Clallam Bay
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S.R. 112 to Clallam Bay From the junction of state routes 112 and 113, it's 6.1 miles to Clallam Bay, which has a beautiful view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and,on a clear day,Vancouver Island looms on the northern horizon. Clallam Bay is dramatic as it sparkles in the sunlight-a jewel carved from the rugged coastline-with Sekiu Point rising abruptly above its western end, sheltering the village of Sekiu.
East Clallam, now called Clallam Bay, was founded in the 1880s as a steamboat stop.It
became a mill town in 1890. Two years later,the mill burned, and making barrels for West
Clallam Bay's tanning extract became its main industry. In 1905,the lighthouse at Slip
Point was lighted on April Fool's Day.
Because it was the last harbor from which sailing ships could go to sea under their own power before reaching the Pacific Ocean, Clallam Bay was a regular passenger and freight stop for many years.
Since about 1900, commercial, and then charter, fishing has been the main business here.The area is popular with hunters, as well as fishermen. Wildlife photographers come because of the above average population of bald eagles and other wildlife. Hikers and nature-lovers come to hike the miles of trails and beaches, and a surprising number of skin divers come to explore along the Strait.
A convenient stop in downtown Clallam Bay is the county day-use park with easy beach access, rest rooms (during the summer and shoulder seasons) and picnic area.
Sekiu Point, the western cape of Clallam Bay was first charted by Captain Henry Kellett in 1847. Pronounced See'-kew, the town was founded as West Clallam in 1870, by A.J. Martin who built a salmon cannery to be nearer the fishing grounds. The area boomed before the turn of the century when a leather tanning extract was produced here by the Pacific Tanning Extract Company established in 1887. Sekiu crashed in 1893 when the demand for the extract ceased, and hundreds of men were left unemployed. People turned to fishing, and later logging. From 1902-07, D.A. Robinson logged here, building a railroad with what was then the longest railroad bridge in the world. The 808 foot long, 202 foot high bridge spanned Charlie Creek. Logs were skidded over the bridge on grease. Today, Sekiu is known for its fishing.Trophy fish are caught in these waters, and the bay is lined with fishing resorts. There are several popular fishing derbies every year-
At Sekiu,whale watching tours may also be arranged.
Sekiu has also become a Mecca for SCUBA divers and for folks looking for a peaceful
vacation in a beautiful coastal setting.