A Paddler's Guide to the Salish Sea.: kayaking puget sound

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5/12/20

New Kayaking Puget Sound Facebook Group!

I've just started a new Kayaking Puget Sound Facebook Group so you all can post trip ideas, trip reports, boat or board reviews or for sale items and any other related paddling questions.

Open to all human powered paddling craft - SUP, rowers, kayaks, canoe and prone.

Ask to Join here..
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1322209787977756/

Deception Pass

3/25/20

Seattle Street Ends - Alternative Water Access

With limited water access with Seattle city parks being closed due to Covid-19, you can still access the water using Street Ends.

Street Ends are not traditional parks and are often overlooked. In the past few years, the city has been improving a few street ends, such as E Allison Street and 28th Ave in Ballard.

Some are just turn-a-rounds, others don't have good water access, or lack easy parking. Scout out street ends near where you want to paddle.

Here's the list of Seattle Street Ends

Photo: 28th Ave NW street end (behind Nordic Museum). Has 3 2hr parking spots. Or park behind the Habitude building (former Fenpro building).

In Photo: Ballard Elks Paddling Club outing, Jan 2020.

2/11/20

Eglon Beach to Point No Point - Trip #20

Views of Point No Point and the beach between the PNP Lighthouse and Eglon Beach. Trip #20 in the book.

The point is a glimpse of what West Point and other low points around the Sound looked like prior to being developed. Lots of history there.

I paddled it during the Seventy48 Race last year. Beautiful mostly undeveloped beach worth checking out. Fun tide-rips off PNP.

I ended my Seventy48 race at the point realizing I'd rather be enjoying the beach vs trudging on for last 20 miles (had already done 50 in less than 24hrs).

Access via Eglon Beach or PNP. No legal camping in there but lots of great guerilla spots.

Get a burger and shake at Hansgrille at Hansville just beyond the point. Fun local scene there.

Photos from the web.

Rob Casey is author of Kayaking Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, 60 Trips and Stand Up Paddling Flat Water to Surf and Rivers, both by Mountaineers Books. He owns Salmon Bay Paddle a SUP school in Seattle. Get in touch: rob@salmonbaypaddle.com

12/25/19

Shipwreck Point - Mukilteo

A friend reminded me of the abandoned ship south of Mukilteo. Looking at it’s location, it’s at Shipwreck Point (also called Franzen Beach), once used to burn 26 old ships. Richmond Beach also had active ship building activity, something families would come out and have picnics to watch.

A mill was once at the point followed by a family who resided at Shipwreck Point since the 1920's. They later operated the ship breaking business.

The ship at the point is the Pacific Queen, a minesweeper from WW2. Great info here about the vessel.

The Mukilteo Historical Society has an informative article on the family that lived there since the 1920’s. Read more

The screenshot Google Earth aerial here shows some other ship remains.

Read about access info from Picnic Point Note that beach access is off limits, maybe aim for a high tide to float in without touching bottom.

8/31/17

3 Easy Labor Day Weekend Paddle Escapes

Where to Paddle to Beat Crowds on 3 Day Weekends -

Side Note: How to avoid ferry lines...

Departing from Seattle - If leaving Seattle at 5pm on Friday, take the Bremerton Ferry as there's rarely a big line. I'd rather be sipping a ferry IPA coasting through Rich Passage than sitting in a parking lot. Or leave super early (7am) or super late (9pm). For the Keystone and San Juan Island ferries get a reservation.

Coming Back Monday - Arrive before peak (before 3pm) or after 9pm. Oddly, the Bainbridge Ferry is often uncrowded on Sunday evenings. Kingston gets the huge crowds from Canada and WA folks from north of Seattle. Tacoma'ans take the bridge.

3 Epic Trips -

Trip 32 - Hood Head. 15min from the Kingston Ferry, take the first Right off the Hood Canal Bridge then immediately another Right adjacent to the bridge and follow the steep road below the bridge to Shine State Tidelands and the beach. Launching there, paddle to Hood Head (The cool island seen from the bridge). There's a few boat-in homes on the island. Approach the south side and the long extended spit called Point Hannon. There's a driftwood dragon (seriously) about 50' long worth checking out. The wwta.org has a campsite on the east side. Aim for higher tides to explore ByWater Bay inside the head.

