Sea Kayak - San Juan Islands from Anacortes

Meet in the parking lot next to the Washington Park Boat Ramp by at least 7:30 am for an 8:45 am shore talk and 9 am launch (this is a hard launch time).  After loading our boats we will move cars to the long-term parking (lot B) where the cost is $11 per night.  Allow time to move your car and walk back to the beach.  There is a porta-potty at the launch site.

The San Juan Islands are a classic summer paddling destination and we will enjoy a relaxed trip during the high-season.  Our plan is to cover about 90 nm while circumnavigating the two largest islands, Orcas and San Juan in a figure eight.  The last two nights of the route are on Cypress Island, so we can enjoy day-hiking the trails there.  We will paddle with current assistance most days and may take a rest day along the way (if we elect to take a rest day, we may forgo the 2nd night on Cypress).

Currents mandate a couple of early starts, and one or two longer days (still less than 20 nm).  Our nominal itinerary is shared below, but we anticipate making changes based on campsite availability and group enthusiasm.  Miserable mid-trip weather may slow us down (we could stay two nights at one site), or cause the trip to be truncated.

Participants must be comfortable paddling in wind and waves and have the stamina to paddle two consecutive 20 nm days (though this is unlikely based on the current plan).  You must have previous multi-day kayak camping experience and be able to pack supplies for 10 days (water for 4 days).  We may have to share campsites so small-footprint tents are required.  

Immersion wear, preferably drysuits, is required.

This trip will fulfill the San Juan Island circumnavigation and the Orcas Island circumnavigation of the San Juan Island Paddling Experience Badge.

Planned Itinerary

Costs

• Parking costs $11 per day at Washington Park.
• Participants are responsible for their own campsite fees, ~$10 to $15 per day (payable at the site with cash or check).  We will share sites where possible.

Goals

• Have a great time, and stay safe.
• Enjoy each other’s company.
• Take time to observe wildlife when opportunities arise. 
• Circumnavigate San Juan and Orcas Islands.

Expectations

• Ability to paddle in currents, strong winds and lumpy water for multiple days in a loaded boat.
• Participate in an online pre-trip planning meeting.
• Ability to camp, and remain cheerful, in the rain.
• Participate in group decisions.
• Abide by the decisions made by the leaders or the group
• Do not take risks that others are uncomfortable with.
• Be ready to launch at agreed-on times.

Style

• Paddle as a group
• Support each other
• Low-impact camping