1998 SALTWATER TRIP SCHEDULE

Contributions from Washington Kayak Club and Seattle Sea Kayak Club members.
Includes corrections to 3/25/98

This list doesn’t contain leader names and phone numbers, partly to protect their privacy. All club members receive a complete trip list. Participation in any of these trips requires membership in SSKC or another local club with which we share reciprocal trip scheduling. Members may also bring guests on trips with the leader’s permission.

The following trips have been added since the trip list was published:

 

Date

SK
Level

Description

2/7
Sat

2

LAKE DIABLO - FROZEN WATERFALL TOUR. Paddle to Ross Dam from Colonial Creek campground. Potential for touring the dam. Potential for high winds. Meet at Marble Mount. Phone for details.

3/14-15
Sat-Sun

1-3

WWTA ANNUAL MEETING AT PORT HADLOCK. Washington Water Trails Association Annual Meeting. Meeting Place: Old Alcohol Plant in Port Hadlock. Everyone is welcome to participate in the various events of WWTA’s Annual Meeting: Weekend activities include: Slide Show of Ireland by Chris Duff, new book preview by Joel Rogers, prizes, auction, festivities, food, square dancing and 2 Paddles. Level: 1 to 3 depending on weather and water conditions. Paddle #1: Sat March 14 @ 11 a.m. Paddle Indian Island with Chris Mitchell. Paddle #2: Sun March 15 @ 10 a.m. Paddle to Mats Mats Bay with Carey Gersten.

3/15
Sun

2

NORTH SHORE OF LAKE SAMMAMISH. Explore the north shore of the lake before the motor boats and jet skis are out there.

3/20-22
Fri-Sun

1-5

ACA INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP (IDW). Sign up for the American Canoe Association Coastal Kayak Instructor Course. This course provides in depth teaching experience, dry land and on the water instructions, evaluations and certification. The ACA certification process consists of 2 components - IDW and ICE (see April 18/19). Students must participate in and complete both parts to receive ACA Instructor Certification. Participation is limited to 10 students.

3/21
Sat

2-3

KEY PENINSULA (SOUTH SOUND). Trip begins at Joemma State Park on west side of peninsula and will circumnavigate around southern tip, continue north along the East side, through Pitt Passage and finish at home. Approx 8-9 miles. Car shuttle necessary.

3/29
Sun

2

SAMMAMISH SLOUGH. Paddle the slough 13 miles from Redmond to Kenmore. Car shuttle necessary.

4/4
Sat

2

NISQUALLY DELTA. One of the finest estuaries in Puget Sound. Great chance to see eagles, seals, and migratory birds. Bring your binoculars! We will launch at 9:30 am, about an hour before high tide, so we can explore the channels, salt marshes and mud flats in the lower delta area. Will stop for lunch along the way and return in early to mid afternoon.

4/5
Sun

2-3

EAGLE ISLAND FROM KEY PENINSULA. Launch at 72nd Street boat ramp on Key Peninsula, cross Drayton Passage to Eagle Island situated between Anderson and McNeil Islands. Five miles round trip. If time and weather permit, explore Filucy Bay.

4/11
Sat

2

LAKE QUINAULT FULL MOON PADDLE. Circumnavigate the lake and view the beautiful temperate rainforest. Great opportunity for night kayaking. Plus brats and beer. Camp in Scott’s backyard.

4/12
Easter
Sun

3

GRAYS HARBOR SHOREBIRD PADDLE. Great opportunity for observing thousands of shorebirds migrating northward. Launch from Elk River and explore estuaries and southern shoreline of the harbor.

4/12
Sun

2

KAYAK POINT TO TULALIP BAY. Come out for a lovely Easter Paddle. Explore the shoreline from Kayak Point (north of Everett) south.

4/15
Wed

2

TAX DAY PADDLE. Come out for an evening paddle on Lake Union, and get rid of that Tax Day stress. Meet at 6 PM at the boat ramp on Sunnyside Ave, just east of Gasworks Park. Bring a snack to eat. Lights required on the boats.

4/18
Sat

0

NORTHWEST OUTDOOR CENTER OPEN HOUSE. Annual Open house at NWOC on Saturday 10 AM - 6PM. Semi-annual sale of new boats and gear runs April 13-19.

4/18
Sat

2+

AROUND THE KEY PENINSULA. Fourth annual early season paddle from Joemma Park to Penrose State Park. About 12 miles.

