First kayak drip of 2020 from the Longbranch boat launch on the key peninsula. The company was Aqua-Sports www.aqua-sports.com and their guides were affiliated with NorthWest Kayaks. Park activities include camping, boating and four miles of hiking trails. Another Key Peninsula find, Penrose is a clam and oyster digger’s dream spot, so bring a bucket and your appetite to this boat camping destination. Between the Islands of Puget Sound and the plethora of glacial lakes around the state, adventures of any length of time and any skill level can be found here. “Waking up to a waterfront scenery was pretty amazing as well. The joy of kayaking in calm waters. We don’t want our state parks ruined.”. Join our community! There’s nothing quite like being rocked to sleep by Puget Sound. Kayak Camp on Stuart Island Dick Gilmur Public Access - Puget Sound - Find info about paddling launch sites including directions, ammenities, & fees to plan your next paddling trip! I can’t say enough about the company. “It’s a great place for new paddlers to begin their journey,” says Amanda Lee, Alki Kayak Tours guide. No Problem: Try These Mid-Winter Break Camps Instead, It’s All Downhill: The Top Tubing & Sledding Spots Near Seattle, 50 Winter Activities To Do While You Still Can, This CA Park Denies Bigfoot Sighting & Sasquatches Our Dreams, 6 Books About Motherhood that Aren’t All About Motherhood, 59 Easy Science Experiments to Do at Home, Here Comes the Pun: 289 Hilarious Jokes for Kids, Delicious Decadence: 10 Cozy Cafes for Hot Chocolate in Seattle, Top 10 Free Things to Do with Kids in Seattle, Sink It! Puget Sound had become the epicenter of a kayaking craze, producing fiberglass boats that had become part of the regional landscape. This summer, why not combine the two and maximize your adventure quotient? This is a restricted-access area that you have to book 3 months in advance, and ride a yellow school bus in … blogherads.defineSlot("medrec", "repeating-content-1").display(); Sure, you can spot Blake Island from the ferry out of Elliot Bay. Most moorage is first come, first served, but many camp sites can be reserved. 2traveldads.com . Mathieu, Stacey and Kaleb. So once you’ve got your dates picked for this trip, reserve a dock spot online ASAP. “We launched out of Friday Harbor, stopped for lunch at Shaw Island, then continued on to Jones Island and camped there for two nights. ), but if not there are 21 others to choose from. Add a bit of military history to your boat camping experience when you tie up at Marrowstone Island’s Fort Flagler and camp at one of their 59 spots. And even then, there’s no dock, just moorage bouys on the east and west sides that are first come, first served. And it’s hard to beat the protected inlet, just off the camping area, that turns into a perfect trial zone for kids to take out kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards when the tide is out. One of three former military-bases-turned-state-parks, Fort Flagler puts a different twist on the typical marine adventure. By providing your email address,you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Making a reservation for campsites ahead of time is recommended, especially during the busy summer weekends. }); Deer Harbor Marina Angela Tomaselle, a Las Vegas resident and world traveler, shared photos, tips and stories from a recent kayak and camping trip to Jones Island and Stuart Island state parks in mid September of this year. Be sure to reserve one of the 19 tent camping sites before you head down to the Key Peninsula to enjoy this special state park. 5. From The Columbia River Gorge to the Olympic Peninsula, kayaking is the perfect way to experience the PNW. Fuel Up for 8 Memorial Day Road Trips That Aren’t Too Far, Rustic Retreats: Top Spots to Go Yurt Camping in Washington, 15 Washington State Parks with Cool Cabin Rentals, 75 Activities to Add to Your Summer Bucket List. If remote is what you’re looking for, but you’re not sure your crew is ready for primitive camping, head to Jarrell Cove. This county park on Lopez Island is a great spot to pull up a mooring buoy (there are 5 available for overnighting) and stay a while. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be an easy boat camping destination this summer too. 15 Rustic Cabins to Rent Now, 17 Indoor Spots to Host a Winter Birthday Party, Let the Good Times Roll at These Seattle Skating Rinks, Make a Splash at These Indoor Pools & Playards, 13 Fantastic Road Trips to Take This Winter, Easy Ways to Protect the Planet (Even More) in 2021. Content property of Red Tricycle Inc. unless otherwise specified. Kayaking in the Pacific Northwest is a must when you visit Washington State. Loved it! It was originated by the “two Toms”, Tom Steinburn and Tom Deschner, when they noticed many of their favorites spots were being purchased and so were not available. It’s a hot spot for lawn games and short hikes where you might find snakes and salamanders. It’s a great spot to enjoy views, watch for whales and generally unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city. If a bouy is open, tie up your ride and raft over to the expansive pebble beaches, where kids will find plenty of space to beach comb and throw rocks while you prepare the evening meal. Maybe you’ve even taken Argosy Cruise’s Tillicum Excursion to the island for a salmon dinner. 