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Nisqually Delta & Reach

Trip

Sea Kayak - Nisqually Delta & Reach

On this student paddle we will depart from Luhr Boat Launch near the Billy Frank Nisqually Wildlife Refuge and paddle along the west shore of Nisqually Reach passing Tolmie State Park before crossing Nisqually Reach to visit the WWTA campsite on Anderson Island. We will practice self and assisted rescues at Tolmie State Park as we return to Luhr Boat Launch. If conditions are excessive, we will avoid crossing Nisqually Reach, instead continuing along the shoreline toward Johnson Point before returning to Luhr Beach.

Contacts

Kevin Bulley
Kevin Bulley
Primary Leader
  • Sea Kayak III
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 9.5 nm
  • Maximum Wind: 15 kts
  • Maximum Waves: 1 ft
  • Maximum Currents: 1 kts
  • Pace: 2,5-3 knots

Meeting Place:  Luhr's  Landing Access Area (on Google Maps).   This can be a busy place depending on fishing season, weather, etc.  Suggest an on-time or early arrival and car-pooling.

Meeting Time:  08:00

Launch Time:  09:30

Permits:  Discover Pass Required

This is a student paddle.  Tacoma Basic Sea Kayaking students have priority for registration.  Assistant leaders are welcome.

My goal for this trip is to share one of my favorite paddling locations with new kayakers.  To meet the requirements of the Basic Sea Kayaking class we will practice wet exits and rescues in a safe, sheltered bay.  If conditions allow, we will cross Nisqually Reach to Anderson Island.

My personal experience in Nisqually Reach is of often seeing marine mammals, usually seals, sea lions and porpoise.  Last trip included seeing what was most likely a Minke whale.  There is abundant migratory waterfowl here in the winter.

Route/Place

Nisqually Delta & Reach

Roster
Required Equipment

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.

  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
Trip Reports