Marine Area 3 includes the Pacific Ocean from the Queets River north to Cape Alava.
Marine Area 3 is renowned for its exceptional beauty and salmon fishing during the summer. LaPush is the only access point for Area 3. The coastline here is rugged and beautiful. The submerged and exposed rocks and pillars provide wonderful habitat for lingcod and rockfish. Don't get too close though! Keep an eye out for the elusive sea otter. These wonderful and quite rare mammals have been reintroduced and live among the kelp beds along the shore.
The bar at LaPush isn't as dangerous as Illwaco or Westport, unless a strong southerly wind is blowing. Like all ocean fisheries, be sure to pay attention to the forecast. Boaters should check their charts before leaving port and ensure their route is free of submerged rocks.
Legal description
From the Queets River north to Cape Alava.
Major fishing areas
3-8 miles
Salmon (spring, summer, and fall chinook and coho) and bottomfish, including lingcod and rockfish are typically targeted here. Ocean fishing can be extremely hazardous, especially for those without ocean and bar-crossing experience. Weather and bar conditions can change quickly and without warning. Hiring a local experienced guide is highly recommended for your initial trips.
Accessible by Boat
Species: Chinook salmon, Coho salmon
Clam, mussel, and oyster beaches
For bivalve season information, please see the Puget Sound clam, mussel, and oyster season guide or visit the shellfish beaches page. Current water quality information, beach locations and harvest seasons can be found on the Department of Health's shellfish safety interactive map.