Camp Hayden

Cool place to wander keithlinda1971 (Atlas Obscura User)

Part of the World War II coastal defense system, the remnants of Camp Hayden can be found at the end of a thickly forested road inside the Salt Creek Recreation Area west of Port Angeles, Washington.

One of seven locations in Washington’s system, this bunker featured a fire control radar and harbor entrance radar, as well as 45-foot guns that covered the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Constructed of steel-shielded concrete, the structure was designed to withstand a direct hit.

The other six abandoned Washington installations in the WWII-era coastal defense system are Fort Worden in Port Townsend, Fort Casey, Fort Ebey, Fort Whitman, Fort Flagler on Marrowstone Island, and Fort Ward on Bainbridge Island. All of the bunkers still stand, and portions of interiors are accessible to explorers.

Know Before You Go

Visit by entering Salt Creek Recreation Area and following Camp Hayden Road to Bunker Road. The road travels through a tunnel in the symmetrical bunker and circles around to exit through the other side. From this location visitors can view Crescent Beach and Victoria, Canada on the horizon. Short term parking is permitted here while visitors explore. For longer visits, please note that Crescent Beach is private and requires registration and fees to park and explore the water's edge. Instead exit via Bunker Road and enter the Salt Creek campground for free daily parking and access to the tide pools and sea stack at low tide.