Paddling the Salish Sea 80 Trips: 60 Trips kayaking

Showing posts with label 60 Trips kayaking. Show all posts

11/29/13

Paddling Puget Sound - Discover Road Ends for Launching into Puget Sound

When updating the 60 Trips book, I found a lot of road ends which appeared to be great places to launch into Puget Sound. Our region has tons of these, many are hard to find or of local knowledge only and some are in obvious places.

32nd Ave West, Magnolia, Seattle.

Of the two below, the top location in Seattle is 32nd Ave West in the Magnolia neighborhood. It is listed as a hand carry boat launch and is a City of Seattle park. There's no facilities just a lower and upper parking lot. I tend to tread lightly in the lower lot to not take off much space especially when doing a class or tour. Immediately to the right are walk in beach homes, a unique feature for the area. My normal paddle here is to Four Mile Rock about 1 mile west (great freighter waves) or into the Elliott Bay Marina for wind protection if with students.
Link here, http://www.seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=1000001

Agate Street N.E., 47.719891,-122.553558 / Bainbridge Island.

The second location below is on the northwest corner of Bainbridge Island at the end of Agate St NE. Providing great access through a residential neighborhood into the north end of Agate Passage, this one has very limited parking, maybe one car if I recall. Once you arrive on the beach, the beautiful view of Agate Pass and it's bridge are disrupted by No Trespassing signs on both your right and left. While many feel our beaches are public below the high tide line, in truth 60-70 percent of our state's beaches are private. As Mountaineers author Harvey Manning explained in his "Walking the Beach to Bellingham" guide, if you see a beach trespassing sign, most likely it's BS. But check, just in case as it may actually be private. Due to the signs in this image, I chose to not include it in the book, too stressful to put in a public guidebook. You can launch there but go straight out and tread lightly. Right across the waterway is Suquamish's Old Man House park. To the right on the Bainbridge side is a petroglyph on available at low tide.

To get more info on Bainbridge Island's road ends check out these links:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bainbridge-Island-Road-Ends/135688463275004?ref=stream
http://www.bainbridgeisland.com/things-to-do/road-ends

To research Washington State beaches and regulations check out these links:
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/pugetsound/tour/pub_access.html
http://www.coastaltraining-wa.org/Course-Catalog/4.aspx
- Find Public Beaches: https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/coastalatlas/tools/PublicAccess.aspx (great site!)
- "Walking the Beach to Bellingham", Harvey Manning, Mountaineers Books. http://www.amazon.com/Walking-Beach-Bellingham-Northwest-Reprints/dp/087071547X

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

12/20/12

Part 3 in Mike Darbyshire's Gulf Islands SUP Tour

From Mike's blog,

Gulf Islands Solo Trip: Part 3: "Downwind"

"Doubled my distance for the day, saw orcas, downwind all the way and the sun came out to make this arguably the best day of my trip." Read More on his blog..

http://deepcovesup.blogspot.com/2012/12/gulf-islands-solo-trip-part-3-downwind.html

8/6/12

Become a Lighthouse Keeper On Puget Sound

You can pay a weekly fee and stay in a few lighthouses on Puget Sound - Pt Robinson on Vashon, the NewDungeness Lighthouse in Sequim, Pt Brown near Tacoma, and Point No Point north of Kingston. All locations have amazing views and great water access for paddling.

More Info..

New Dungeness Lighthouse Keeper -
http://www.newdungenesslighthouse.com/lighthouse-keepers.html

Pt Robinson Lighthouse Keeper -
Click HERE.

Point No Point Lighthouse, Hansville, WA -
www.uslhs.org/vacation_rental.php

Browns Point Lighthouse, Tacoma -
www.pnehs.dreamhosters.com/lighthouse/?page_id=91

Other Lighthouse Keeper Opportunities in WA State:
- Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, Ilwaco, WA.

Lighthouse Keepers in the USA -
http://www.uslhs.org/index.php

6/17/12

The Ikkatsu Project - Tracking Japanese Tsunami Debris in WA

The Ikkatsu Project is a group of Pacific NW scientists, paddling guides, and others who are tracking the Japanese tsunami debris along the Wasington coast. Read More HERE.