Trip #33 - Mat Mats Bay. Less than an hour from the Kingston Ferry, Mats Mats is a very protected inlet a few minutes north of Port Ludlow. Water will be calm and the narrow entry to the Sound is interesting. The rocks offshore often have large populations of harbor seals and birdlife. Views north are of Marrowstone and Whidbey Islands, Foulweather Bluff to the south. Take the first Right off the Hood Canal Bridge to Paradise Bay Road, then north of Pt Ludlow, take a Right on Vernon Road to it's end.

Trip #15 - Staycation in Seattle below the Magnolia Bluffs. Launch from 32nd Ave W below Magnolia Village. Go east to the protected Elliott Bay Marina or west along the bluffs to explore the walk-in driftwood homes, the now closed treehouse and former foundations from the 1996 Magnolia landslide. One home is still intact but sits at a weird angle which is interesting to see. Further along check out the series of massive homes perched along Perkins Lane. There's some weird outdoor art pieces in there. At Four Mile Rock (large erratic boulder with range marker on top) the view opens up to Discovery Park and the West Point Lighthouse. Freighter waves can break nicely around the corner at lower tides. Watch for current that can push you to this point, but make it difficult to paddle back. Maybe aim for ebb going out, flood coming back.

8/17/17

3 NW Paddling Getaways to Escape the Weekend Crowds

Looking to getaway but not sit in long ferry lines then get to your supposed remote campsite to find 30 tents already there? Here's 3 paddle-in destinations to really get away...

1. Marrowstone Island /Trips 34 and 35.
Just across the bay from Port Townsend, this off the beaten path island is one of the least visited State Parks in the State. On hot summer weekends, the Cascadia Marine Trail campsite adjacent to the standard campsite should be free of other paddlers. Then slip into the park and/or paddle it's quiet shores to escape the masses.

The park is also home to Fort Flagler, a 1890's era harbor defense fort with an extensive bunker system to explore as well as 200' cliffs overlooking Admiralty Inlet, Whidbey and Port Townsend.

Strait of Juan de Fuca

Watch for currents of Marrowstone Point by the Light House. Smart planning with the currents can make it a fun adventure. Use Starpath's Puget Sound Currents to see how current work there. The app Deep Zoom is another tool for understanding local currents.

The island can be accessed by driving there or paddling from Port Townsend, Port Hadlock, Oak Bay Park or for the hardcore, from Whidbey.

2. Burrows Island, Anacortes. Trip #29
Burrows Island is 10 minute paddle from Skyline Marina in Anacortes. The campsite at Alice Bight is about 5-10 min further. The island is undeveloped short of the historic light house on it's west side. Trails circumnavigate the island for exploring it's very uncrowded rugged shores.

The island is a 1.5hr drive from Seattle with no ferry to Anacortes, then to Skyline Marina. Park in the long term marina parking along Cabana Lane. Then access the beach on the marina's west side where the road ends (below a house perched on a embankment / across from the big boat storage facility).

The Cascadia Marine Trail campsite has the best vault toilet in the region with a nice view as well! Alice Bight feels like SE Alaska, really a nice spot and a beautiful bay.

Watch for tidal currents during the crossing as well as fast moving power boats. If you like surfing standing waves and boat wakes, this can be a fun spot.

3. Skagit Island. Trip #27.
Close to Burrows Island, Skagit is on the other side of Deception Pass on Similk Bay. The Cascadia Marine Trail campsite rests on an shell midden (native garbage dump) that can be seen the embankment (shells and stuff). Enjoy views of Deception Pass, nearby Hope Island and Fidalgo Island.

Currents can run between the island and Kiket Island to the east. Use your tide/current guide to plan your trip. Walk the island and/or paddle over to Hope Island State Park for additional exploring.

Access from Fidalgo Island at Snee-oosh Point (about 1mile), or via Whidbey's Ala Spit, Cornet Bay, or run through Deception Pass on the flood for the best approach. Park at Bowman Bay.

