Clearlake

The best visibility dive you'll ever do! Vis is year round in the 300 foot range. The lake is fed by underwater volcanic springs, and so the water is year round very cold (39 degree's on average). So be prepared for a truly cold dive. Drysuits are the norm, and while you can do the dive in a wetsuit, plan on it being a one dive day, with some time to get warmed up after. Marine life is limited. The bottom is made of volcanic ash, and so if you touch the bottom at all, it will plume up and you'll have hours of lowered vis. Best bet is to stay 10 feet off the bottom or so, and you'll see it all. There are craters around the lake where you can peer into the springs that feed the lake. They arent big enough to head into, but you can definitely see where they are, as well as feel the water coming from them at times. The entry is very easy- while divers are asked NOT to enter from the boat ramp, there is a spot in front of the cabins just feet further down the road from the marina shop that has a gentle entry into the northern portion of the lake, and has a bench and table nearby for gearing up. There are camping facilities at the site, and with tent/rv and small cabin camping, so consider staying overnight if doing a night dive. Overall, expect the best vis possibly anywhere, and definitely of any place in the pacific northwest, and plan on some extreme cold to get that vis.