4/18-19
Sat-Sun

3

STRAWBERRY ISLAND PHOTO TOUR. Overnight photo trip to visit the peak of spring wildflower bloom that rivals Yellow Island. Camp Sat night in designated campsites in the State Park campground on the island. This is a photography trip - not a paddling trip. Launch from Washington Park. Overnight Parking is $2. Group size limited to 8.

4/18-19
Sat-Sun

1-5

ACA INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION EXAM (ICE). Second part of the ACA Instructor Class.

4/19
Sun

1+

MERCER SLOUGH. Quiet, moderately paced freshwater paddle. Lots of birds and vegetation to enjoy.

4/25-26
Sat-Sun

0

PADDLEFEST. This is the annual Canoe Day (Sat.) and Kayak Day (Sun.) where you can test boats and attend seminars for a small entry fee. Location is Stan Sayres Park on Lake Washington.

4/25
Sat

3

LUMMI ISLAND CIRCUMNAVIGATION. Need to be able to paddle at least 3 knots for this 18 nm paddle.

4/26
Sun

3

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), roast ’em and/or eat ’em raw. Tabasco optional, shellfish permit required. Paddling up to 8 miles.

5/2-3
Sat-Sun

2-3

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND OVERNIGHT. Circumnavigate Bainbridge Island with camping at Fay Bainbridge.

5/2-3
Sat-Sun

1-2

TWO DAY BASIC KAYAK COURSE. Basic sea kayak course offered by the BEWET,WKC and SSKC. Limited to 25, cost $10.

5/2-3
Sat-Sun

0-5

’98 SAN JUAN CHALLENGE. Anacortes is the site for the running of the San Juan Challenge sea kayak race, which includes a two day 40 mile challenge race, and a 14 mile mini challenge race. Anacortes hosts workshops, in-water demos, entertainment, and an auction

5/3
Sun

2

BLACK RIVER. Easy river south of Olympia with its own resident osprey. This trip requires a car shuttle. Level 3 if high water.

5/6
Wed

1

PWS - TRY IT - DEMO DAYS. An opportunity to try out boats and canoes offered by Pacific Water Sports. Location: TBD from -8:30. Cost $10. Other dates: 5/21, 6/4, 6/17, 7/28, 8/12, 8/27, 9/14. Call for details.

5/7
Thur

2

THURSDAY EVENING PADDLE FROM MT BAKER BEACH. Relax on a Thursday evening and paddle from Lake Washington’s Mount Baker Beach around Seward Park. Enjoy evening views of Rainier and the city skyline. Launch at 6:30 pm.

5/9
Sat

3

HOOD CANAL - SKOKOMISH DELTA. Paddle Anna’s Bay - the great bend of the Hood Canal. Will explore the Skokomish River estuary which is home to abundant waterfowl.

5/9-10
Sat-Sun

2-3

WILLAPA BAY WILDLIFE REFUGE. This is a protected bay and wildlife refuge in SW Washington near Long Beach. Circumnavigate Long Island (a 6 mile long island in the bay), over 2 days. Long Island has great hikes, giant cedar trees, and lots of places to explore. Group size limited to 9 paddlers.

5/10
Sun

3

DECEPTION PASS. Intro to Deception Pass for intermediate kayakers. Ability to Eskimo Roll is not required; but good bracing skills and ability to wet exit and re-enter are. Experience boils, whirlpools and learn to cross strong eddylines---a must for advanced sea kayaking. Wet/dry suit required! Group size limited.

5/13
Wed

2

MIDWEEK EVENING PADDLE. Come out for an evening paddle on Lake Union. Meet at 6 PM at the boat ramp on Sunnyside Ave, just east of Gasworks Park. Bring a snack to eat. Lights required on the boats.

5/15-17
Fri-Sun

3

HANFORD REACH. Scenic heart of the Columbia’s last free-flowing reach: Friday evening car-camp at Vantage; Saturday launch at Vernita Bridge & river-camp at White Bluff Landing; Sunday take out at Ringold Hatchery; 33 river miles.

5/16
Sat

2+

DUNGENESS SPIT. Paddle out to the lighthouse.

5/17
Sun

2

CUTTS ISLAND - HORSEHEAD BAY. Launch at Rosedale (near Gig Harbor), paddle south to Horsehead Bay for views of great homes, then to Cutts Island for lunch, and back to Rosedale. About 8 miles. Followed by libations at The Tides Tavern.

5/17
Sun

1

LAKE WASHINGTON - MADISON PARK TO MEDINA. Launch form Madison park. Paddle across the lake to East shore (Medina) and then south to Medina Park and townhall for lunch. 8 miles round trip.

5/28
Thur

2

THURSDAY EVENING PADDLE FROM ENATAI PARK. Take advantage of the long days! Join us as we paddle from Enatai beach along the east side of Lake Washington. Launch at 7 pm.

