Sat

3/12

Snohomish River Estuary

Paddle a loop including the Snohomish River, Steamboat and Ebey Slough.  16 mi. RT

II

Sat

3/12

Nisqually

This is a joint outing with two other kayak clubs.  Launch at Luhr Beach and paddle along shoreline to Johnson Point and return.  Birders bring binocs!  Wetsuit/drysuit required. 

II

Sun

3/13

Jetty Island

Launch at the 10^th St. Boat Ramp in Everett to circumnavigate Jetty Island and watch the dunlins do their magnificent dance.

II

Sat

3/19

Devil’s Head/Johnson Point

Launch from Luhr Beach and paddle to Devil’s Head, then cross to Johnson Point and paddle back along shore to Luhr Beach.  About 12 nm.

III

Sat

3/19

Budd Inlet

Paddle the shores of Budd Inlet.  Launch from Olympia, lunch at Boston Harbor & return to Olympia.  Optional dinner afterward.

II

Sat

3/26

Rosedale

We’ll check out Raft Island, Cutts Island (aka Deadman’s Island, an old Indian burial site) and probably Allen Point.  Wetsuit/drysuit required.

II

Sat

3/26

Full Moon on Lake Washington 

Evening paddle in Kirkland area.  Bring flashlight and all proper gear.  Details when you call to sign up.  Dinner at Pegasus Pizza in Kirkland.  Must call by Thurs before. 

II

Sat

4/9

Luhr Beach to Owen Beach.

Launch at Luhr Beach and ride ebb out through Tacoma Narrows and around Point Defiance to Owen Beach for lunch, then ride flood back to Luhr.  A relatively easy 36 nm, yet still a challenge.

III

Sat

4/9

Northwest Outdoor Center Open House and Sale

15% off on boats, gear.  Try out a variety of kayaks in stock.

Sun-Tues

4/10-12

Yellow Island/Jones Island Overnight

Wild flowers should be early this year and right on time for my spring break.  We will wheel on the ferry to Friday Harbor (mid wheels required) and launch, visit Yellow Island and camp on Jones.  Next day, move camp to Doe Bay and then paddle back to Washington Park on Tues.  If the weather is iffy, we may drive on to Orcas and put in Deer Harbor. Wetsuit/drysuit reqd.

III-IV

Sat-Sun

4/16-17

5^th Annual Olympic Raft & Kayak Symposium

At Port Angeles City Pier and Hollywood Beach.  Demo boats, on-water and on-land clinics in kayaking techniques, safety, etc. with some of the region’s best instructors.

Fri

4/22

Lake Washington

Full moon paddle on Lake Washington.  Launch at Magnuson Park at 7 p.m.  Celebrate Earth Day on the water

II+

Sat

4/23

Lake Washington Full Moon Paddle – Kirkland

Launch at Houghton Beach and paddle to Juanita Bay where we’ll enjoy the sunset and look for beavers.  Lights are required for the return trip.

II

Sat

4/23

Admiralty Head to Point Partridge, Whidbey Island

Launch from Fort Casey State Park at 10 am.  Paddle round-trip to Fort Ebey State Park, 13 mi.  Limit 6.   Alternate destination in Skagit Bay in case of high winds.

III-IV

Sun

4/24

Dabob Bay Oyster Fest

Launch at Point Whitney Shellfish Lab, gather oysters on a minus tide at Tabook Point or Red Bluff (depending on the wind), eat ‘em roasted or raw (Tabasco optional, shellfish permit required); up to 8 miles.  Bring drysuit or wetsuit.  Up to 24 paddlers.

II

Sun

4/24

Redondo Triangle

Launch at Redondo.  Cross to Pt. Robinson, lunch and lighthouse tour or hike @WWTA site.  Cross to Saltwater State Park, then return to Redondo.

II

Sat

4/30

Dash Point

Great launch site, no parking fee, covered lunch area.  Paddle north and return for lunch.  If weather cooperates, paddle down to Brown’s Point.  Wetsuit/drysuit required.

II

Sun

5/1

South Sound

Put in at Herron Island ferry dock (Long Branch Peninsula) Paddle to Stretch Island, McMicken Island, Herron Island.  Approx. 12 mi.

II

Sat

5/7

Washington Park to Friday Harbor Day Trip

21 nm trip launching from Anacortes, returning by Ferry (free direction.)  Paddlers need to have collapsible wheels for getting on ferry.  Rated IV due to 6 mile crossing, tidal currents to 4 kn, potential harsh conditions including tide rips, swirls, and approx. 7 hours of paddling. Launch before 8 am.  Wetsuit/drysuit reqd.