2 Bonus Options for the adventurous...

Guerilla Camping.
This means camping in non designated spots along the banks of Puget Sound. There's hundreds of miles of undeveloped shoreline under bluffs, cliffs and remote beaches. Use Google Earth to explore the shore and/or play by ear and stop when you find a good place to end the day. Avoid backyards. Years ago, a friend while returning from Ketchikan on his kayak, camped in Carkeek Park. But that was 20+ years ago, I'm not sure I'd want to do that today!

Strait of Juan de Fuca - 2 Options..
-Launch in Port Angeles and paddle west past the Elwha River and Freshwater Bay camp at the Crescent Beach RV Park in Crescent Bay or at Salt Creek Recreational Area. Contact the RV park before landing there as they love to keep people off the beach. Landing at the county park may require portaging your gear up some rocks by Tongue Point. Check each location before going.

Crescent Bay in Salt Creek is a surf area so only enter on a small or no swell if you don't have surf skills. Tongue Point can get gnarly with waves crashing on it.

Salt Creek

-Launch from PA or from Salt Creek and paddle west to Whiskey Creek Resort in Joyce. This is a short paddle from Salt Creek but enjoy sea caves, arches, 500' cliffs and an odd metal door carved below that cliff. Epic paddle I've done a few times.

*Whiskey Creek was recently purchased by a new owner, so call to check their status and book a cabin or camping spot prior to arrival. Their cabins are right on the Strait, powered only by propane. No website, # only. 1385 Whiskey Creek Beach Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98363 / Phone: (360) 928-3567

*Guerilla camping along the Strait is possible but be ready to get up early if needed. Much of it is DNR land, some timber land.

Get my book to better plan your trip!

LRob Casey is author of Kayaking Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, 60 Trips and Stand Up Paddling Flat Water to Surf and Rivers, both by Mountaineers Books. He owns Salmon Bay Paddle a SUP school in Seattle. Get in touch: rob@salmonbaypaddle.com

5/16/17

San Juan Islands - Orcas Island Paddler's Guide to Rentals

Kenmore Air has been in touch with me to provide guide services to one of their charters for a summer day trip from Seattle to Orcas Island. Their group has up to 25 participants which means we need to supply the boats and boards. In planning this tour, I've had a chance to chat with many of the board/board rental operations on the island. To save you the effort, here's a list of the basic rentals and resources I found..

Cascade Lake - a wilderness lake south of East Sound in Moran State Park. You may not think of paddling a lake given the epic paddling spots on the island, but it's actually a very pretty spot and will give more wind protection and opportunities for beginning paddlers not ready for tidal currents surrounding the rest of the island. Check in with Adventure Orcas for sup, canoe, pedal boats and kayak rentals. Nice folks!

West Beach Resort - Located on the west side of the island, West Beach has a string of rustic cabins in a nice bay with a view of Waldron Island. They have a few sup and kayak rentals for guests and run a weekly SUP race Sundays and Thursdays at 5:30pm. Race winner gets an off season night's stay!

Shearwater Kayak Tours - A great shop and professional rental operation, Shearwater also offers tours and/or has a summer base in spots like Deer Harbor, West Beach, Doe Bay and Rosario Resort. They also run tours out to Sucia Island.

Body Boat Blade - If you're looking for the best in sea kayak instruction not only on Orcas but in the entire region, BBB's owners Leon and Shawna are super professional, safe but also fun folks to paddle with. They also have a shop in East Sound. From the basic to advanced paddling including rolling, tidal rapids, adventure trip training to open water classes, they cover it all. And they have a few sups for rent on the island as well.

Need to get there in a jiffy? Take a day or overnight trip there with Kenmore Air. Avoid the ferries lines and traffic.

* Learn more about paddling in the San Juan's in my article planning for a paddling trip in the SJ's for Kenmore Air Magazine.

My book, Kayaking Puget Sound also has epic trips covering the entire island and surrounding islands.

