Site Resources & Tools
Dive planning for Columbia river
Site Briefing
Columbia River scuba diving is primarily at the Hammond Boat Basin (Astoria, Oregon) north and south jetties.
Depths along the jetties are 10-15 ft at high tide; drop to 50+ ft as you approach the main shipping channel. Old ruins on the north end of the north jetty attract marine life but present entanglement hazards.
Access: Shore access at Hammond Boat Basin jetties in Hammond/Astoria, Oregon.
Marine life: Crabbing and spear-fishing spot; typical Columbia River-mouth species.
Conditions: Extreme current at tide changes -- always dive at slack.
Hazards: Main shipping channel is close -- stay near the rocks, fly a dive flag. Occasional big waves and surge as large ships pass.
⚠️ Safety & accuracy
Before diving at Columbia river, always check recent pnwdiving reports !
Briefings may be out of date or have inaccuracies. Dive within your training and experience. The first time diving a site, join someone familiar with the site and/or start on a mild day.
See an issue? Would you like to suggest briefing updates? Suggest briefing updates.