IV

Sat

5/7

Shelton Shuffle

Launch Walker Park near Shelton, ride ebb out, play in currents and standing waves.  Lunch on Hope Island, coast back up the inlet on the flood.

III

Sat

5/14

Tracyton to Illahee

Ride the current out of Port Washington Narrows with possible lunch at the Boat Shed.  Car shuttle required.

II

Fri-Mon

5/20-23

Coast Kayak Symposium, Thetis Island, B.C.

B.C.’s premier kayak event offering lots of on-and off-the water training, fun, outstanding food and camaraderie.

Sat-Sun

5/21-22

1^st Annual Puget Sound Symposium – Owens Beach

New Tacoma event.  Check website for information.

II

Sat-Mon

5/28-30

Vashon Island

Exploratory circumnavigation of Vashon & Maury Islands.  Camp at Lisebuela and Winghaven WWTA sites.  Launch from Southworth ferry.  Wetsuit or drysuit required.

II

Fri

6/3

Guemes Island Circumnavigation

Put in at Guemes Island ferry dock in Anacortes.  Paddle with flood through Bellingham Channel.  Lunch at Youngs Park (NE end of Guemes Island.)  Continue with optional stop at Saddlebag Island.  Approx. 15 mi.

III

Fri-Sun

6/3-5

2005 South Sound Traditional Inuit Kayak Symposium

at Twanoh State Park, an educational and cultural experience featuring top U.S. Greenland-style kayakers. Beach has sharp shells so foot protection is essential.  Reg. fee not yet posted.

Sat

6/4

Seahurst to Fauntleroy

Launch at Seahurst at 9 am for the 4 nm paddle to Fauntleroy.  Stop for lunch and return.  Goal of the trip is to admire the sea life and have fun on the water.  Bring a picnic lunch.  Designed for sea kayaking beginners.  Wetsuit is the preferred attire.  Limit 6-8

I+

Tues

6/7

Practice at Silver Lake, South Everett

Meet at east side of Silver Lake and practice rescues, bracing and rolls. Not a class, just friends getting together for practice and fun.  Pizza afterwards at Romeo’s across the road.

N/A

Fri-Sat

6/10-12

WKC Basic Sea Kayak Class

Weekend Sea Kayak Training at Fort Flagler State Park on Marrowstone Island.  Learn the basics including rescues, strokes, bracing and navigation.  Fee is $140 and includes instruction, food and lodging in historic Fort Flagler barracks.  Must provide own boat with floatation, paddle, PFD and immersion gear.  Drysuit highly recommended.

Sat

6/11

Misery Point to Guillemot Cove

Explore the coves along Hood Canal to this Kitsap County Nature Preserve.

II

Sat

6/18

Seahurst to Fauntleroy

Launch from Seahurst State Park.  All paddlers will have the opportunity to practice their wet exits and deepwater rescues.  Lunch at Lincoln Park.  Bring a lunch and hot liquids.  Dry suits and graduation from the WKC Basic Sea Kayak Training course is preferred.  Limit 6.

II+

Sat

6/25

Joemma Beach to Longbranch or Penrose Pt.

Launch at Joemma after arranging car-shuttles at Longbranch/Penrose Pt.  Destination will be up to group skills, interest and weather conditions.

III

Sat

6/25

Mercer Slough

This is a favorite beginner paddle, great birding spot, and not a lot of distance involved. Anyone wanting to practice rescues in warm Lake Washington would be encouraged to do so.

I

Tue

7/5

Practice at Silver Lake, South Everett

Meet at east side of Silver Lake and practice rescues, bracing and rolls. Not a class, just friends getting together for practice and fun.  Pizza afterwards at Romeo’s across the road.

N/A

Fri-Sun

7/8-10

Coastal Kayak Clinic - Neah Bay

Friday-surf; Saturday-Tatoosh, Cape Flattery; Sunday-Point of the Arches.

IV-V

Sat-Sun

7/ 9-10

Overnight at Winghaven on Vashon Island

Check out this WWTA site at an old seaside mansion.  It’s not a state park, so it should be quiet.  Limited to 6 people

II

Wed-Sat

7/13-16

Sucia, Matia and Patos Islands

Depart from the north side of Orcas island.  Camp 3 nights in Fox Cove on Sucia.  Day trips to Patos and Matia Islands and circumnavigate Sucia Island.  Limit 8 boats.

III

Sat

7/16

Duwamish River

Launch from Van Doren Landing and paddle the Duwamish River to its mouth, from rural King County to the industrial zone.  Wet or dry suit recommended.