Cascade Lake, Orcas Island

From the Body Boat Blade website

3/2/17

Beach Restoration of the Old Mill Site at Port Gamble - Trip #32

Old School view

Last time I drove on Highway 104 through Port Gamble, I got pretty excited to see that the old mill site is undergoing a transformation into a natural looking beach. A search resulted in info that the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will fund the restoration via a grant. See Below for details... (paragraph copied from here)

Once a big mill town owned by Pope and Talbot, the now restored charming town of Port Gamble is a roadside attraction for those driving to and from the Hood Canal Bridge in Kitsap County. A cafe, kayak store and a few other shops give visitors are good stop from traveling. I used to stop there to let the dog run on the big cemetery hill before or after long ferry waits at Kingston.
Trip #32 in the book

KITSAP COUNTY

Before Restoration

Teekalet and Port Gamble Restoration ($1,500,000)
Grant funding will be provided to the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe to work with Pope Resources and the Washington Department of Ecology to purchase the development rights of property at Port Gamble Bay and develop a restoration plan to restore coastal processes in the bay. The restoration plan, once implemented, will remove a significant portion of existing jetty, fill and rip rap to restore beach habitat. The restoration will enhance a toxics cleanup project at the mill site and bay.
Phase: Acquisition and design
Sponsor: Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe
Contact: Roma Call (360) 297-9687

Other Puget Sound Restoration Projects

Feb 2017

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 rob@salmonbaypaddle.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

1/28/17

Point Robinson on Vashon Island - Trip #11

Point Robinson is a point on the SE section of Vashon Island that juts out into Puget Sound facing the beach front town of Des Moines. The Sound zig zags a bit here this forcing current traveling north and south quickly around the point. Some say freighter waves jack up here when opposing the current. The historic lighthouse was built in 1885 and automated in 1978. The lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

There's several routes for paddlers to access the lighthouse. Des Moines from the east is approx 2.6 miles which includes a crossing of that section of the Sound. Think about current when crossing, over compensating your route - go further north if the current is flooding. You can also access it from various put-ins on Vashon, the closest being Portage which separates Vashon and Maury Islands.

The lighthouse and surrounding grounds are run by the Vashon Parks District and the light keeper quarters are maintained by the Lighthouse Friends. You can rent the adjacent lighthouse keeper quarters for the night via VRBO. There's also a Cascadia Marine Trail campsite north of the point and up the hill.

Lodging & Visitor Info - Vashon Parks

Pt. Robinson Stewards have fully restored the two Keepers' Quarters on the property for use as rentals. All proceeds from these rentals goes back into the park's restoration and maintenance. For additional information about renting the Keepers' Quarters, contact Eric Wyatt, Lodging Manager, at 206-465-3180, ewyatt@vashonparks.org, or see VRBO.COM to learn about all of our vacation rentals.

Sunday tours of the Lighthouse are available mid-May through mid-September. During the off-season, tours can be scheduled by calling Captain Joe Wubbold at 206-463-6672.

The Ship's Store Gift Shop is open seasonally on Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 5:00 p.m. Call for additional information at 206-463-1323.

Address: 3705 SW Pt. Robinson Rd., Vashon, WA

LRob Casey is author of Kayaking Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, 60 Trips and Stand Up Paddling Flat Water to Surf and Rivers, both by Mountaineers Books. He owns Salmon Bay Paddle a SUP school in Seattle. Get in touch: rob@salmonbaypaddle.com

1/9/17

Paddling Pillar Point on the Strait of Juan de Fuca

After the Mountaineers commissioned me to revise this book, I chatted with original author Randall Washbourne in Port Angeles. Like many, the book was my first introduction to where to paddle on Puget Sound and the Salish Sea. I still have my original copy, a bit worn but still in good shape with a few coffee stains.

When I told him that I had permission to add 10 trips, he suggested a few places, Pillar Point west of Port Angeles and Sooke Harbor on Vancouver Island. Sooke got in or the BC section of the book, but Pillar Point was just a tad bit too far west to be considered Puget Sound. I will on occasion post about other great places to paddle in the region that are not in the book.

