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Sea Kayak - Cape Flattery

Trip

Sea Kayak - Cape Flattery

Day two of Tacoma's Open Coastal Weekend. This is arguably the best day paddle in the state (or country)!

Contacts

Michael Everett
Michael Everett
Primary Leader
  • Sea Kayak V
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 13.0 nm
  • Maximum Wind: 15 kts
  • Maximum Waves: 5 ft
  • Maximum Currents: 3 kts
  • Pace: moderate to brisk

9 AM Launching from Hobuck Beach Resort. Specific location TBD.

This is an advanced paddle.  There are no "outs" along the way, and it is extremely remote.  If conditions are too sporty we will likely go to a plan-B.

We will likely be going through sea caves, and a waterproof headlight might be helpful.

Paddlers must have taken a currents clinic, a surf zone clinic, and a rock gardening clinic, and be comfortable traversing the surf zone in 3-5 feet of surf.  I recommend everyone bring a bivouac kit with food and water for a day and an emergency shelter, just in case.  We may, or may not, cross to Tatoosh Island (depending on conditions), but we will not land on it (off limits per tribal regulations).

There is a chance we'll do the paddle as a car shuttle landing in Neah Bay instead of coming back along our same path, so I don't recommend anyone have travel plan restrictions that afternoon.

Hobuck is part of Tribal land, and the area is "dry".  Please respect their laws and don't bring alcohol or recreational pharmaceuticals to the site.

Route/Place

Hobuck Beach & Neah Bay


  • Custom Correct North Olympic Coast
    Green Trails Cape Flattery No. 98S
    MapTech Cape Flattery to Whidbey Island No. 103
    Sea Trails Strait of Juan de Fuca & Crescent Lake WA301
    Sea Trails Roadless Coast, Neah Bay to Ruby Beach WA302
    NOAA Cape Flattery No. 18485
    Green Trails Olympic Coast Beaches No. 99S
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials are required on all sea kayaking trips. In addition, all paddlers are required to have:

  1. Floatation in both ends of the kayak, with deck lines fore and aft.
  2. U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
  3. Spare Paddle secured to the front deck.
  4. Spray skirt, preferably neoprene.
  5. Bilge pump with floatation
  6. Self-rescue paddle float
  7. Waterproof whistle
  8. Drysuit
  9. Helmet
  10. Flashlight recommended
  11. Extra food and water, plus an emergency shelter (storm cag, poncho, etc) recommended.
  12. You'll want a camera, but not required. 
  13. You will need to purchase a Tribal Recreation Permit, available at Washburns Grocery or the gas station in town; or one is available at the resort office after they open.  We will start our day before they open.
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