5/30-6/6
Sat-Sat

3

LAKE CHELAN TO STEHEKIN. Paddle the long glaciated Chelan Valley deep into the heart of the North Cascades National Park. Will paddle up and back camping along the way with possible 1 or 2 night layover in Stehekin for sightseeing and hiking. Highlights include pure water, snow capped peaks, bear, mountain goats, rattle snakes and possible high winds. A good endurance level a must. 70 miles.

6/5
Fri

2-3

FAUNTLEROY TO SEAHURST PARK. Evening paddle along West Seattle’s Fauntleroy and Brace Point to Seahurst Park in Burien. Should return in time for the setting sun. This is a beautiful early evening paddle. Launch @ 6:30 PM.

6/6-6/7
Sat-Sun

3+

PELICAN BEACH. CANCELLED

6/6-7
Sat-Sun

1-2

TWO DAY BASIC KAYAK COURSE. Basic sea kayak course offered by the BEWET, WKC, and SSKC. Limited to 25, cost $10.

6/11
Thurs

2

THURSDAY EVENING PADDLE FROM COULON PARK. Reduce work stress! Join us for a Thursday evening paddle in the South end of Lake Washington. Launch @ 7 PM from Coulon Park.

6/13
Sat

2

SEQUIM BAY. Launch from boat ramp at Sequim Bay State Park at 11 AM. Explore lagoon, Gibson spit, Batelle Marine Research Institute and see where the cowboys live at John Wayne Marina.

6/14
Sun

2

EARLY MORNING KIRKLAND WATERFRONT. Early morning paddle from Houghton Beach south to a bird-haven marsh, then north along the Kirkland waterfront, followed by breakfast at the Beach Cafe.

6/17
Wed

2

ICE CREAM PADDLE. Evening paddle along Kirkland waterfront. Visit Juanita Bay Park, stop at Moss Bay for ice cream. Call for launch time.

6/19-21
Fri-Sun

3

SAN JUAN ISLAND. Meet Friday night. Sat paddle to Dead Man Cove (Lime Kiln State Park) to whale watch, sight see, rock gardens, eagles. Sunday ferry back to Anacortes.

6/20
Sat

3

“BIO-LUMIES” NIGHT PADDLE. Golden Gardens Potluck - Night Paddle. Picnic in the evening, paddle after sunset. Go from Golden Gardens to Carkeek Park and back. Check out the bioluminescence. Must call in advance to sign up.

6/21
Sun

2

SADDLEBAG ISLAND BAYVIEW STATE PARK. Launch from Bayview, paddle past Hat Island to Saddlebag Island (for lunch) and return. Six miles round trip.

6/24
Wed

2

MIDWEEK EVENING PADDLE. Come out for an evening paddle on Lake Union. Meet at 6 PM at the boat ramp on Sunnyside Ave, just east of Gasworks Park. Bring a snack to eat. Lights required on the boats.

6/26-29
Fri-Mon

3

STUART ISLAND. Paddle from Roache Harbor, day trips from Stewart Island. Explore the San Juans over a long weekend.

7/8
Wed

2

DESSERT ANYONE? Midweek evening paddle on Lake Washington and dessert potluck. Work off the calories after dessert is served. Bring a desert to share. Launching from Kirkland. Call for launch details.

7/10-12
Fri-Sun

2

LAKE OZETTE. Enjoy day and evenings paddles on the lake. Full moon on the 9th. Launch from north side of lake, camp @ Ericson Bay. Hike out to the coast to Cedar Creek.

7/11
Sat

2+

ANNUAL CRAB FEED PADDLE. Paddle from March Point to Saddlebag Island. Wade and stalk the elusive Dungeness Crab. Return to March Point for potluck crab feast.

7/11-12
Sat-Sun

2

HAT ISLAND OVERNIGHT. Call trip leader for details.

7/13-26
Mon-Sun
(2 weeks)

4

INSIDE PASSAGE I - PETERSBURG TO JUNEAU, ALASKA. Here is your chance to don one of the most beautiful parts of the Inside Passage. After taking the Alaska State Ferry to the old fishing town of Petersburg, we’ll head north visiting some spectacular tidewater glacier areas. Special emphasis will be given to pristine Tracy Arm, a glacier choked fjord that rivals Glacier Bay. We’ll also visit Taku Inlet just prior to pulling into Juneau. This is a fairly difficult paddle that require a high level of fitness and endurance. Contact after April 15. 230 miles of paddling.

