Ghost Forest, Sucia Island, Trip #50

Ghost Forest in Shallow Bay

Sucia Island is one of several of the outer San Juan Islands, just one mile north of Orcas Island.  Known for it's interesting geological features, protected coves, and in summer - very busy.  Shallow Bay is on the west side of Sucia providing a very protected gunkhole (protected anchorage) for boats.  The pic below is of the Ghost Forest on the southern part of the bay. There's a portage on the left side of the pic giving walkers and paddlers easy access to Echo Bay.

Take the Sucia Island Ferry from Outer Island Expeditions on Orcas to access the island via foot or kayak/sup.  The channel separating Sucia from Orcas can be idyllic and calm or very rough with strong tidal current and rips.  Check with Outer Island or Shearwater in Eastsound for local travel info before setting out.

Sucia with detail of Shallow Bay

The island is open all year and is uncrowded fall through winter but quite crowded with kayakers and boaters in summer.  This blog has some great historical and geological info on the island.  Boater blogs provide good info even if you're travelling via kayak, canoe, or sup.  http://windborneinpugetsound.blogspot.com/2009/10/destination-sucia-island.html

Learn more about my book Kayaking Puget Sound and the San Juans, 60 Trips. I also offer SUP and Kayak lessons available throughout the year at Salmon Bay Paddle. Questions about paddling on the Salish Sea, give me a holler anytime at salmonbaypaddle@gmail.com or 206-465-7167

Support the Washington Water Trails Association and the Cascadia Marine Trail. The wwta works to create and protect access for paddlers on Puget Sound as well as provide an extensive network of over 60 paddle-in camping sites - www.wwta.org