Trip
Sea Kayak - McNeil Island Circumnavigation
Kayak clockwise around McNeal Island, one of the more interesting islands in the South Puget Sound.
- Info
- COVID-19: Learn about our most up-to-date guidance for participants and leaders on our COVID-19 Response page. All participants and leaders must agree to the COVID-19 Code of Conduct before participating in this Mountaineers activity.
Contacts
- Wed, Feb 19, 2020
- Tacoma Branch Sea Kayaking Program
- Sea Kayaking
- Adults
- Sea Kayak III+
- Moderate
- Mileage: 15.0 nm
- Maximum Wind: 14 kts
- Maximum Currents: 1.5 kts
- Pace: Moderate
- 3 (9 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
We will meet at the Steilacoom boat launch right next to the ferry dock at 8:00 am for a 9:00 launch.
Parking is $8.00 for the day at the paid lot for the ferry terminal which accepts credit cards.
Real bathrooms with flush toilets and warm water are available.
McNeal Island is an interesting island to circumnavigate. Though we aren't allowed to land on it, we can land on Eagle Island, the land on the far side of Pitt Passage, and Gertrude Island (a tromboli) when the tide is high enough.
Here is the cool thing. The last two times I have circumnavigated NcNeil Island, we have seen whale bones. No guarantee for this trip, but it's still a possibility.
February can still throw some cold temperatures at us, so please plan on wearing and bringing all your warm things. Dry suits are essential.
McNeil Island Circumnavigation
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NOAA Puget Sound: Southern Part No. 18448
MapTech Puget Sound Chart No. 100 - See full route/place details.
Required Equipment
These eight 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.
- Floatation in both ends of the kayak
- U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
- Paddle
- Spray skirt
- Bilge pump with floatation
- Self-rescue paddle float
- Waterproof whistle
- Appropriate clothing for the conditions encountered seasonally