Camp Hayden Bunkers
Explore historic WWII gun batteries and enjoy stunning coastal views at Camp Hayden Bunkers, a unique historical site.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, low crowds
Camp Hayden Bunkers
Best Time
Clear skies, low crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore historic WWII gun batteries and enjoy stunning coastal views at Camp Hayden Bunkers, a unique historical site.
"Really neat to see the gun battery here at Camp Hayden after checking out Fort Casey. Interesting history and cool trail to find the battery."
🚗 Drive or Walk the Bunkers
You can drive through some bunkers and park to walk around others. Both offer unique perspectives. :car:
🌊 Check Tide Charts
For the best tide pool experience, check the local tide charts before you go. :ocean:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Gun Battery
Salt Creek Recreation Area
Discover the remnants of a coastal defense system, offering a glimpse into military history.
Ocean Views and Tide Pools
Salt Creek Recreation Area
Enjoy breathtaking ocean vistas and explore fascinating tide pools teeming with marine life.
Underground Bunker Exploration (Surface)
Camp Hayden Bunkers
Walk through the accessible parts of the bunkers and imagine their past use.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Explore the Underground
Combine with Coastal Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive or Walk the Bunkers
You can drive through some bunkers and park to walk around others. Both offer unique perspectives. :car:
🌊 Check Tide Charts
For the best tide pool experience, check the local tide charts before you go. :ocean:
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be uneven, so comfortable and sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera to photograph the historic bunkers and stunning coastal scenery. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive or Walk the Bunkers
You can drive through some bunkers and park to walk around others. Both offer unique perspectives. :car:
🌊 Check Tide Charts
For the best tide pool experience, check the local tide charts before you go. :ocean:
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be uneven, so comfortable and sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera to photograph the historic bunkers and stunning coastal scenery. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Camp Hayden Bunkers to be a historically interesting site with beautiful surrounding coastal scenery and tide pools. While the accessible surface areas are appreciated, many express a desire to explore the locked underground portions of the bunkers. The location within Salt Creek Recreation Area is a significant draw, offering a pleasant natural environment alongside the historical exploration.
"You can either drive thru them or walk. We did both. Drive thru the first one and there will be a small parking spot. Park there. There’s a big field and a park bench as well. You can see another view of the ocean. It’s breathtaking."
Priscilla
"This place is cool looking just wishing there could open the whole place just to what is underground."
Mike Ryan
"Really neat to see the gun battery here at Camp Hayden after checking out Fort Casey. Interesting history and cool trail to find the battery."
Robert Bailey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Camp Hayden Bunkers are located within Salt Creek Recreation Area, about a 30-minute drive west of Port Angeles. Take Highway 101 West and follow signs for Salt Creek Recreation Area. The drive itself is scenic, with some TikToks highlighting the beautiful forests along the way.
Yes, there is parking available, especially at Salt Creek Recreation Area. You can park to explore the beach, tide pools, and the accessible parts of the bunkers. Some reviews mention a small parking spot near one of the bunkers for easier access.
Public transportation options to Salt Creek Recreation Area and Camp Hayden Bunkers are very limited. It is highly recommended to have your own vehicle for convenient access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Camp Hayden Bunkers are located within Salt Creek Recreation Area, which typically has a day-use fee. Check the official Salt Creek Recreation Area website or Olympic National Park information for current fees.
Salt Creek Recreation Area is generally open year-round during daylight hours. However, access to specific bunker interiors may be restricted and not publicly accessible.
Currently, there are no widely advertised public tours for the underground sections of the Camp Hayden Bunkers. Many visitors express a desire to explore the interiors, but they are often locked.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the surface of the historic gun batteries, enjoy the scenic ocean views, and discover tide pools at low tide. Some visitors enjoy walking through the accessible bunker structures.
The accessible surface areas are generally safe. However, be cautious of uneven terrain and always supervise children. The underground sections are typically off-limits for safety reasons.
During low tide, you can often spot various marine life in the tide pools, such as sea stars, anemones, and small crabs. The coastal environment also attracts seabirds.
Yes, families can enjoy the historical aspect of the bunkers and the natural beauty of the beach and tide pools. It's a great spot for a picnic and some outdoor exploration. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The gun emplacements themselves offer dramatic photographic opportunities. The coastline provides stunning backdrops, especially during sunrise or sunset. Don't forget to capture the tide pools.
Photography is generally allowed in the accessible surface areas of the bunkers. However, since the interiors are usually locked, you won't be able to photograph inside them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Coastal Defense
While the primary gun emplacements are the main draw, the surrounding area also holds historical significance. The military presence here was part of a larger network of defenses aimed at safeguarding the Pacific Northwest. The fact that much of the underground infrastructure remains inaccessible adds an element of mystery and intrigue, fueling the curiosity of many visitors who wish for a more complete historical immersion.
For those interested in military history, Camp Hayden offers a tangible connection to the past. It's a place where you can reflect on the strategic decisions and engineering feats of a bygone era, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pacific Northwest coastline.
Salt Creek Recreation Area: More Than Just Bunkers
The area features beautiful beaches perfect for leisurely strolls, picnicking, and simply soaking in the coastal atmosphere. At low tide, the exposed rocky shores transform into fascinating natural aquariums, revealing a diverse array of sea stars, anemones, and other intertidal creatures. This makes it an ideal spot for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
Beyond the bunkers and tide pools, Salt Creek offers opportunities for camping and enjoying the serene PNW environment. Many find the combination of historical intrigue and natural splendor makes it a must-visit destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit