For charts see http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/OnLineViewer.html
For paper charts or tide tables, visit Fisheries Supply, Northwest Outdoor Center or Armchair Sailor in Seattle.
For tidal current predictions, see http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/curr_pred.html
or http://tbone.biol.sc.edu/tide/sites_uswest.html
For weather forecasts, see http://www.atmos.washington.edu/data/
especially http://www.atmos.washington.edu/mm5rt/
For aerial photographs of the entire saltwater shoreline of Washington, see http://apps.ecy.wa.gov/shorephotos/
For satellite photos of anywhere, see Google Maps
For more complete info about the Vessel Traffic Service system referred to several times below,
download the user manual at http://www.uscg.mil/d13/psvts/default.asp
or read the simplified version for recreational boaters
http://www.uscg.mil/d13/psvts/boaters_man/
Limited information about public beaches on which you can legally land, at least in the intertidal zone, can be found at
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/beaches/
Click on the map for subregions, then scroll down to slightly more detailed maps.
Similar (bad) maps and biotoxin data can be found here:
http://ww4.doh.wa.gov/scripts/esrimap.dll?name=bioview&Cmd=Map&Step=1
For more detailed info about public beach access, consult the paper version of the Washington Public Shore Guide.
Information about Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) lands can be found here
http://www.dnr.wa.gov/RecreationEducation/Topics/OpenClosureNotices/Pages/amr_statewide_rec.aspx
Washington State Park info is here
http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/
Campsite closure information is correct as of April, 2011.
Union Bay The area in front of the WAC. Stay near shore until you practice re-entry in a sea kayak rescue session, and remember that water is dangerously cold except in summer and early fall. Can continue to anywhere on Lake Washington or Lake Union. Do not enter Ballard locks. Be cautious of traffic in Montlake Cut on warm days! Distance as short or long as you like. Excellent waterfowl populations from Novermber to April, also resident bald eagles possible at any time.
*Indicates particularly protected areas suitable for first-time trip planners
SK-II Near Seattle:
*Golden Gardens (Shilshole) to Carkeek Park Shoreline is rip-rap below the railroad main line. A twisty stairway pedestrian overpass above the railroad at Carkeek is awkward to negotiate with boats, so best done as an out-and-back trip returning to Shilshole. Round-trip about 5 miles.
*Golden Gardens or Ballard Locks to West Point or Elliot Bay Marina in Magnolia Put in on south-west side of locks on Commodore Way, not at main parking lot in Ballard. A short car shuttle between locks and marina saves paddling both ways, if a short trip is wanted. Lots of boat traffic, so be cautious and keep paddlers in one or two tight groups, not strung out everywhere. 4 to 10 NM, depending on route and car shuttles.
UW to Golden Gardens through Ballard Locks Car shuttle back to UW (or for a shorter trip put in at foot of 14th St NW or 28th St NW and do locks both ways).
*Elliot Bay Several possible put-ins and destinations, including Harbor Island and Duwamish Waterway. Watch out for boat and ship traffic in waterways. Very urban, but interesting
*Alki Beach to Lincoln Park Parking nightmare at Alki during nice weather, probably not so bad near Duwamish Head.
Lincoln Park to Three Tree Point (not sure if you can get out there at all, but map shows beaches a bit north and south of Three Tree Pt.) or to Des Moines Marina or Saltwater State Park with a car shuttle. Suburban shoreline.
Blake Island from Southworth
SK-II North of Seattle to Anacortes:
*Kayak Point / Port Susan / Stillaguamish delta Excellent easy trip, with a short drive. Port Susan is the bay east of Camano Island (which is really more of a peninsula than an island). Put in at Kayak Point County Park at or just after a very low tide (minus tide preferred) and paddle north to large exposed clean sand flat. Try to find river outflow and work up into sand flat, stop for lunch on sand and watch the exposed land disappear around and under you! An interesting perspective on tidal action. Continue on up to vegetated islands in delta if there is time. Usually abundant bird life, with potential for large numbers of bald eagles and shorebirds in spring. Distance 6 to 10 NM. Parking fees at park and gate locked by evening, so check return time carefully!
