Tacoma Narrows

Tacoma Narrows

Washington, USA West
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Unrated
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Unknown

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Tacoma Narrows

The Tacoma Narrows is located right next to the water treatment plant, just below the War Memorial Park at the base of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. This is considered a technical dive, and should be planned with an experienced guide or a local dive shop. The rewards of your effort, however, include seeing the remains of the collapse of the original bridge from half a century ago. This dive site is found under the bridge of the Tacoma Narrows. Head North on Highway 16 from I-5 in Tacoma as if you are heading to Gig Harbor. On the last exit before hitting the bridge, take Jackson Ave exit. Do not turn on Jackson, but head straight across and down the hill into War Memorial Park.
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Zentacle
Zentacle
Sep 21, 2021, 1:07 AM
scuba
You may start your dive from here and carefully drift to the bridge and back again (if your calculations are correct!), or you can walk your gear down to the bridge and begin diving from there. This is the location of the upper parking you'll use if you come here on the weekends. Yes, the gate is locked, and you will kill yourself from this point trying to get your gear to the entry. If you arrive on a weekday, however, this gate is mostly open until the early afternoon, so you may be able to drive your gear to the drop-off point by the Treatment Plant. This the turn around spot at the treatment plant. Drop your gear off, and carry it down the fence line, over the railroad tracks to the water's edge. This is the parking area just inside the park--- still a distance from the entry point. From here, you may use a tank cart to get your gear to the water's edge. If carefully planned, a drift dive to and from the bridge would be most exciting!
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Apr 6, 2008, 12:00 AM
scuba
This was a good boat-drift dive. We saw a cute octopus just sitting on top of the rocks, a grunt sculpin, and lots of red irish lords. Our dive buddies saw wolf eals. We also found tons of human-made stuff that had been 'lost overboard' while constructing the bridge.
Originally posted on shorediving.com
John Bruels
John Bruels
Dec 14, 2004, 12:00 AM
scuba
This site is essentially closed due to construction of a new bridge. Diving may still be done there but you may run the risk of law enforcement involvement. Construction is scheduled for at least another year.
Originally posted on shorediving.com
Jeff Bowman
Jeff Bowman
Oct 25, 2002, 12:00 AM
scuba
A great dive during slack tide. Current becomes difficult above 2 kts, although it makes for great drifting. Lot's of ling cod, small kelp environment, abundance of reef life in wreckage of old bridge directly under new.
Originally posted on shorediving.com
Max
Max
Mar 29, 2002, 12:00 AM
scuba
This is a killer drift dive, but I highly suggest doing this as a boat dive, especially if you are not from the area. The current rips through here and you could end up miles from where you started, but it is so fun to dive.
Originally posted on shorediving.com
Brad Congdon
Brad Congdon
Jan 18, 2002, 12:00 AM
scuba
The Narrows is a great dive for advanced divers, and requires a live boat. Strong currents are a constant hazard. The combination of currents, depth, and poor visibility has killed divers here, but care and preparation can reward you with a great dive -- lots of wolf eels and octopus in the rocky habitat along the shore, and often dog shark sightings around the bridge supports. Several dive charter operations in the area regularly visit the Narrows.
Originally posted on shorediving.com
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