
Trip
Sea Kayak - Spencer & Otter Islands
Paddle up the Snohomish River from Langus Riverfront Park, then circumnavigate Spencer and Otter Islands. Spencer Island is one of the best places in the Snohomish River Estuary to view waterfowl and shorebirds. This is a Seattle North Puget Sound badge trip.
- Sun, Feb 23, 2025
- Tacoma Branch Sea Kayaking Program
- Sea Kayaking
- Adults
- Sea Kayak I/II
- Moderate
- Mileage: 10.0 nm
- Maximum Wind: 15 kts
- Maximum Waves: 2 ft
- Maximum Currents: 3 kts
- Pace: 2.8 knots
- FULL, 3 on waitlist (7 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
We’ll launch from Langus Riverfront Park on the Snohomish River and paddle upriver with a flood tide to the south end of Spencer island. We’ll then turn north, paddle down Steamboat Slough and clockwise around Otter Island. After lunch we'll complete a counterclockwise circumnavigation of Spencer Island. High tide is about 12:10.
Spencer Island is described as the crown jewel in the center of the Snohomish R. estuary. This is a great route for viewing waterfowl and shore birds. See the Snohomish Parks Spencer island page, the Estuary Guide, and Map.
You must be able to maintain a 2.5 knot pace and be comfortable paddling in winter conditions where wind/waves can be a factor. Dry suit required. Hot beverage is recommended.
I'll be out of town and most likely unable to respond to messages or permission requests from Jan 27- Feb 7.
Meet at Langus Riverfront Park boat launch (400 Smith Island Rd., Everett, WA).
Please be ready for a shoretalk at 9am; we’ll launch immediately afterwards.
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