*Jetty Island, Everett Short, protected, attractions include sea lions and rotting old barges, some attention needed to tidal flats (avoid days with very low tides), watch out for boat traffic near marina. Do not approach Navy port south of marina!
*Skagit Bay from Big Ditch Access You want to take out at high tide, and warn people to expect to get muddy, maybe bring some trashbags to put shoes in to save the cars. Amusing for the mud-slide put-in, but otherwise inferior to Port Susan except for free parking. Small channel leads out of access ditch through tide flat. Could paddle as far as Goat Island, but that's about 10 NM each way! Possible car shuttle to La Conner, at least 12 NM.
Saratoga Passage from Camano Island State Park Not many good destinations, but just cruising a bit offshore for a couple hours in spring gives a fair chance of seeing gray whales, see http://www.orcanetwork.org/sightings/map.html for latest sightings. Very little current, but crossing to Langley would be edging into SK-III territory, OK for SK-II+ if weather is reliably light.
Hope Island in Skagit Bay on weaker-than-average tides. Put in at La Conner for a fairly long paddle, or put in at Cornet Bay for a short paddle, but BEWARE of strong ebb currents into Deception Pass!! Also potential tide rips off east and west ends of Hope Island depending on current. Rates SK-II+ only on light wind and weak tides, otherwise SK-III.
Goat Island from La Conner Stay close to shore in channel due to heavy boat traffic. Short hike on island. About 5 NM.
Deception Pass State Park (not the Pass itself!!): Bowman Bay to Deception Island or Biz Point cliffs may cause reflected waves, so watch out for westerly winds, SK-II+ or worse if it's not virtually calm. http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4451665 Possibly quite rough if there is much westerly wind in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Avoid times of heavy current in Deception Pass, particularly flood currents which could suck slow people into the pass.
SK-II San Juan Islands:
Anacortes to Burrows Island (SK II+) See description under SK-III heading
Chuckanut Bay Little current, but can still be choppy. Interesting palm tree fossils in cove at north end of bay and along rock wall south of bay. Can do with a car shuttle from Fairhaven to Larabee State Park, or as an out-and-back from Larabee, either route about 7 NM. A nice day trip with the flavor of the San Juans but no ferries or currents to worry about.
DNR campground on Lummi from Gooseberry Point (SK-II+) Plan for fairly weak, helpful currents. Wind can make Hale Passage rough, even during "nice" weather (fair weather NW afternoon winds against a flood tide will mean steep waves, for example). An SK-III route if currents and weather are not minimal. Lummi Island campsite was threatened with closure due to budget crisis, but is currently open.
Saddlebag Island (SK-II+) Put in at March Point (no overnight parking), or in Anacortes by Guemes Island ferry port, or along Padilla Bay (serious mud-flat problem on low tides). Northwest winds have long fetch and can make this area pretty choppy. Use VHF radio to contact Vessel Traffic Service on Channel 5A (or by cell phone at (206) 217-6050) for info about tankers in Guemes Channel if using the Guemes Ferry put-in.
Turn Island from Friday Harbor ferry This is probably the nicest SK-II (or SK-II+ since NW winds can make it a bit choppy on flood current) in the San Juans, though a bit short and somewhat ruled by currents. A tide rip forms N and NE of the island on ebb and flood current, so circle the island only near slack unless group is competent for rough water. About 5 NM.
SK-II South of Seattle:
*Quartermaster Harbor (Vashon Island) Protected bay with possible abundant bird life in winter. Short paddle but a good off-season trip. Ferry fees.
*Nisqually Delta Estuarine channels in marsh with potential viewing of both marine and upland birds and mammals. Put-in at Luhr Beach requires DFW parking permit. Avoid low tides.
Hope Island from Boston Harbor (SK-II+) See description under SK-III heading
*Saltwater State Park to Dash Point State Park. Suburban shoreline.
*Dash Point State Park to Commencement Bay Another suburban shoreline to an urban waterway.
Willapa Bay Long drive, pay attention to tidal flats, check for latest conditions due to silting and Spartina.
SK-II Olympic Peninsula:
Sequim Bay* Very protected. Not really worth the ferry and drive, but OK if you are in the area with time to kill.