Recent post from Ken Campbell on Canoe Kayak Magazine online..
"This is an Exxon Valdez experience, just without the photos of oil-soaked otters and hay bales on the beach. The main mass is supposed to arrive in October, and all indications are it’s going to be huge. And, if you add “huge” to what we’ve already got onshore, the result is going to be nuclear. I don’t think I’m overstating this and I’m not making any money by being dramatic. It’s just true."

Follow Tacoma resident and paddle guide Ken Campbell's blog, the Last Wilderness, for photo and video updates of the project.

Seattle Times story on the Ikkatsu Project, 6/20/12:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2018473502_tsunamifolo20.html

5/31/12

Trip #26 - La Connor & the Skagit River

Known for it's rich agricultural heritage and busy maritime scene, the Skagit Valley has several picturesque paddling trips. In Trip #26 you have several options to choose from. On the ebb, launch from Blake's Resort and float down downstream past Fish Town and thread your way through the swamp like tide flats below the Skagit River. Visit the interesting geological rock formations of Ika Island (no landing permitted) or the World War 1 era coastal fortifications on Goat Island.

Using a flood current paddle up the Swinhomish Channel to La Connor and enjoy the town's various shops, enjoy a beer at the La Connor Brewery or a gigantic cinammon roll at the Calico Cupboard. Camp at the Cascadia Marine Trail site in Pioeneer Park below the Rainbow Bridge.

Take the tail end of the ebb back down the Swinhomish Channel to the mouth of the Skagit, then paddle up the river on the flood tide back to Blake's.

5/29/12

The Book has Launched!

My publicist at Mountaineers Books told me today that my 60 Trips Kayaking Puget Sound book has launched! Find it online at the usual spots and it should be on bookstore shelves now or in the near future.

For more info on the book, look Here.

4/18/12

Lummi Island Ferry - Bring Cash!

If you decide to take the Lummi Island ferry make sure you bring exactly $13 in cash. No cards are accepted or checks. We found out en route as they were collecting before we landed on the island. Luckily we had enough. A fun ride, this tiny ferry is a 10 minute ride each way.

4/13/12

60 Trips Book Presentation at the Port Angeles Kayaking Sympoisum 4/14

Join Me for a 60 Trips Presentation at the Port Angeles Kayaking Sympoisum Sat evening, 4/14.

http://www.raftandkayak.com/kayak-symposium/

I'm also teaching basic SUP classes both mornings of April 14 and 15 at the event. Private SUP instruction is available. Contact me for more info on my cel, 206.465.7167.

3/26/12

My Upcoming Talks for 60 Trips Kayaking Puget Sound & the San Juans..

The 60 Trips book launches June 1st, almost there! I'm finishing my last edit of the galleys this week looking for last minute changes, errors, etc. Then it goes off to print.

Here's my schedule of upcoming book talks...(as of 3/26)...

- April 14th, Saturday night presentation, Port Angeles Kayaking Symposium. Click Here for Info.

- May 16th, Port Townsend Wooden Boat Chandlery / Northwest Maritime Center
& Wooden Boat Foundation 12 Noon to 1:30pm.

2/17/12

Paddling Deception Pass State Park - Trip #28

Only 1.5 hours from Seattle, Deception Pass State Park is one of my favorite destinations. It's known for it's swift tidal current and rapids which squeeze through a narrow a canyon with an large rock island in the middle. Currents can run up to 8 knots and changes directions a few times a day. River like features such as whirlpools, eddylines, standing waves, and boils draw experienced paddlers, clubs, and kayak schools to the pass to learn and enjoy the water.

DP as we call it, also has varied terrain which can appeal to paddlers of all skill levels. Not far from the fast curent areas are protected coves and bays, pocket beaches, caves, extensive kelp beds, rock formations, and sandy beaches. One can paddle in the park without ever sensing any current or difficult paddlling. I love to take my SUP there and when lucky surf up to 5' standing waves in Canoe Pass on the ebb at lower tides. The waves build when strong NW swell coming in from the Strait of Juan de Fuca collides with the ebb current in the pass.

