whale Trail Website. “The Whale Trail is a series of sites around the Northwest where the public may view orcas, other whales and marine mammals from shore. Our mission is to inspire appreciation and stewardship of whales and our marine environment by establishing a network of viewing sites along the whales’ trails through the Salish Sea and the Pacific Coast.” (Submitted on May 24, 2015.)

The Straight of Juan de Fuca at Snow Creek image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, May 20, 2015

3. The Straight of Juan de Fuca at Snow Creek

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 588 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 24, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.