Pillar Point, Clallam County
Pillar is on the windy Highway 112 (Scenic Byway) about 45 minutes past Port Angeles (35 miles). Head west on the 101 from 'PA' as locals call it, then in about 10 minutes, take the Highway 112 exit on the right. In a minute, you'll pass over the Elwha River, then in another 2 minutes, you'll see Place Road on the right. This is the best access to the Elwha River mouth. Keep following the 112 enjoying it's forest, pasture and Olympic Mountain views to the town of Joyce. The Joyce General Store is your last gas (and snack) stop until Clallam Bay, fuel up if you're low on supplies. The Blackberry Cafe down the road is also a goo stop for lunch and a blackberry shake. Also a fun stop in, especially if the owner is playing his guitar at the counter. Kids will love their massive supply of candy (though you may not).

Why 112 view of Pillar Point from above Deep Creek

Back on the road, continue down the 112 west of Joyce. The road will curve up into the hills past various clear-cuts then after about 15 minutes drop down to the beach to Twin, a nice spot to launch, crab or go smelt fishing. Also a great beach to poke around on. The 112 once again turns uphill into the woods, then again drops down in about 10 minutes to Deep Creek, another spot to get out and explore by foot or launch (watch reef if there's waves). There's parking along the road. Past Deep Creek, the 112 heads back up into clear cuts then in about 15 minutes, look for the Pillar Point County Park sign. Upon my last visit in summer of 2016, there was a fresh clearcut at the sign. Head down the one lane hill to the beach. There's lots of parking, an outhouse and a boat ramp. Also notice the 'Warning Contaminated Shellfish' signs. Check regs for updates for fishing here.

Facing the Strait, the Pysht River empties out into the pleasant shallow bay on your left (west) which can empty at lower tides. Across the bay one mile is a 5 story vertical rock, this is Pillar Point.

View from parking lot across to Pillar Pt

Explore the bay following the river channel up into the river mouth, a meandering Class 1 float into the Pysht River Conservation Area managed by the North Olympic Land Trust. You'll feel light upriver current, stronger with recent rains. Back into the bay, view intertidal life below your craft as you cross to Pillar Point. Park your boat/board along the shore to explore the rock and surrounding lands. If you're a long distance paddler, it's 7.4 miles to Slip Point and Clallam Bay along a rugged yet interesting shoreline with pocket beaches, surf below a tall bluff.

A PA local and former logger suggested we park our boats at the point then hike over the hill to a meadow which may have a large population of elk. You might do some research to see if this legal from a trespassing point of view. I believe the land is DNR or may below to the Pysht River Tree Farm (accessible via the 112 past the park's entry).

On a huge winter surf day about a decade ago when all other spots were blown out or going off bigger than what I prefer to surf, there were waist high waves coming in from the Point leading to the parking lot. These would've been long easy rides but we moved on to another spot down the road for a bit more size. The park is also a good place to take a break when coming back from or going to Neah Bay.

Get directions and more info on the park at the Clallam Bay park site.

Going to Neah Bay? You have two options, Highway 101 then the 113, or Highway 112 then the 113. We prefer the 112 for less traffic and it goes along the Strait providing paddling and surf options the entire route. The 101 has Lake Crescent which is worth the view but can be slow with summer tourist traffic. Check with WSDOT prior to departure for any travel alerts. These roads do go out on occasion, especially the 113.

Google Earth view of the bay (parking lot lower right)

Any questions give me a holler: salmonbaypaddle@gmail.com / 206.465.7167

Check out our Kayak and SUP classes in Seattle - Beginning to advanced instruction including freighter and tug wave surfing, coastal surfing, rivers and racing, plus PSUPA Certification.
Get the Book

12/15/16

Kayaking / Paddling Squaxin Island and South Puget Sound Trip #5

Craig Haelson paddling around the south side of Squaxin

When I first paddled South Puget Sound we came across an island that had to development and a seemingly virgin forest. Immediately, I wondered what Puget Sound looked like to the first explorers to the region in the late 1700's - or to the natives prior to white contact. Squaxin Island, which is Trip #5 in the book was that island. A Squaxin indian reservation, landing isn't allowed but exploring by water is ok and worth the trip.

