A wonderful place to camp, watch a sunset and more One of the county’s most popular parks, Salt Creek Recreation Area near Joyce, offers visitors forests, rocky bluffs, tide pools, a sandy beach and campsites, and features wonderful panoramic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Crescent Bay and Vancouver Island. Highlighted as a premier birding site, Salt Creek is on the National Audubon’s Olympic Loop of the Greater Washington State Birding Trail. The area was once the location of Camp Hayden, a World War II harbor defense military base. Two concrete bunkers preserve its military history. The area was purchased by the county after being decommissioned at the end of World War II. The adjacent Tongue Point Marine Life Sanctuary includes a rocky outcropping that, at low tide, reveals starfish, sea urchins, limpets, sea cucumbers and many other forms of marine life. When you visit tidal areas, practice tide pool etiquette. Remember the old saying: “Take nothing but pictures; leave nothing but footprints.” The waters surrounding Salt Creek are popular spots for kayaking, surfing and paddleboarding. Mountain bikers and hikers can access the state’s Striped Peak Recreation Area from the Salt Creek area. Salt Creek is a popular camping site for families. Park amenities include one picnic shelter
SALT CREEK RECREATION AREA
with a fireplace, play equipment, basketball, volleyball and horseshoe courts and a softball field, plus several trails. For details about camping reservations, visit clallam.net/Parks/SaltCreek.html or phone 360-928-3441. The scenic Whale Trail is a string of 20 locations around Washington where visitors are likely to see whales and other marine mammals from shore. A sign at Salt Creek Recreation Area — positioned in the northwest corner of the park, near the stairs leading to Tongue Point — overlooks Crescent Bay, where gray whales often are seen.
Along state Highway 112, also known as the Strait of Juan de Fuca National Scenic Byway, Whale Trail sites are found at Freshwater Bay County Park, the Sekiu Overlook and Shipwreck Point. For more information about the trail, visit thewhaletrail.org. To reach Salt Creek Recreation Area, take state Highway 112 west from Port Angeles toward Joyce. After 9 miles, turn right (north) onto Camp Hayden Road (near Milepost 54). Travel about 3 miles. Salt Creek Recreation Area’s entrance will be on your right.
Serving The Community Since 1911
“We are the oldest continuous operating General Store in the State of Washington”
Warmth, friendliness, local color and a touch of history come with every purchase. The Joyce General Store, located on Hwy. 112 between beautiful Lake Crescent and Crescent Beach, has been in the same family for 49-plus years. We are more than happy to take time to chat and tell you about visiting the mythical University of Joyce. We will also give any directions to anywhere you might be interested in. “The finest people from all over the country pass through our doors. We welcome them as friends as well as customers.”
OLYMPIC PENINSULA VISITORS GUIDE • SUMMER 2018
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Drop in at the Joyce General Store and step into a building that has had few changes since the early 1900’s. The false front, beaded ceiling, oiled wood floors and many of the fixtures remain the same. Much of the interior of the store is from the Markham House Hotel which stood in the now vanished town of Port Crescent in the 1800’s. The store carries gas, groceries, tackle, bait, and other items. There JOYCE GENERAL STORE also are unique gifts, souvenirs, and in beautiful downtown Joyce • 360-928-3568 Indian arts and crafts.
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