Dungeness Spit Lagoon inside the spit is closed for wildlife protection much of the year.
SK-II Odd locations:
mountain lakes (Baker, Diablo, Ross, Ozette, Chelan) some nice campsites, many possible options for distance, beware of wind! May rate SK-III depending on distance and wind, so be careful.
Potholes Reservoir Lake in eastern Washington; can be windy, possible interesting bird life, bring a GPS since multiple small islands can make navigation tricky.
*Indicates particularly protected areas suitable for first-time trip planners
SK-III Olympia to Anacortes:
Hope Island from Boston Harbor, or from Hammersley Inlet A small, previously inhabited island that is now a state park. Has a decrepit apple orchard and a few campsites. From Boston Harbor, http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4444455 a couple of crossings of Budd and Eld Inlets that are a bit long for SK-II but not much current, probably some boat traffic. Hammersley Inlet has significant tidal current and deserves SK-III, ride down on the ebb from Shelton and back on the flood. http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4444460 There is also a boat ramp at Arcadia which would make for a VERY short trip, much too short for the drive from Seattle by most people's standards.
McMicken Island A tiny island with campsites, but short enough to do as an easy day trip, about 6 NM round-trip, should be a good off-season trip to see ducks. Put-in at Robert F. Kennedy Recreation Area. Crossings just over 1 mile with little current, so an easy SK-III (if not SK-II+) barring crappy weather. A couple of small tidal lagoons along the route, consult large-scale map or Washburne's book for details.
Bremerton to Eagle Harbor (Bainbridge Island) Borderline SK-II+/SK-III Protected but long and considerable current and ferry/boat traffic. Should be considered an SK-III when currents are above average or weather is not boring. Use wheels to roll kayaks on ferry from/to Seattle.
Alki Beach to Eagle Harbor, Blake Island or Bremerton A long crossing but little current in Puget Sound, so a fair SK-III if weather is light. Use VHF radio Channel 14 (use cell phone as back-up (206) 217-6050) to contact Vessel Traffic Service for info about large vessels before starting crossing. For route to Bremerton, cross at or just before slack-before-flood to time current assist in Rich Passage. http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4444464 Take kayak wheels to roll boats on ferries at Eagle Harbor or Bremerton. Take an extra car (not carrying boats) and leave it in the morning under the viaduct near the Seattle ferry dock, to carry dirvers to Alki to retrieve cars.
Tulalip Marina or Everett Marina to Langley (Whidbey Island) or Camano Island State Park Fairly good chance to see gray whales in spring, see http://www.orcanetwork.org/sightings/map.html for latest sightings. About 12 NM, with long (1 hour+) car shuttle to Camano Island or round trip to Langley from marinas on mainland. http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4444471 Mukilteo to Langley via Hat Island (about 9 NM each way) is a route that has similar difficulty and also traverses gray whale feeding areas http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4444472. $5 per car ramp fee at Tulalip.
The other Hope Island in Skagit Bay on average or greater tides Put in at La Conner for a fairly long paddle, or put in at Cornet Bay for a short paddle, but BEWARE of strong ebb currents into Deception Pass near Cornet Bay!! Also potential tide rips off east and west ends of Hope Island depending on current.
SK-III San Juan Islands:
James Island from Spencer Spit State Park on Lopez, going back through Lopez pass. SK-III- or SK-II+ on weaker tides and light weather. James Island is directly across Rosario Strait from Anacortes. Good views, OK campsites, usually not too crowded.
Anacortes to James Island (SK-III+/SK-IV-) Directly across Rosario Strait from Anacortes, about 4 NM each way. Launch at Washington Park (overnight parking fee). Best done on a low-current day near slack current, since a large tide rip area exists just south of the route. Use VHF radio Channel 5A (use cell phone as back-up (206) 217-6050) to contact Vessel Traffic Service for info about tankers and other large vessels. Tell VTS you are crossing the shipping lanes! James Island is also accessable after a ferry ride to Orcas, Shaw or Lopez Island for a more protected SK-III route.