Camp at nearby Hope Island (south) which can be accessed via Boston Harbor, Harstein Island and points west such as Shelton. Watch out for rips on the south side of the island and boat traffic in summer.

2/25/15

Public Access for Paddlers on Lake WA in Seattle

Eric Nordstrom, a SUP paddler in Seattle posted the following note on his FB page:
Seattle neighbors fight uphill battle to maintain public Lake Washington access

On a beautiful sunny winter afternoon, a small crowd has gathered on Seattle's Burke-Gilman trail overlooking a tiny beach leading to Lake Washington.

But after decades of wandering onto the beach or into the water in the Cedar Park Neighborhood of northeast Seattle at 130th St., now they can't go any farther. Newly erected no trespassing signs stand in their way.

"Watching people's reactions to these signs is anger and shock," says longtime resident Sue Pope as she walks her dog along the trail.

The signs that appeared Monday are just the latest move by the owners of the two homes bordering the popular beach access to take over the property and keep the public out.

Read article

7/18/14

Driving up to Mt Erie, Fidalgo Island Above Anacortes

View of Whidbey, Skagit, Hope and Goat Islands.

Mt Erie can be accessed by Deception Pass State Park from a short steep drive to the summit. The view above shows Erie Lake, Hope, Skagit, Kiket, and Goat Isalands on the left, and Whidbey Island on the right.

5/15/14

Paddling Eagle Harbor, Winslow - Bainbridge Island Trip 14

Eagle Harbor in Winslow - Bainbridge Island. Trip #14

Wing Pt

A great protected gunkhole with a lot of personality. I've seen surfable waves on the outside from ferries while only a few hundred yards inside it's usually super calm. Way up inside it dries out to a tide flat at low tide and is surrounded by interesting modern and some historic homes.

A great paddle if you're seeking a protected spot for windy days or fun exploring for a short day trip from Seattle.

Eagle Hbr looking west to east

3/24/14

Two Darrell Kirk Paddling Videos of Everett's Waterways - Trip 21

My neighbor and student Darrell Kirk does amazing videos of his explorations around Puget Sound and the West Coast. From the Saltine Sea to Ebey's Slough, here's two exploring the Everett, Wa waterfront.

Trip 22 -

Ship Graveyard. Many of these ships date to the 19th century and line the Snohomish River mouth in to Puget Sound.
http://vimeo.com/85328730

Adventure on Ebey & Steamboat Slough. Note to check tides here to avoid being caught high and dry in mud on lower tides.
http://vimeo.com/89457365

12/6/13

Coastal Defense on Puget Sound

Above Elwha River mouth.

In the late 70's I was a student at Marrowstone Music Camp then located at Fort Flagler on Marrowstone Island. Since it was summer, playing my cello all day didn't necessarily appeal to me, so my friends and I and others snuck away to hide from our instructors in the park's numerous World War 1 era coastal defense bunkers. We knew where every searchlight bunker, observatory pillbox and gun battery was. There were even rumors of a closed tunnel that extended across the park, which in years since we found didn't exist. At the time the park was in poor condition and most of the emplacements were overgrown yet open entirely, whereas since many doorways, slits, and ladder entries have been welded shut.

This introduction led me in my youth to an interest in local coastal defense emplacements. I researched and old blueprints dating to the late 1890's and locations of most of the emplacements throughout Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and near Cape Flattery.

The first emplacement was Civil War era and located next to the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse on the Columbia River mouth. The next series were constructed for the Spanish American War in 1898. These includes the extensive forts in Puget Sound such a Fort Flagler, Worden, Casey, and a few on Rich Passage. There's even a gun battery on Goat Island near La Connor. The final stage was built to keep the Japanese away during World War 2. In all the above cases, history progressed to where each were outdated soon after their completion. The 18" wide diameter muzzle cannon at Salt Creek Rec Area west of Port Angeles was fired only once, then was scrapped.

Fort Casey St Park, Whidbey Island.