2) As above, you slide not lift a kayak to the cartop. Trip Outside offers sea kayak tours in Seattle, WA. When it comes to summer adventures, it’s a toss up between boating and camping for your family. Kayaking in the Pacific Northwest is amazing. Stuart Island State Park is an 85 acre marine camping park along the Cascadia Marine Trail popular for boating, camping, crabbing and diving. Fort Flagler Alki Kayak Tours is a good starting point for beginners. Campers hang crab pots right off the dock and pull them up for dinner. Sleeping bags, buoys and boats at the ready! But there’s something special about getting out there and camping next to the water, even if you’re just an hour or two away from home. They also have daily tours guiding people around Puget Sound. If you’re lucky, you can get one of the 10 beach front camp sites (prime camping real estate! blogherads.defineSlot("medrec", "repeating-content-2").display(); Description Additional information Description Kayaking Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. SKU : 25803762920001 Categories: Books & Charts, Gear, Gift Ideas, Gifts & Souvenirs. Article by Rob Taylor / 2 Travel Dads. Two bulkheads and deck rigging (I mean static line around the sides, not bungies). *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Anchors Away! The cove itself is protected enough to paddle board or kayak around without having to worry about wakes and currents making things tough on little kids. Lockwood’s kits, once assembled, were cheaper, lighter, and flat-out gorgeous. With countless coves and islands, the sound is a paddler’s paradise. Kayak instruction combined with a Puget Sound camping adventure in the San Juan Islands. blogherads.adq.push(function() { The all-new Old Town Castine (available in three custom-fit sizes) is the perfect getaway vehicle for the Puget Sound, or wherever your escape is located. 1. Across the Puget Sound are the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas, which are dotted with lakes and waterways, ready to be paddled. In addition to trail maintenance, facilities repairs, community events and educational programs, we work to build a network of parks supporters, public lands advocates and outdoor enthusiasts across the Pacific Northwest and Washington State. It’s a boating experience they won’t soon forget! Kayak Lessons in the San Juan Islands. The kids will find plenty of sandy shores to explore and the playground is always a hit with the toddler crew. Also includes information on kayak camping. I’ve never eaten so good while camping.”, “Highlights of my trip… Gosh, it’s really hard to pinpoint. But not a lot of people paddle south Puget Sound. A state parks adventure in Washington’s San Juan Islands. More of a boat glamping experience, Deer Harbor Marina has all the amenities you need to make sleeping on the boat a cush experience with the kids. Book a tour online to experience Puget Sound's wildilfe, natural history and the Seattle skyline. Seattle, WA Puget Sound Kayaking Tours | Book Online Now Trip Outside offers sea kayak tours in Seattle, WA. Jones Island State Park is an 188 acre marine camping park located on the saltwater shoreline of San Juan channel in north Puget Sound. One way for locals to reconnect with each other while disconnecting from the city is to tour the Puget Sound by kayak. 3. Tom, our guide and the owner was so personable and knowledgeable about the islands, habitat, kayaking, he made the trip so amazing. If sleeping on the boat is on the docket, try a mooring buoy in one of the island’s coves. Set sail for Jones Island State Park, a marine park on Orcas Island where you’ll find fruit tree orchards and wildlife abound. Angela found this trip offered through a guide company called The Clymb that coordinated with a local kayak adventure company called Outdoor Odysseys that ultimately lead the trip. This is a busy destination for boaters from around the area all summer long, and the wooden boat shows, salmon derby and summer fireworks displays don’t make getting reservations any easier. Both parks we camped at were beautiful.” As a visitor to Washington State, Angela was impressed with the beauty and quality of Washington’s state parks, “I hope the state parks are enjoyed by lots of people, but I also hope people practice the leave no trace ethic. Or take a chance on one of the other 24 campsites. Just short drives from the city are countless islands and bays to explore. In Leon’s absence, kayaking was back on the menu, so I took Maya to Anderson Island in south Puget Sound, where she had never been. blogherads.adq.push(function() { Clark Island State Park Exploring beyond the known becomes the mission on this trip, and the elusive west side, where you’ll find the tent camping sites, has Olympic Mountain views that are hard to find anywhere else. Close to home options are great for first timers and tots. .. A family of friendly harbor seals escorted us the three miles (5 km) from the Luhr boat launch across Nisqually Reach. Whether you’re looking for a quick excursion within Seattle on Lake Union or multi-day camping trips in the San Juan Islands, your options are plentiful. Maya and I had so much fun kayak-camping on Sucia Island, we planned to return to Sucia by water taxi with Rachel and Leon, who, at two months old, was too little for kayaking but just the right age to start camping.. We changed our minds when the forecast called for periodic showers throughout the day. Meanwhile, clammers are busy digging up appetizers on the expansive beach. I hope that this web site can become a resource for other paddlers to use in exploring the Northwest. Guided by women, naturally! Scroll down for nine superb spots to take your crew boat camping. Bring your scooters, so the kids can explore the area without getting tired, and a crab pot if you’ve got one.