7/18-8/2
Sat-Sun
(2 weeks)

4-5

WEST COAST OF QUEEN CHARLOTTES, BC. Paddle the west coast of Graham Island from Queen Charlotte City to Massett. Call for details.

7/18-25
Sat-Sat

3

WEST SIDE OF VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC. Call trip leader for more details on this trip.

7/19
Sun

2

DYES INLET. Ride the flood through Port Washington Narrows, explore Dyes Inlet and ride the ebb back.

7/20
Mon

3

GUEMES ISLAND. Circumnavigate Guemes Island, starting at Anacortes Guemes ferry. Approx 15 nm. Expect currents and wind.

7/27-8/2
Mon-Sun

4

INSIDE PASSAGE II - JUNEAU TO SKAGWAY, ALASKA. Paddle the windiest and most whale infested section of the famous Inside Passage. After either coming up with the group from Petersburg, or getting off the ferry in Juneau, we’ll proceed north through a serious of islands, probably impeded by humpback whales. We will visit Davidson Glacier before visiting Haines, before our final plummet down the wind tunnel known as Lynn Canal. There we will land at the famous gold mining town of Skagway, where in theory another ferry awaits us. We expect a lot of strong tail winds on this trip, as well as fairly rough seas at times. Contact after April 15. Paddling distance: 95 miles.

7/29-31
Wed-Fri

3

SUCIA ISLAND. Put in North shore of Orcas Island crossing to Sucia island. stay 3 nights at island. day trips to Matia Island and Patos Island. Expect currents and wind. Hiking on Sucia.

8/?
Day TBD during August

2

US NAVY INDIAN ISLAND RESERVE. Launch from beautiful underdeveloped beach on Indian Island. Paddle either around Mystery Bay or possibly to west side of Indian Island, with lunch at sand bar near Ft. Flagler. Possible takeout near Port Hadlock. Exploratory trip - route depends on conditions and group. Approx 6-12 miles.

8/1
Sat

2

HENDERS0N INLET. Put in at Boston Harbor. Paddle up Henderson Inlet, hike around the DNR property and paddle back to Boston Harbor for a beer afterwards.

8/2
Sun

2

SOUTH SOUND. Put in at Herron Island ferry dock, (long Branch Peninsula), heading north to Stretch Island. Return south to McMicken Island. Approx 10 - 12 n.m.

8/5
Wed

2+

PIZZA PADDLE. An evening trip along the shoreline of Alki Beach. Views of Olympic Mountains and Seattle skyline. Optional: Pegasus Pizza after paddle. Bring flashlights and $ for pizza. Call for launch time.

8/7
Fri

2

FULL MOON PADDLE. Full moon paddle on Lake Washington. Launch 7 PM from Houghton Beach Park. Flashlights required.

8/8
Sat

3-5

OCEAN SURFING AT WESTPORT. Introduction to Ocean Surfing for Sea and Whitewater kayakers. Emphasis on learning to surf. Difficulty depends on surf conditions. Eskimo roll not required if you don't mind swimming. Helmet and wet/dry suit. Group size limited. Phone or email to sign up.

8/9
Sun

2

HAMMERSLEY INLET. Six mile long passage. Ride the ebb tide from Shelton out to Hope Island and return with the flood tide.

8/16
Sun

2

STILLAGUAMISH DELTA. Ride out on the last of the low tide, then float in on the rising tide. Exploring the delta without getting stuck.

8/22-23
Sat-Sun

2-4

PACIFIC BEACH SURF AND SUN FROLIC. This is the popular “Bab’s Surf Fest” weekend and pot luck event at the Olympic Coast Pacific Beach Park. Wet suits/dry suits and helmets required. Annual Babbette’s Feast (Potluck) Saturday night. Dinner and wine by candle light accompanied by the sound of the surf, brown pelicans, and seals. Creeks to paddle if you choose not to surf. Friendships to renew. Call the Reservation # 800-452-5687, group campsite #240140. Advise you reserve for Friday night (22nd) to get a good site.

8/22-30
Sat-Sun
(1 week)

3

DESOLATION SOUND. Beautiful scenery and warm waters. Come paddle the Sunshine coast along the west side of BC mainland. Call trip leaders for more details.

8/29-31
Sat-Mon

3+

CYPRESS ISLAND CIRCUMNAVIGATION. A long weekend trip to a couple of the San Juan’s most popular kayaking destinations, with relatively small tidal exchanges. Launch Sat morning from north end of Guemes Island, camp at Pelican Beach. Paddle around north end of Cypress Island, camp Sunday on Strawberry Island, and return Monday afternoon. Approx 18 miles of paddling over 3 days. Limited to 8.

