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I’ve kayaked in the Pacific Northwest for about 15 years, and conclude you can be exposed to a lot of great scenery with a low ‘hassle factor’ in several places throughout Oregon and Washington, without the added expense or time of venturing up to Canada.\u00a0 That being said, if you do want to invest the extra time and money, Vancouver Island, B.C. and the myriad of islands that surround it is a great kayaking destination.\u00a0 If you want a little summer in your winter, the Sea of Cortez in Baja, Mexico is a good trip, too.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 But more on that man`ana.<\/p>\n
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Focusing on the premier sea-kayaking locale in Washington, the San Juan Islands, you will find a sea kayaking experience here that will rival anything else.\u00a0 Orca whales, salmon and seals, deep forest and rocky shores, good weather and a challenge when you want one \u2013 that’s the San Juans.<\/p>\n
There are over 450 islands in the entire San Juan archipelago, but this article focuses on a few you might start with on a ‘first trip’.\u00a0 Each of these highlighted are unique, and exhibit distinct geography.\u00a0 Orcas Island<\/strong> includes high mountain lakes, the densest forests, and incredible viewpoints from the highest point in the islands:\u00a0 Mt. Constitution. There is good camping here, hot springs, hilly terrain and narrow roads.\u00a0 Orcas experiences some of the worst weather in the San Juans it seems, though you can usually escape it if you know where to hide. <\/p>\n North of Orcas Island, are Patos<\/strong>, Sucia<\/strong> and Matia<\/strong> Islands.\u00a0 There is no ferry service to any of these \u2013 a formal dock (but no services) at Sucia and Matia, no dock at Patos.\u00a0 Camping is available at all three, but check with local guides on the Sucia situation \u2013 the main campground can get crowded, even after Labor Day.\u00a0 The best camping site for kayakers on Sucia is located north of Echo Bay \u2013 it is surrounded by several barrier islands in a small cove (read: not generally accessible by large craft).<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Lighthouse on Patos Island, Mt. Baker in the background<\/p>\n Kayaking from Doe Bay on the far west side of Orcas<\/strong> is very nice.\u00a0\u00a0 There is a rocky beach right at the resort, and they charge a nominal fee for launches.\u00a0 Check out the lodge \/ hot spring web-site at:\u00a0 www.doebay.com<\/a>.\u00a0 They don’t do kayak rentals anymore, but their tours are good for beginners, and there’s a hot tub (community, clothing optional) awaiting you at the end of the day!\u00a0 The downside:\u00a0 look for camping elsewhere (i.e. Moran State Park), as the ‘cabins’ at Doe Bay are pricy for what you get.<\/p>\n Not quite out to Doe Bay, but away from the bustle of East Sound, is Lieberhaven Resort.\u00a0 The word ‘resort’ is a stretch.\u00a0 It’s low-key, the staff know the area well, and they do rent kayaks:\u00a0 www.lieberhavenresort.com<\/a> In the off-season, their room\/kitchenette prices drop, and you can haggle with them for extended stays.\u00a0 Check out the “town” of Olga \u2013 between Lieberhaven and Doe Bay \u2013 there is a cool art gallery right by the post office and grocery store there.\u00a0 The place is small, quiet, and has a dock.\u00a0 Some B-n-Bs are located near here.<\/p>\n Lopez Island is commendable for ease of access and cycling.\u00a0 You’ll find a slower, easier pace than the other islands, the topography is flatter, and the weather is generally calmer.\u00a0 A well-outfitted store and bakery (really, there is only one of note on the whole island) are in the town center.\u00a0\u00a0 Spencer Spit State Park has good camping, is an easy bike ride from the ferry terminal, and one could do some nice kayak day-trips from there.\u00a0 Outer Bay or Aleck Bay are good if you want a little more adventure \u2013 but watch out for the weather coming in from the Strait of Juan de Fuca.\u00a0 <\/p>\n Kayaks can be rented at: www.lopezkayaks.com<\/a>.\u00a0 Practically next door is www.lopezbicycleworks.com<\/a> if you want to rent bikes.<\/p>\n San Juan Island is the economic epicenter of the islands, and thus, the most crowded.\u00a0 Auto traffic from Friday Harbor out to Roche Harbor is pretty heavy on weekends, and not recommended for a bicycle, though early weekday mornings are not so bad.\u00a0 Roche Harbor is a picturesque spot, including the Haro Hotel if you want to live the ‘high life’ for a while, or just check out this historic site.\u00a0 Kayaking from here is not as scenic, and you may be competing with power-craft more than at other launch-spots on San Juan.\u00a0 <\/p>\n Things quiet down near American Camp, and the San Juan Historic Park is pretty nice.\u00a0 The best spot to see orcas is near Limekiln Point, where there is a state park, and you can launch.\u00a0 Keep relatively close to shore, as you are next to the Haro Strait \u2013 get a chart or ask a local before venturing out too far (more than a half-mile).\u00a0 On a weekend, follow the crowd and you’ll find whales.\u00a0 Turn Island, south and east of Friday Harbor, is a good short (half-day) trip from town.<\/p>\n Kayak rentals\/tours can be done at San Juan Kayaks: www.sanjuankayak.com<\/a> or www.discoveryseakayak.com<\/a> Discovery also does “mother ship” kayak tours, a great way (albeit more expensive) to cover a lot of ground.<\/p>\n Kayak tours (only) can be done with:\u00a0 www.sanjuanislandoutfitters.com<\/a> or www.anacorteskayaktours.com<\/a><\/p>\n Aerial photos are available on the Washington Department of Ecology web-site:\u00a0 http:\/\/apps.ecy.wa.gov\/shorephotos\/<\/a><\/p>\n My 2 cents on kayaking in the San Juans:\u00a0 Know how to do a ‘wet-exit’ or eskimo roll before you venture off-shore, especially toward Haro Strait.\u00a0 Ask the local kayakers \/ gear shops about currents \u2013 they are not obvious from shore, and sometimes really strong.\u00a0 Get a tide table and chart \u2013 and plan accordingly.\u00a0 Avoid the weekends \u2013\u00a0 it\u2019s best both pre-Memorial \/ post-Labor Day \u2013 and\u2026. HAVE FUN!!<\/p>\nYou should plan on a minimum 3-day paddling trip to really see all three of these, and more if you’ve got the time.\u00a0 Be aware that paddling north from Orcas to the outer islands is an open-water crossing, but the currents aren’t too bad here \u2013 get a tide table to time your trip for slack tide, and when in doubt, ask the locals.\u00a0 The wind can pick up quickly on the north side of these islands, and paddling the north sides of Patos and Sucia should be done only if things are pretty calm (count on 3-4 hours paddle).<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"lighthouse\"](\"images\/stories\/lighthouse.jpg\")
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