II

Sat

7/23

Annual Crabfest-Saddlebag Island

Roundtrip paddle 5 miles, from March point near Anacortes.  Stalk the elusive Dungeness crab.  Return to March Point for potluck crab feed.  Sign up after 7/18.

II

Tue

8/2

Practice at Silver Lake, South Everett

Meet at east side of Silver Lake and practice rescues, bracing and rolls. Not a class, just friends getting together for practice and fun.  Pizza afterwards at Romeo’s across the road.

N/A

Fri-Mon

8/5-7

Toleak Point

Launch from La Push.  Overnight at Toleak.  Expect surf landings.  Helmet, wetsuit/drysuit required.

IV-V

Sat-Sun 8/13-14

Hobuck Beach Campout with Ocean Daytrips

Daytrip explorations of Makah Bay & W. entrance Juan de Fuca, conditions dependent.  Paddlers should be capable of handling ocean swell, surf launching & landing, tidal currents to 1 knot, reflecting waves.  Paddlers will need a Makah recreational pass, $7.50/yr, available at Washburns Store in Neah Bay.  If you do not wish to camp on Friday and Saturday nights, adequate lodging can be found in the Neah Bay area, including cabins & motel rooms.  Wet or dry suits and helmets required.  Guitar players requested.

IV/V

Sat-Sun 8/20-21

Washington Park to Doe Bay Island

Short overnight trip.   Catch the strong afternoon flood in Rosario Strait to camp on Doe Island and return with the morning ebb.  Optional trip to Doe Bay, a 12-minute paddle from our camp.  Distance at least nine miles each way, crossing strong currents and shipping lanes.  Dry or wet suit and paddle jacket required.  Average paddler’s pace may be 3.5 knots.  Winds opposed to the strong current could create very rough water so rescue and bracing skills are required.

IV

Sun

8/21

West Whidbey Island

Admiralty Head (Keystone Ferry) to Partridge Point and return.  13 miles RT.  If high wind, then paddle Penn Cove or Holmes Harbor on east side of Whidbey Island.

III

Tue

8/23

Lake Washington Evening Paddle

Launch from Mount Baker Beach on the west side of Lake Washington, south of I-90.  Two hour paddle ending shortly after sunset.

II

Fri-Sun 8/26-28

Indian Cove, Shaw Island

Launch from Washington Park on Friday at 10:00am.  Paddle 16 miles to Shaw Island and camp at Shaw Island County Park for two nights.  Saturday, circumnavigate Shaw Island, 21 miles.  Sunday, return to Washington Park.  Over 50 miles paddling in 3 days.  Paddlers must be comfortable with long paddling days, crossing Rosario Strait.  Limit 6.

III-IV

Sat

8/27

Crab From Your Kayak  

Back by popular demand, crab at a secret location that produces limits frequently.  Meet at 10:00am, drive and launch at noon. Return to Seattle and cook our bounty. Limit 8 boats.

II

Sat

8/27

Oysters and Pigs in the San Juans

Remember the Pig War?  Paddle through Mosquito Pass and into Garrison Bay to British Camp and watch the reenactment of the Americans vs the British in the Pig War.  Music, costumes and old time festivities.  Plus stop to get oysters at Westcott Bay.

II

Sat-Sun

8/27-28

San Juan Challenge – Cap Sante, Anacortes

Four races.  42 miles, 25 miles, 17 miles and a 6.5 mile race.  A great way to improve your efficiency and speed.

III-VI

Tue

8/30

Lake Washington Early Evening Paddle Bellevue

Launch from Enatai Beach which is under the I-90 Bridge.

II

Sat-Wed

9/3-7

Explore the Gulf Islands

Explore the southern gulf islands.  Birding and hiking opportunities.  Camp at Portland Island, Rum and Sydney Island.

III

Fri-Sat

9/9-11

22^nd Annual West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium

At Fort Warden State Park in Port Townsend.  Try out new boats and learn from the leaders in the industry including on-the-water and land clinics.  Many vendors, some discounts.

Fri-Sun

9/9-11

Paddle to the West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium

Fast paddling, possibly strong rips, 25 miles.  Launching from Maxwelton beach on Whidbey Island, running with the ebb.

IV

Fri-Sun

9/9-11

12^th Annual Fort Flagler Funfest 

Friday night dinner out.  Saturday paddle to Wooden Boat Show in Port Townsend.  Potluck in our barracks.  Leave Sunday about 2 p.m.  $19 housing fee due by Sept. 2.

