Recently I started scuba diving more in local waters, strolling down memory lane to when my scuba gear still had training wheels on it. Remembering, re-experiencing what first attracted me to cold Washington waters — the explosion of life, the retina-burning colors and, honestly, the challenge. Back then I coveted bragging rights reserved for the intrepid few exploring underneath the bridge spanning Deception Pass, one of the Evergreen State’s top sites.

Today, I covet pretty pictures. The living art on display before me is breathtaking — and more than a bit challenging to photograph. Bouquets of burgundy-plumed feather duster worms accented with jewel-like pink brooding anemones draw my gaze one way, as does a resplendent red Irish lord nestled among glove sponges and orange sea cucumbers. That fashionably decked-out decorator crab clambering over tunicates could work nicely, I muse. Ditto the alabaster nudibranch glowing as if powered by internal LEDs. That collage of painted sea anemones would be an ideal abstract image. And the fiery sun star blazing above me, sprawled out over the exquisitely hued invertebrate turf from which kelp plants are streaming? Perfect.

The entire wall, from 10 feet deep to far below where I’m now working to hold position at 30 feet, is a master artist’s canvas adorned with an abundance of fantastically shaped creatures in a rainbow of pigments. The beautiful chaos of color and form sliding by me is reminiscent of the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit in downtown Seattle. There are infinite possibilities here in Deception Pass.

But not enough time. The ebb tide has arrived, and will not be denied. We had gauged slack well to enjoy 35 leisurely minutes along the southern wall, but our window of opportunity for picture taking is closing fast. Knowing that Poseidon’s power here is no joke — currents can scream at 9 knots, and whirlpools, downdrafts, up-currents and eddies within eddies are all possible at peak flow — we quickly wrap up our photo shoot and then ride the building ebb current westward.

Surfacing a few moments later by the rocks in relative shelter at Little North Beach, we look 200 feet up to see gawkers on the bridge staring down, pointing at us, two little specks in a now frothy green sea. And they think the view is great from up there?

Places to Scuba Dive in Washington

1) Deception Pass

When the tides are right, experienced scuba divers enjoy marine-invertebrate overload in this current-swept pass located in the state park between Fidalgo Island and Whidbey Island. It’s accessible from boat or shore; consult with local experts to choose days with safe slack windows.

2) Edmonds Underwater Park

Supersize ling cod, cabezon and rockfish reside in this man-made city beneath the sea, also a marine protected area. Follow shallow rope-linked trails to explore shipwrecks, tire reefs and jungle-gym-like constructs overgrown with plumose anemones.

3) Alki Junkyard

The freaks come out at night at this easy shore dive in west Seattle. During the wee hours, find and photograph alien ratfish, red octopus, bearded sturgeon poachers, sailfin sculpins and stubby squids on this sand slope between 20 and 60 feet deep.

Washington’s maze of inland waterways guarantees there’s always some place to dive. Strong currents necessitate careful planning. Water temps range from 45 to 55°F. Drysuits are recommended. Underwater viz ranges from 5 to 50 feet, depending on location, wind, surge, swell and season. Plankton blooms are more common in spring and summer. anacortesdiving.com.
Topside Attractions in Washington

Chihuly Museum and the Space Needle

View extraordinary blown-glass creations of Dale Chihuly. Many of his brilliant works are inspired by nature, including sea creatures.
Alki Spud

Grab hand-battered-and-breaded fish and spud-cut chips at this iconic fast-food joint along the historic Alki waterfront, then feast while taking in views of the Seattle skyline.

Pike Place Market

Brave the crowds to watch salmon fly in the covered fish market, binge on microbrews and coffee, buy farm-fresh produce and flowers, and browse stalls selling just about everything.

Whale-Watching

Summertime is orca time in the San Juan Islands and northern Puget Sound. Book a whale-watching trip to spot killer whales, humpbacks, seals and bald eagles.

Source: Sport Diver