These fifty trips in Puget Sound's myriad islands and fjordlike canals and inlets cover the area from Canada's Gulf Islands to the shores of Tacoma, including the fabulous San Juan islands and the unique Hood Canal. It was so different from the kayaking I have done. The scenery was amazing, I saw numerous bald eagles, a sea lion, osprey, blue herrings, seals and tons and tons of gorgeous trees.”. You can find a few miles of hiking trails just off the grassy picnic area (psst…one leads to a secret lagoon) that are tame enough for little feet, but long enough to give you something to do for the afternoon, and a special marked mushroom trail that keep the sun off your back as you go from sign to sign. Odlin County Park  Remember your Discover Pass if you’re camping in a state park. Jun 9, 2017 - Sea Kayaking in Puget Sound with friends. It’s a great spot to launch kayaks or canoes from, and there is plenty of beach to roam and comb to keep the kids occupied while you set up camp before you explore. }); Head north for boat camping that ranges from primitive island campsites to luxe dockside accommodations, complete with restaurants and shops. If catching dinner is on your to-do list, have your fish and wildlife license with you. This joy has inspired me to build this web site so that I can share the places that my friends and I have paddled. On the Puget Sound around Olympia, kayak rentals are reliable and easily accessible at two iconic local destinations. On shore are ample public parklands for camping and exploring. “I’m always looking for new places to explore. The store and café on the main dock are well stocked and can keep you in ice cream and freshly cooked food for as many days as you need it. blogherads.defineSlot("medrec", "repeating-content-3").display(); Jarrell Cove Get updates for topics you care about and let us help you be the rock star parent we know you are! My friends and I enjoy kayaking the waters of Puget Sound and the other great waters in our region. Consider them the dry run for next year’s longer boat camping adventure! As for camping, you’ll find plenty of sites, even a few set aside for groups, so grab your boating pals and make a reservation soon! 2. Kayak, canoe, and stand up padding routes that promise beauty and adventure ... while on shore are ample public parklands for camping and exploring. And he’s an excellent cook! “This was by far the best camping trip I’ve experienced,” said Angela upon returning from a four-day trip to Jones Island and Stuart Island state parks. If you consider boat camping an excuse to crab, then Joemma’s the spot for you. Kayaking in the Pacific Northwest: Puget Sound paddling destinations. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay connected to parks community, learn about park activities, trip planning ideas, and volunteer opportunities. Kayaking Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, by Rob Casey, is a detailed guide book to kayaking and overnighting in these famous paddling destinations. From there we kayaked up to Stuart Island and camped there one night, on our way, we stopped at Johns Island for lunch.” Angela was traveling with two of her friends from work. It’s a quick bay crossing and you’re worlds away from the city with plenty to do. I had planned an itinerary to see as much as I could of the PNW in one trip.” Both state parks, located in the north San Juan Islands, are a part of the Cascade Marine Trail on Puget Sound that includes 66 campsites and 160 day­-use sites designated for non­-motorized, beachable boats. To select a route just put your cursor over a number and click! Out of stock. 2006-2021 redtri.com All Rights Reserved. Save a spot in advance whenever you can to make planning easy! The campsites fill up quickly on summer weekends, so reserve a spot early. Learn about the largest salt marsh restoration on the West Coast. Make a donation today of $25 or more to become a member and enhance your state parks. Subscribe to our newsletters for the best of parenting—sign up for one or all! Fiberglass boats, however, were expensive and heavy. Joemma Beach Then, load up the lawn games alongside the tent and sleeping bags on your boat. I loved being in the ocean kayaking. In time, kayaking spread across the nation and around the world. South Puget Sound Paddles . Day tour the Nisqually Reach: Gem of Puget Sound. Moss Bay Kayak Paddle Board & Sail Center: Puget Sound kayaking - See 34 traveler reviews, 14 candid photos, and great deals for Seattle, WA, at Tripadvisor. The goal is to have a put-in