9/5-7
Sat-Mon

2

KINGSTON OVERNIGHT. Overnight at Kingston waterfront cabin. Day paddles north and south and explore Appletree Cove. BBQ potluck Sat night.

9/11-14
Fri-Mon

3-4

SUCIA ISLAND. Explore the northern most islands off the San Juans. We will use Sucia Island as a base to explore Patos and Matia Islands.

9/12
Sat

1+

MCALISTER CREEK. Ride the incoming tide up the creek starting in the Sound and travel through estuaries, farmlands and forests. We will have lunch at the springs, then return on the ebb.

9/12-20
Sat-Sun
(1 week)

3

UPPER LAKE ROOSEVELT. From Kettle Falls to Fort Spokane - 60 miles of mostly pristine beautiful shoreline. Afternoon winds can test your paddling skills.

9/16
Wed

2

MIDWEEK EVENING PADDLE. Come out for an evening paddle on Lake Union. Meet at 6 PM at the boat ramp on Sunnyside Ave, just east of Gasworks Park. Bring a snack to eat. Lights required on the boats.

9/18-20
Fri-Sun

0

WEST COAST SEA KAYAK SYMPOSIUM. Held at Fort Warden, near town of Port Townsend, WA, this symposium has attracted up to 900 attendees. Good opportunity to try new equipment, paddle, attend clinics and make friends. Web Site: http://www.viewit.com/wcsks

9/26-27
Sat-Sun

3

ANDERSON ISLAND. Launch at Penrose Point state Park, negotiate Pitt Passage, round Treble Point to Washington Water Trails campsite fronting a secluded tidal lagoon in Andy Anderson Park, and return on Sunday; 8 persons limit. WWTA membership required (Cascadia Trail permit doesn’t cover this site); 18 miles of paddling.

10/3
Sat

2

CAPITAL LAKE, OLYMPIA. Fresh water paddle on a beautiful fall day. Watch those spawning salmon at close range. Launch at the Lakeside Park and walk along Tumwater falls afterwards

10/4
Sun

2

SLOW SLOUGH PADDLE. Slow slough touring from Everett to Marysville. Car shuttle required. Launch from Langois Beachfront Park, and paddle upstream. Call for launch time.

10/17-18
Sat-Sun

1

BAKER LAKE WEEKEND. Sea kayak and canoe trip for fall colors.   (Note: this trip was added since the printed list was published.  Contact Les Kerr for the name of the trip leader.)

10/31
Sat

2

HALLOWEEN PADDLE ON LAKE UNION. Trick or Treat around the house boats! Come in costume and decorate your boat. Flashlights required. Meet at 5:30 PM at the Boat Ramp on Sunnyside Ave, just East of Gasworks Park.

11/28
Sat

1+

MCALISTER CREEK. Ride the incoming tide up the creek starting in the Sound and travel through estuaries, farmlands and forests. We will have lunch at the springs, then return on the out-going tide.

11/28
Sat

3

DUNGENESS SPIT. This is an annual after Thanksgiving event around Dungeness Spit. Potential for sighting wintering puffins and seals. Dinner at Three Crabs. Skill level depends on wind. It is “GO” regardless; we can always paddle Sequim Bay if weather is too intense. Requesting a $3 donation/family towards Wildlife Foundation.

12/?

2

CHRISTMAS SHIP PADDLE IN SEATTLE. Date to be determined. Decorate your boat in Christmas lights. Wear your Santa Hat. Bring your Jingle Bells. This is a fun paddle not to be missed.

12/?

2

CHRISTMAS SHIP PADDLE IN KIRKLAND. Date to be determined. Decorate your boat in Christmas lights. Wear your Santa Hat. Bring your Jingle Bells. This is a fun paddle not to be missed.

2/6/99
Sat

2

LAKE DIABLO - FROZEN WATERFALL TOUR. Paddle to Ross Dam. Meet at Marblemount and put-in at Colonial Creek campground, paddling through Thunder Arm and view hundred foot high icicles and waterfalls.

2/7/99
Sun

3

SKAGIT RIVER EAGLES BY SEA KAYAK. If you're going to check out Diablo's frozen beauties with Babs on Saturday, why not stay overnight at Clark's Cabins and check out the bunnies (really!); then check out the eagles on Sunday, from Marblemount to Rockport; bracing skills and drysuit or wetsuit required, plus warm clothing (COLD water); 10 miles, shuttle required. Contact: Bill Blair at (206) 282-3503; or send E-mail to blairs@w-link.net
Revised: 12/30/98

 


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