Most common put-ins are Bowman Bay and Cornet Bay. Both are protected launches each with their own features. Those wanting to travel through the pass or play in the rapids use a Current Table to determine the best time to travel, which launch to use, etc. For example, if the current is flooding (coming in) but will taper off by noon, you'll launch at Bowman Bay, take the flood through the pass and when the current tapers off and begins to ebb (going out) you'd take the current back out towards Bowman Bay.

Terms to know:
Ebb: outgoing current
Flood: incoming current
Slack: period of little or no current in between each cycle. Lasts 5-30 minutes.
Current Tables: Find online or in print in most tide table books. Sample Here.

Tip: If launching from Bowman Bay, portage over the sandy isthmus on the south side of the bay to more easily access the current below Canoe Pass.

Here's a few images from less common perspectives in the pass.

2/13/12

Paddling the Low Tides & Mudflats of Puget Sound

In a 2/12 posting on my paddling blog Stoke Magazine titled "9 Tips for Paddling Safely wth Tides," I offered tips on how to avoid getting stuck in mudflats on low tides. Below is a list of areas in and around Puget Sound which are worth paying attention to if you're planning on paddling there.

General rule of thumb if planning of paddling in these areas - find out the minimum tide level to safely paddle there and launch on a rising tide.

South Sound -
There are quite a few inlets, bays, and coves here which completely dry out during lower tides. This is only a short list..
- Nisqually Reach / Delta, Trip #4.
- Woodward Bay (inside Henderson Inlet), Trip #3.
- Eld Inlet, Trip #2.
- Kopachuck State Park & Cutts Island, Trip #7.
- Gig Harbor, Trip #9

Mid Sound -
- Eagle Harbor / Bainbridge, Trip #13 & 14.
- Duwamish Waterway, Trip #16.
- Everett Harbor, Trip #21.
- Central Hood Canal, Trip 23 (mostly river mouths - Hamma Hamma, Dosewallips, etc).

Woodward Bay, South Sound.

North Sound -
- Skagit River Delta, Trip #26.
- Deception Pass State Park, Trip #28 (Cornet Bay, Bowman Bay).
- Chuckanut Bay, Trip #31 (Larabee St Park south.)
- Padilla Bay.
- Warm Beach (between Camano Island and the mainland).
- Lummi Island north to Sandy Point and south near Eliza Island.

Olympic Peninsula -
- Indian Island, Trip #34 (southern section).
- Discovery Bay, (south end).

Nisqually Reach, South Sound.

- Dungeness Spit, Trip #38.
- Sequim Bay, Trip 37, (by casino).

San Juan Islands -
- Lopez Island, Fishermen's Bay, Trip 44.
- Orcas Island, (Eastsound area).

Gulf Islands -
- Sooke Harbor, Trip #54, (inner shorelines).
- Saltspring Island, Ganges Harbor.
- Pender Island, Trip 60 (various coves and inlets).

Other:
- Willapa Bay and eastern and northern Long Beach Peninsula.
- Columbia River from mouth upriver approx 10 miles.
- Grays Harbor.
- mouth of the Physt River inside of Pillar Point on the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
- north of Bellingham near US/CA border.

2/11/12

Paddling Trip #9 / Gig Harbor to Olalla

Located on Colvos Passage and the Kitsap Peninsula, Olalla is halfway between Southworth and Gig Harbor. Once known for it's strawberry crop which ripened earlier than other regions on Puget Sound, the 'town' consists of one small convenience store (closed at time of writing). We passed through here on July 4th 2011 while updating this book and were excited to see the locals sunning on the low tide beaches, fishing, boating, etc. The little inlet which dries out at low tide is also the boat ramp.

Olalla is a little over 6 miles from Gig Harbor to the south, and the same for Southworth to the north. The Current in Colvos Passage runs mostly north, so think of that when planning a trip here.