Not all are mapped or easily found. There's several observatory pill boxes along the length of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Kayakers have found a mysterious iron door attached to a rock face west of Agate Point (Crescent Beach). Our favorite emplacement, Battery Lee at Fort Flagler is falling off the cliff just above the Marrowstone Light House. Much of it's lower searchlight rooms are on the beach. The bunker was three levels with ladders going through vertical tunnels to each level. Perfect for hiding from music instructors!

Salt Creek Rec Area. WW2 Era.

Fort Casey, Whidbey Island.

Fort Ebey, Whidbey island.

12/2/13

Pacific Northwest Paddle Trip Planning Resources

General - Covering all aspects of planning:
- Northwest Paddling, http://www.northwestpaddling.net
- My books! This one and my SUP guide, http://www.amazon.com/Rob-Casey/e/B004N4W41M/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Tidal & Current Predictions:
- NOAA, http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/tide_predictions.html
- Saltwater Tides, http://www.saltwatertides.com
- Mobile Graphics (type in location), http://tides.mobilegeographics.com/locations/1528.html
- http://www.dairiki.org/tides/daily.php/dec
- Tides Info, http://www.tides.info

Wind Predictions and Real Time Data:
- Sail Flow, http://www.sailflow.com
- Wind Alert, http://www.windalert.com
- NOAA, http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/data/Forecasts/FZUS56.KSEW.html

Surf Forecasts:
- NOAA, http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/data/Forecasts/FZUS56.KSEW.html
- WA & OR Surf Spots: http://www.surfwater.org
- Storm Surf, http://stormsurf.com
- Magic Seaweed, http://magicseaweed.com

General Weather (non marine):
- Cliff Mass Blog, http://cliffmass.blogspot.com
- National Weather Service (NOAA), http://www.weather.gov
- AccuWeather, http://www.accuweather.com
- Weather.com, http://www.weather.com

Webcams:
- West Point Lighthouse, Seattle: http://www.brichmond.com/webcam/mywebcam_loop.htm
- Edmonds, http://www.portofedmonds.org/docs/cam/portcam.htm
- Port Townsend (controllable): http://www.cityofpt.us/webcam.htm
- WA & OR Surf Spots: http://www.surfwater.org
- Big Wave Dave - British Columbia and WA State: http://www.bigwavedave.ca
- WA Dept of Transportation (State Wide): http://www.wsdot.com/traffic/cameras/

Aerial Marine Views of the NW:
- Dept of Ecology, Shoreline Photos, https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/coastalatlas/tools/ShorePhotos.aspx
- Google Earth, http://www.google.com/earth/
- NOAA, http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/geodesy/aerialphotos/#2

11/26/13

Paddling Across Puget Sound - Seattle to Bainbridge Island

In 2005, my neighbor Paul Edmondson called saying he was on Blake Island and out of beer. I poked out the window to make sure he wasn't outside my house as usual. Two hours later I launched at Constellation Park near Alki Beach for my first solo crossing of Puget Sound.

It was late summer, a hot day, and the water was flat calm. Mid way a freighter checked in on the VHF reporting seeing a hundred indian canoes in Admiralty Inlet. I remember thinking how cool! The canoes were from the annual Tribal Journeys trip probably headed to a nearby landing. I made the 4 mile crossing in about 2 hours landing on Blake with fresh beer for Paul (and myself).

I had since made that trip several times, including doing it twice from Ballard to Blake to cut out the Alki commute from our neighborhood of Ballard.

1 mile to Bainbridge.

Today neighbor Todd Switzer called "Wanna do a quick trip to Bainbridge?" A frequent kayak fisherman, he's been longing for a longer trip and more exercise. 45 minutes later, we launched from the Elks Beach in Ballard.

We stopped at West Point to add on a few layers as the wind was picking up. We crossed to Skiff Point on Bainbridge within an hour, took a few pics, then headed back. Aided by current and a S wind both directions, we made the entire trip in 2.5hrs.

In all my paddling on Shilshole Bay, I hadn't crossed directly to Bainbridge. It was easier than I thought and will be doing it again soon, hoping to explore the shoreline more once on the other side.

Nearing shore.

Skiff Point. Looks like a great point break for waves.