This blog covers trips from the book and other favorites.
Showing posts with label DNR. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DNR. Show all posts

2/14/13

Campsite Update Cypress Head, San Juan Islands - 2/13 for Trip #42

Here's a mid winter campsite update for Cypress Head on Cypress Island.

"My crew and I were out there from the January 10th- 17th, reconstructing the 7 campsites located on the tide island above the tombolo.  So far, we have constructed several hundred feet of split-rail fence along the eroding bluff on the site's north and northeast sides, and constructed 7 brand new tent pads at most of the former "unofficial" camping spaces.  The tent pads are 10'x10', and will fit any large family tent, and possibly two 2 person tents.  Obviously, our hopes are that campers will use only these camping spaces when on the upper campground.  The two sites on the tombolo's west side remain unchanged, besides being slated for new fire rings.  All sites will be receiving new fire rings, and improvements to the picnic tables will also occur before the May opening.  A new access trail to the tide island's south side will also be constructed before then, as the old trail takes hikers along parts of the eroding bluff.  Several of the social trails around the campground were also decommissioned upon our visit, and a number of hazard trees were removed in the process.  As to our code of ethics and general awareness, several bags of trash (mostly plastics) were removed from the beach."  

Submitted 2/13 to the WWTA by:
Kristian Tollefson
WCC Crew Supervisor; Skagit DNR





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

1/17/13

Cypress Head - one of my favorites. Trip 42

I first visited Cypress Head (Trip #42) during a Kayak Academy course with George Gronseth about a decade ago.  The swift currents took it's toll on a few of the students while learning to paddle in tidal rapids off the point below the campground.  The campground overlooks Bellingham Channel with distant views of Lummi Island and a feeling of being much further away than you are.

Current rips through the channel, so either time for slack tides or a minimal tidal exchange, or if you have solid skills in tidal rapids, use a flood to get in from Anacortes - ebb to return.

Due to DNR budget issues, the campground at Cypress Head and Pelican Beach to the north are now closed Labor Day through Memorial Day weekend.