Downey Duck Raystown Lake
This is a 27 mile long lake covering 8,300 acres. There are several public boat launches , lots of campgrounds near and some actually on the lake. There is a resort on the lake on the southern end near Entriken, and several hotels in the nearby town of Huntingdon at the north end of the lake. Most access to the lake is off State Route 26. Two marinas are located on the lake and several are located nearby. Diving necessities can be obtained at the DEEP SIX SCUBA CENTER in Hesston located on the road to Seven Point Marina. Water depths can be found from several feet to over 200 feet.

What To See

The most interesting dive site:

The Power House

The Power House structure now rests in cold lake water that ranges in depth from 105 feet, at the top of the rails for the overhead crane system, to approximately 200 feet at the center of the old river bed.

Guided "tour" dives as well as "preparation" dives are highly recommended. The preparation dives are for adapting yourself and your rig to function in cold waters. This preparation is also mandatory for developing a high degree of comfort through the practice of emergency situations. Much like other exciting dives, these are deceptively easy. While some of the diving can be done on air at a depth of 105 feet to 115 feet, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that a "mix" be used.

This is NOT your average dive site. Experience at depth alone is not enough to prepare you to dive this site responsibly. Depths range from 105 to 180 in 38 to 35 degree water with no light from the surface. Visibility ranges from 8 feet to 20 feet and overhead environment exists. Entanglement probability is present due to heavy bass fishing when divers are not on site. Also, trees in excess of 50 feet tall surround the building on one side.

Gear configuration and contingency planning are of paramount importance. Done properly however, mastering these sites can be very rewarding at a personal level. If you are willing to invest the time and effort to do it right, I would highly recommend diving at the Old Raystown Dam & Power House. .......... These are a few of the sites in the 110 foot depth range.

Dry Suits, Decompression, and the use of Enriched Air Nitrox and Trimix are commonly used.

How to Get There

From Pittsburgh

  1. Take I-76 (PA turnpike) to the Fort Littleton Exit #13.
  2. Turn left onto 475.
  3. Turn right onto 655 which then becomes 913.
  4. Pick up 26 North at Saxton and follow the signs for Raystown Lake.

Rates

There is no "entry fee" to dive the lake, however, a boat and experienced guide are necessary to reach the more popular dive sites.

Local Contacts

Deep Six ScubaCenter - Seasonal Scuba Instruction
Address R D Rd 1 Box 
213AA Hesston, PA 16647 Business Phone: (814)658-2953 Business Fax: 
(814)658-2953 E-mail: DEEPSIX@VICON Contact: Michael Boor - Owner

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