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Goat Island

Trip

Sea Kayak - Goat Island

Counter-clockwise around mysterious Goat Island with a stop to explore the remains of Fort Whitman; launching and returning to the public boat ramp south of La Conner.

Contacts

Doug Palm
Doug Palm
Primary Leader
  • Sea Kayak II
  • For Beginners (Getting Started Series)
  • Mileage: 8.0 nm
  • Elevation Gain: 100 ft

Where: We'll put in and take out at the La Conner boat ramp located at 105 Sherman St, La Conner, WA.  This is south of downtown La Conner, under the east side of the Rainbow Bridge on the Swinomish Channel.  Bring $2.50 in cash to pay launch fees.  
When: Plan to arrive at 9:00am to allow plenty of time to prepare for our launch one hour later.
Overview: Once underway, we'll paddle to Fort Whitman on the north side of Goat Island for a break to explore one of the least known Endicott Era Defenses in the region. Back on the water, we'll paddle counter-clockwise around the island and pass through the jetty fish way on the afternoon high tide.  We'll check out other sights in the area as time permits then end our trip back at the La Conner boat ramp.

I expect this sea kayak trip to have this difficulty and these conditions (view the sea kayak difficulties definitions on our Activity Types, Difficulties & Prerequisites page):

  • Difficulty:  SK II
  • Wind:  10 kts
  • Waves: <1 ft
  • Currents: minimal
  • Distance: up to 8 nm
  • Pace: moderate
Route/Place

Goat Island

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

These seven essentials plus The Ten Essentials are required on all sea kayaking trips.  All but the whistle and clothing should be provided with any kayak rental.

  1. Floatation in both ends of the kayak
  2. U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
  3. Paddle
  4. Spray skirt
  5. Bilge pump with floatation
  6. Self-rescue paddle float
  7. Waterproof whistle
  8. Appropriate clothing for the conditions encountered seasonally, in this case a dry suit.
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