Anacortes to Burrows Island Normally rated SK-III due to current and exposure to wind waves, but on very weak current days with light weather would be OK for SK II+, about 5 NM around Burrows Island, can be extended with loop around Allen Island or Williamson Rocks. http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4112579 Several tide rip areas exist around Burrows Island when currents are not minimal, so this is an SK-III on most days.
Anacortes to Cypress Island Most often done from Guemes Island ferry dock to Pelican Beach, about 6 NM (one way). http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4112578 Beware tanker traffic in Guemes Channel (use VHF radio to contact Vessel Traffic Service on channel 5a (use cell phone as back-up (206) 217-6050)). Eddyline/rip area off Cypress Head on both ebb and flood currents. Can also put in at Washington Park for a slightly longer route and longer crossing. Longer return routes either around Cypress via Strawberry Island (exposed and current-affected) or around E. side of Guemes Island (slightly less troublesome but a rip may exist north of Guemes). Pelican Beach campsite is threatened with closure due to DNR budget crisis, but is open May 27-September 6, 2011.
Anacortes to Strawberry Island About 4 NM from Washington Park, usually best to launch near slack-before-flood. Use VHF radio Channel 5A (use cell phone as back-up (206) 217-6050) to contact Vessel Traffic Service for info about tankers and other large vessels. Significant eddyline/rip on W side of S tip of Strawberry Island on flood current can be fun play area for experienced paddlers but dangerous to those who can't brace and roll. Strawberry Island campsite is currently closed due to DNR budget crisis!
Blind Island State Park A tiny island with about three trees off the north shore of Shaw Island. Few campsites, so can easily overflow on summer weekends. Various put-ins and routes to get here: An overly short SK-III- from Orcas ferry dock, fairly short SK-II+ from Shaw Island County Park, SK-III from Odlin County Park on Lopez, Spencer Spit State Park on Lopez or Friday Harbor. Shaw, Odlin or Friday Harbor put-ins work very well for a Shaw Island circumnavigation (about 14 NM plus a couple of miles crossing to Friday Harbor). Blind Island and Shaw County Park are the only restrooms along the circumnavigation. Moderate tide rips form between Friday Harbor and Shaw Island on flood and ebb currents.
Orcas to Jones Island Jones Island is half old-growth forest, half dog-hair second growth. Fortunately, the nice half faces west for good views and sunsets. A mile or so of hiking trail and a fair number of campsites, but busy in summer. Short route, but fast currents in Pole Pass require careful planning. http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4112587 Watch for large boats in Pole Pass. About 5 NM each way.
Friday Harbor to Jones Island Plan a brief stop on Yellow Island, which has native plant flowers in spring (no restrooms on Yellow, which is a private Nature Conservancy property; also no eating allowed ashore). Moderate tide rips may form between Friday Harbor and Shaw Island on flood and ebb currents. Cross from San Juan to Shaw Island at least 1 mile north of Reid Rock to avoid most of the turbulence. http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4112585 Heavy small boat and ferry traffic along most of this route, so keep well together. About 8 NM each way.
Obstruction Pass State Park Water trails campsite is on point slightly away from main campground (see WWTA directory). Possible put-ins at Orcas, Shaw Island County Park, Lopez Island (Odlin County Park or Spencer Spit State Park) or Friday Harbor for routes of 5 to 10 NM, or SK-III+/SK-IV route from Anacortes.
San Juan Island to Stuart Island Put-in at Ruben Tarte Picnic Area near slack-before-ebb http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4444511 or longer version http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4444507; or at San Juan County Park or English Camp National Park on flood, timed to *cross* from Roche Harbor or Henry Island to Stuart Island late in flood near slack-before-ebb. http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4444513 Launch fees at Roche Harbor are high, overnight parking may not be allowed at English Camp, so call for info. Strong rips may exist between Roche Harbor and Speiden/Stuart Islands on all tides. Should be considered an SK-III+ in most conditions, SK-IV conditions possible if you screw up the tidal planning or get spanked by the weather.
Around Lummi Island Put-in at Gooseberry Point (Lummi Island ferry landing). Could be done as a long day trip with planning for favorable currents, usually done with an overnight at the DNR campsite. Lummi Island campsite was threatened with closure due to budget crisis, but is currently open.
