Butterfly House  |  USA: Pacific Northwest

Large Rock Formation / Pinnacle, Boulder Pile / Shelves, Kelp Forest

Butterfly House is named for the intriguingly designed house sitting on a bluff which overlooks the entry point of this dive location. The site is dynamic, with large rock structures, sheer walls, small canyons and crevices full of sea life all guarded by a giant kelp forest near the shore. A truly fantastic dive site with nearly endless exploration possibilities and full of lingcod, rockfish and perch.

Once you’ve worked your way down to the shore you’ll find yourself in a small cove right below the Butterfly house. Directly out from the cove is a kelp barrier that you can either dive under or maze around on the surface. If you continue directly out from there you will begin to encounter large scattered rock formations tucked among the kelp that extend beyond the point with plenty to explore at shallow depths. If you veer to the right you will encounter larger formations turning to canyons and walls as you near 60’- 80’. Be careful to navigate yourself back into the cove for your exit and don’t get stuck between the waves and the rocks that break the surface further out in the cove.

Beware of the difficult climb to the water, heavy kelp, large surf and a narrow entry and exit spot.

The unmistakable house is located on Scenic Rd. at the end of Stewart Way. Park on Stewart way and walk down the street to the bluff overlooking the small cove. There is a trail that goes down right here but DO NOT TAKE IT. There is a drop at the end that is impossible for a geared up diver. Instead, walk North up the road a little ways and you’ll come to another trail “gorge” that leads you down a bunch of rocks. It is still a difficult climb up and down but it is better than the alternative.