II+

Fri-Tue 9/9-13

Olympia to Seattle

Two friends blazed this trail last year; now we’re ready to expand to a max of 8 paddlers.  We’ll island-hop WWTA campsites with one overnight in relative luxury at Tacoma’s waterfront Silver Cloud.  Final destination is Alki Beach and a celebratory pizza party.  Wetsuit/dry suit required.

III

Tue

9/13

Lake Washington Evening Paddle Kirkland

Launch at Houghton Beach and paddle to Juanita Bay where well enjoy the sunset and look for beavers.  Lights required for the return trip.

II

Sat

9/24

Everett Slough in the Fall  

A leisurely afternoon paddle of 3 hours.  Launch at Langus Riverfront Park in Everett.   Do the backwaters north to Marysville, car shuttle involved.  Afterward is optional dinner at a close by restaurant in Marysville.  Call at least two days ahead because of dinner reservation requirement.

II

Sat

10/1

Mercer Slough

This is a favorite beginner paddle, great birding spot, and not a lot of distance involved.  Anyone wanting to practice rescues in nice warm Lake Washington would be encouraged to do so.

I

Sat-Sat

10/1-8

Green River, UT

Explore the Green from your sea kayak.  Leisurely paddle down the river. Admire the side canyons, wildflowers, hiking, and beautiful scenery.   Jet-boat ride back up the river.  Limit 6.

III

Sat

10/8

Hood Canal

Launch at Point Whitney and explore the shoreline north and/or south.  Good eagle-watching area.

II

Sat

10/8

South Sound Island-A-Month Series, Anderson Island Launch from Luhr Beach and paddle around Anderson Island, with lunch on Eagle Island.  About 12 nm.

 III

Sat-Sun

10/8-9

Cypress Island 

Launch at Washington Park in Anacortes, lunch on Strawberry Island, camp at Pelican Beach. 

III

Sat

10/15

Carr Inlet

Paddle the shores of Carr Inlet, leisurely paddle, and maybe good birding.  Wetsuit or dry suit required

II

Sat

10/29

Hood Canal Bridge to Kitsap Memorial Park

Launch 10 am at W.R. Hicks county park.  Start on the west side and paddle under the floating bridge, then south to the state park on the east side.  12 miles RT

III

Sat

10/29

Capitol Lake.

Capital Lake was a great birding location last winter, with an Egyptian Goose and some White Fronted Geese!  Also the location of my 2004 bufflehead caught in the fishing line rescue!  We can do our eco-thing and look for some of that dangerous monofilament.  Wet suit/dry suit required.

I

Sat

11/5

Case Inlet

Enjoy fall color and jumping salmon as we paddle to the north end of the inlet, south to Reach Island for lunch, and then back to the launch site in Allyn.  11 miles.

II

Sat

11/5

South Sound Island-A-Month Series, Fox Island

Launch by the Fox Island bridge, and paddle around the island, about 11 miles.

III

Sat

11/12

TOLMIE STATE PARK TO JOHNSON POINT

Launch 10 am at Tolmie State Park and explore this south sound shoreline. Lunch stop at the top of Henderson Inlet.  10 miles RT.

II

Sat

11/12

Dash Point

Great launch site, no parking fee, covered lunch area.  Paddle north and return for lunch.  If weather cooperates, paddle down to Brown’s Point.  Wetsuit/drysuit required

II

Sat

11/26

Dungeness Spit

Paddle from Cline Spit to Dungeness Lighthouse, stop for lunch, then return for supper at the Three Crabs restaurant.  Dungeness Spit is a National Wildlife Reserve.  $3.00 launch fee/family. Sign up early – numbers of visitors are limited.

II

Sun

11/27

Sequim Bay

After working off Thanksgiving dinner at Dungeness Spit on Saturday, how about camping at Sequim Bay State Park (or luxuriating in a motel just down the highway?)  Then on Sunday, join us in exploring the sandspits at the entrance to Sequim Bay or the shoreline to the east or west -- we’ll hold our options open for the weather; 7 to 10 miles. Drysuit or wetsuit required.  Maximum 24 paddlers.

III

Sat

12/10

South Sound Island-A-Month Series, Squaxin Island Launch at Boston Harbor and paddle around Squaxin and Hope Islands, about 11 nm.

  III

Sat

1/28/06

South Sound Island-A-Month Series, Ketron Island Launch at Luhr Beach and paddle around Ketron Island, with some exploration of the Nisqually Delta on the way back.  About 12 nm.

III

Sat

2/11/06

South Sound Island-A-Month Series, McMicken/Herron Island

Launch from Grapeview, paddle past Stretch Island to McMicken Island for lunch, then around Herron and back along Key Peninsula before crossing back to Grapeview.  About 14 nm.

III