2/7/12

Paddling Obstruction Pass and Orcas Island - Trip #44

Obstruction Pass (and island) are located between Orcas Island and Blakely Island. Sometimes swift current flows on both sides of the island giving you an easy free ride or if you time the currents poorly, a long hard slog to your destination.

Obstruction Pass Recreational site, (a former State Park) is located on the southern tip of Orcas Island and has a Cascadia Marine Trail site. Obstruction Pass has several access points from Doe Bay to the north, a public boat ramp across from the island on Orcas, and to the south, Lopez Island.

The following are images of the Leiber Haven Resort on Orcas which is adjacent to the public boat ramp

1/24/12

Walking Your Kayak, Canoe, or SUP on the Washington and BC Ferries

In the first editions of this book, Randel Washburne wrote of walking his kayak on the ferry for a few trips. In updating the book, I found this is still possible on Washington State Ferries and BC Ferries and costs the same fee as a motorcycle. The passenger only ferries will not take kayaks unless they can be stowed away as an inflatable. Some routes such as the San Juans are free on the way back so many paddle there from the mainland, then ride free back home.

WA State ferries ask you to follow these simple rules:

- Arrive one hour early. Consider an earlier arrive during peak summer periods.

- Move to the front of the line and wait with the motorcycles and bicyclers.

- Use a cart to more efficiently carry your kayak and gear.

- Have your kayak ready to board the ferry efficiently without any issues.

- You will be the first off, so be ready when the ferry lands.

Several ferry landings have public access adjacent docks or easily accessed beaches. Others require walking your kayak a short distance to the water. Make sure to scout or confirm your launch prior to departure as things change and public access is becoming harder to come by.

Nadja Baker and her husband wheel their kayak to the shore a few blocks from their house in Anacortes. They paddle to several destinations from there but carry wheels in case poor weather changes their plans and requires a ferry ride back home.

Consider using a wheel or cart system that can be broken down and placed in a hatch or on your deck. SUPs have several innovative wheel systems, see my Stoke Magazine blog posting on this topic:

http://stokemagazine.blogspot.com/2012/01/10-wheels-for-sups.html

Also confirm overnight parking info at your ferry departure location. Some require fees and a Discovery Pass for State Parks. Downtown Seattle used to have parking in lots across from Alaskan Way. But the tunnel construction and demise of the viaduct will change this, thus we didn't list it in the book.

Here's a short list of ferry landings which have easy access launches:

- Kingston.

Launch below the short flight of stairs on the north side of the parking lot. Or wheel your boat through past the terminal restrooms to launch in the marina in the bay adjacent to the dock.

- Edmonds.

Wheel your boat down the dock and exit on the left or north side into the public beach park.

- Southworth.

Wheel your boat up the slight hill about 300 yards, then take a hard near 180 degree right to follow the single lane paved road which parallels the ferry dock to the north. There's a nice sandy beach at the end right next to the ferry.

- Vashon.

Access the beach below the Mexican restraunt on the left or east side of the dock.

- Mukilteo.

There's a small beach park on the east or right side of the dock with parking if needed.

- Keystone.

Wheel your boat to the right off the dock and into the gravel public boat ramp lot. Launch into the protected bay adjacent to the ferry.

- Port Angeles (Blackball Ferry).

Wheel your boat about a half block left or east of the dock at Hollywood Beach adjacent to the Red Lion Inn. The restaurant there has a good salmon dinner.

- Lummi Island.

From the mainland use the public lot behind the store adjacent or north of the dock. Bring cash for the ferry (no cards accepted).

- Bainbridge.

Wheel your boat up the dock past the toll booths. Aim towards the left side of the road and at the top of the hill, approx 400yds, take a left at the Eagle Harbor Condos. At the bottom of the hill before the condos take the footpath to the beach, approx 300yds.

Useful Links:
WA State Ferries: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/
BC Ferries: http://www.bcferries.com/

Kayak Wheel Systems:
- NW Outdoor Center, https://www.nwoc.com/shop/category.asp?catid=22
- Kayak Academy, http://tinyurl.com/6qp7668

SUP Wheel Systems:
- See My SUP Blog - Stoke Magazine.