Proposed Marine Trail Campsite at Salt Creek Heads to Public Review
Published 1:30 am Thursday, May 28, 2026
A proposal to establish a new overnight campsite for paddlers along the Cascadia Marine Trail at Salt Creek Recreation Area will come before the Clallam County Parks Advisory Board during its Tuesday, June 2 meeting.
The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in the Commissioner Board Room at the Clallam County Courthouse and will include an opportunity for public comment before the board considers the proposal.
The planned campsite would become part of the larger Cascadia Marine Trail, a network of designated camping and stopping points designed for kayakers and other non-motorized boaters traveling coastal waterways throughout the Pacific Northwest. The trail supports multi-day marine recreation by providing safe access points and overnight accommodations.
According to information provided by Clallam County Parks officials, the county’s current Parks Master Plan has already been amended to allow for the proposed campsite initiative. In addition, the Clallam County Department of Community Development reviewed the site and determined the proposed location lies outside Shoreline Master Program jurisdiction and does not affect regulated critical areas or buffers. As a result, no shoreline or critical area permits would be required for development of the campsite.
The proposal is not new to county discussions. The Parks Advisory Board previously reviewed the concept in 2024. At that time, public response was reportedly largely favorable, although some residents raised environmental concerns regarding potential impacts associated with increased recreational use.
Supporters often point to marine trail campsites as a way to expand low-impact tourism opportunities, improve safety for paddlers, and strengthen recreation-based economic activity. Opponents or concerned residents have previously questioned issues such as environmental stewardship, wildlife disturbance, and long-term management responsibilities.
County officials are encouraging interested community members to attend the June 2 meeting and provide input before any recommendation or action is considered by the advisory board.
The proposed campsite would be located within Salt Creek Recreation Area, a popular county park known for camping, tidepooling, hiking and coastal access west of Port Angeles.