or take-out approximately every three hours. Beach side camping is what this small marine park island between Orcas and Lummi Islands in the San Juans has to offer. Both state parks, located in the north San Juan Islands, are a part of the Cascade Marine Trail on Puget Sound that includes 66 campsites and 160 day­-use sites designated for non­-motorized, beachable boats. We have both 3 day and 5 day women kayak adventures on our schedule, but if you can’t find dates you like, call us to start your own custom San Juan Islands kayaking trip. The bursting-with-amenities campsite is just up the ramp from the out-of-the-way dock on Harstine Island. Jones Island State Park So I was excited to see a presentation that offered a bit more - a focus on camping aspects and using available data to navigate the tidal currents of the San Juans. Our purpose at the Washington State Parks Foundation is to ensure a vibrant state parks system for generations to enjoy. It’s remote and accessible only by boat. There are 15 campsites in total on the island, and they can accommodate anywhere between four and eight campers, depending on the site. Our advice is to get there early, especially on the weekends, as campsites fill up fast and they’re all first come, first served. It might be too cold for such a little guy. Here, you can explore the park’s military museum and gift shop just as easily as you can the beach, and the gun emplacements can be explored on your own or through a guided tour (during the summer months). Paddle with world renowned bird watching, ample seals and sea lions with their pups, teeming salmon runs, porpoises, and the possibility of whale … Don’t forget your crab pot! Imagine clear blue skies, salty sea­ air in your face, and breathtaking views of Puget Sound via an early autumn kayaking adventure trip up to peaceful and remote San Juan Islands state parks. Duplication, distribution or other uses by permission only. blogherads.adq.push(function() { This past weekend we went to Lake O'Hara, and area just on the BC side of the continental divide with our friends Brian and Christian. 9 Puget Sound Campsites You Can Easily Boat To, From Deep Dish to Thin Crust: 11 Fantastic Seattle Pizzerias, No Travel? You can rent kayaks and they offer sea kayaking and rescue and recovery classes taught by certified ACA trainers. }); Blake Island Kayaking Puget Sound & the San Juan Islands: 60 Trips in Northwest Inland Waters, Including the Gulf Islands, 3rd Edition [Casey, Rob] on Amazon.com. I do hope to get back and explore more of the islands sometime. At least a true little sea kayak like the Dagger Alchemy, or an approx’ly 16 ft boat. Plus, a few walkable options mean you can get off the water and sit down in style if you want to change up your summer boat lifestyle. And it’s hard to beat the protected inlet, just off the camping area, that turns into a perfect trial zone for kids to take out kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards when the tide is out. "Without question, the south Sound is underrated in terms of paddling," says Mik Mikitik, owner of Gig Harbor Kayak Center. Bring a sunshade and float toys if you’ve got them, as families often float between their boat and the shore in these mildly protected waters. There’s plenty of room to play! They don’t have quite the same view, but they’re still a great place to start out for a round the island hike. 10 Terrific Places to Play Mini Golf, Your Ultimate Guide to Where to Eat, Shop & Play in Bellevue, Your Guide to Seattle’s Free (& Cheap) Museum Days, The Dish on Seattle’s Best Restaurants for Families, Let’s Go Camping! The Seattle area is best seen from the water: sailing, on a ferry, or on a kayak. Article from mathieuandstacey.blogspot.com. Head south for cozy campsites with easy dock access. That’s the number one reason I had been interested in doing this trip. 1. When the sun’s out, there’s no better place to dig in for the day than this rocky shoreline. 1) Re the boat, for Puget Sound a true sea kayak. Penrose Point This water trail on Puget Sound is a National Recreation Trail and designated one of only 16 National Millennium Trails by the White House.. Every route shown here has been paddled by us. It’s hard to beat the view from the park’s cliffside campsites, so arrive early to claim one of these coveted first-come-first-serve spots. Kayaking Puget Sound & the San Juan Islands: 60 Trips in Northwest Inland Waters, Including the Gulf Islands It’s especially exciting to dig for your dinner here because of the other marine wonders your kids will find in the process—moon snails, sea stars and hermit crabs abound. “They provided all the gear needed for this trip, tent, sleeping pad/sleeping bag, food, drinks and wine!” recounted Angela, “I am an avid hiker/camper and had been kayaking before, but never sea kayaking, nor kayak/camping, and the possibility of seeing Orcas while doing all of the above really sparked my interest. When the sun kayak camping puget sound s remote and accessible only by boat summer.. Can be reserved us help you be the rock star parent we know you are summer... Around the sides, not bungies ) instruction combined with a Puget Sound and the is! 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