SK-III Eastern Washington
Columbia River, Hanford Reach Usual put in at Vernita Bridge, take out at either Ringold fish hatchery (for a longish day), or at Leslie Groves Park in Richland (for a very long, 50 mile day). Long shuttle required. Good spring trip.
SK-III British Columbia:
Inner Broken Islands (Barkley Sound) Beautiful group of small islands in a bay (nominally a sound, but weirdly wide and short) on the outer shore of Vancouver Island, mostly protected and easy except the outermost shores (see SK-IV section). Near lack of currents between the islands makes for simple trip planning. Multiple campgrounds swarm with kayakers during summer. Crossing from usual put-in at Toquart Bay is somewhat long and exposed to winds, making this route an SK-III. More expensive option of taking a ferry from Port Alberini to a protected put-in makes the Broken Group an SK-II in light weather. Possible to get on the water the same day as leaving Seattle with a very early start (meet about 4 AM) for a three-day trip, but worth spending four days. All campsites can be reached by "inner" routes, although some are on outer islands. http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4451629 See SK-IV section for comments on outer shores.
Esperanza inlet Plan five days. First day drive to Zeballos, Vancouver Island and camp.
God's pocket Five days. First day drive to Port Hardy, Vancouver Island and camp. Highlights: stunning landscapes, wildlife, no crowds. Pick a camp site and do day trips. Supplies available at God’s Pocket resort.
Discovery Islands Four days minimum. First day drive to Campbell River and camp or stay at hostel. Things to watch for: VERY strong currents.
Johnstone Strait Four days minimum. Northern Vancouver Island and nearby small islands. Famous for large resident orca population focused on Robson Bight.
Nootka Sound Vancouver island outer coast
Desolation Sound
Anacortes to Friday Harbor Spectacular day trip with free ferry ride back from Friday Harbor. Usually done via south side of Lopez Island to take advantage of currents in Rosario Strait and San Juan Channel. http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4112583 Southern Lopez on a big minus tide is one of the most beautiful shorelines in Washington, with lots of colorful low-intertidal life. A fairly large area of public (WA DNR) land at Iceberg Pt. is accessible via a steep trail up from a pocket beach; camping there is technically illegal...ahem. Cattle Pass can be quite rough, and significant tide rips and ship traffic in Rosario Strait make this a real SK-IV if conditions aren't perfect. 23 NM, but current helps. The Thatcher Pass route through the middle of the San Juans (about 17 NM) is also do-able on days with moderate tides or as a multi-day trip: less spectacular but slightly less technically difficult with good planning so maybe an SK-III+.
Anacortes to Clark, Matia or Sucia Island Long and exposed with tide rips over Lydia Shoal, off Pt. Lawrence and S of Sucia Island. Long fetch to north of Orcas Island makes this route potentially very rough, even in otherwise nice summer weather if afternoon wind comes up. Check State Parks website for status of campsites on Clark. Many campsites on Sucia, but it's a busy place.
Outer Broken Islands (Barkley Sound) Typically more like SK-III+ during summer weather, but exposure to open ocean swell demands careful chart reading and respect for breaking waves (possibly sneaky and intermittant) over shallow rocks and ledges or if landing on exposed beaches. A few sea caves, and a sea lion colony on Wouwer Island. See Barley Sound other comments in SK-III section. http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4444501
Deception Pass Washington's strongest tidal rapid; kinda scary and weird, although weak compared to Skook or the Discovery Islands rapids. Beautiful invertebrate-covered rock walls at slack on a deep minus tide.
Cape Flattery/Tatoosh Island from Neah Bay or Makah Bay Very exposed day trip, with open ocean swell, current and rips near Cape Flattery and often strong wind funneling into Strait of Juan de Fuca. Can be done as out-and-back from either put-in or from one bay to the other (direction as favored by tidal current) with a short car shuttle. http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4444488 Camping at Makah Bay.
Olympic Coast: Very exposed ocean trips. Point of the Arches–day trip from Makah Bay; Goodman Creek/Strawberry Bay–overnight from La Push; multi-night trips from Neah Bay to La Push also possible.