Slip Point (Clallam Bay)
- Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Slip Point (Clallam Bay) is a fairly exposed point break on the southern shore of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It’s best when a west–northwest swell wraps into the Strait, producing long, peeling right-hand waves. Southeast winds are the preferred setup (Southeast offshore), helping keep the face cleaner. Even then, the spot has limited shelter from cross-shore breezes, so wind consistency matters. The break is most often enjoyed by intermediate surfers, but conditions can demand attention: the bottom is rocky with kelp and driftwood, strong currents can occur near the point, and low tide can expose hazardous rocks in the line-up. Water temperature is cold year-round. When surf is up, the area can get busy and crowds may reach hazard levels. Wear a helmet/lid and plan for self-reliant surfing in a remote setting with limited cell service; rescue is not described as available on-site.
- Refuge spot when the Pacific coast is too big or messy
- Right-hand point break with long peeling rides
- Best wind is from the southeast (offshore)
- Best swell direction is west-northwest
- Long, peeling right-hand point break when swell wraps into the Strait
- Works as a refuge when the wider coast is overwhelmed
- Mid tide is generally best
- Crowds can reach hazard levels when surf is up
- No dedicated lifeguards or rescue on-site
- Cold water and remote conditions increase risk
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- ESE, S
- Offshore directions
- ESE
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind type reported as frontal; winter conditions are driven by Pacific frontal systems.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Shadow Zones
- The point offers some protection from prevailing West and Northwest winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Pebble
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Small — Narrow rocky beach area near the point
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Can get crowded on weekends or when the coast is blown out and the spot is firing.
October through April
By sport
What to expect for each.
A fairly exposed point break on the southern shore of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Best worked by west-northwest groundswells that wrap into the Strait; can act like a refuge when the Pacific coast is overwhelmed.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- W, WNW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide is generally best; low tide can expose dangerous rocks.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Some semi-shelter from the point, but the break is still fairly exposed overall.
- Wind Effect
- Cleanest with Southeast offshore winds; no shelter from cross-shore breezes.
- Bigger Swell
- Starts to work when the outer coast is too large or blown out.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Long — A right-hand point break that can offer long, peeling rides when conditions align.
- Ride Length Details
- Waves can peel for a significant distance around the point when the swell is large enough.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Slip Point (Clallam Bay) in the full forecast view.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Submerged rocks
- Thick kelp beds
- Driftwood
- Crowds reaching hazard levels
- Strong currents
- Hypothermia risk from cold water
- Remote location with limited cell service
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Port Angeles.
Rules of the spot
Consider wearing a lid when crowds reach hazard levels.
- Consider wearing a helmet when crowds reach hazard levels.
- Mid tide is generally best.
- Low tide can expose dangerous rocks in the line-up.
- Often works when the Washington coast is too big or messy.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Clallam Bay
- Nearest Town
- Clallam Bay
- Parking
- Available at Clallam Bay County Park
- Access
- Public access through Clallam Bay County Park
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Limited accommodation in the Clallam Bay / Sekiu area; many visitors base themselves in nearby Port Angeles.
- Food & Drink
- Small local diners and a grocery store in Clallam Bay.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is not available locally; visitors need to bring gear from nearby hubs.
Off the water
A quiet gateway between the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Peninsula wilderness, known for rugged coastlines and outdoor access.
Northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States with dramatic cliffside views.
World-class hiking, rainforest exploration, and wilderness camping.
Local deli and grocery for essential supplies and prepared foods.
Park featuring tide pooling, camping, and WWII bunkers.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Slip Point (Clallam Bay)?
The best overall months at Slip Point (Clallam Bay) are December.
Which wind directions work at Slip Point (Clallam Bay)?
Slip Point (Clallam Bay) works with ESE, S winds. Offshore directions are ESE.
What skill level is Slip Point (Clallam Bay) suitable for?
Slip Point (Clallam Bay) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.