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Sea Kayak - Maury Island

A good long day paddle with added interest of a portage and going around something.

Tom Unger Tom Unger
April 29, 2018
  • Sat, Apr 28, 2018
  • Sea Kayak - Maury Island
  • Maury Island
  • Sea Kayaking
  • Successful
  • Road suitable for all vehicles

  • Parking at the Des Moines Marina and the little park to the north now costs up to $5 for the whole day.

    We took 5 stops:

    • Portage (no toilet)
    • Docton Park (toilet and picnic shelter)
    • Piner Point (primitive shore)
    • Marine trail camp site in Maury Island Marine Park (toilet)
    • Point Robinson Park (tolet)

We paddled counter-clock wise around Maury Island.  Main purpose was to get in a good, long paddle in preparation for a summer trip.

We launched from Des Moines Marina.  You can also launch from the park just north with a natural shoreline.  We chose the marina and launched from a dock.  

Today’s low tide was about 11am so our crossing to Maury Island had a little current pushing us north.  We had a south west wind and were able to use our sails to get some boost getting to Portage.  See video of me using this sail on Lake Union.

Tide was out and this makes the portage considerably longer - just like the guide book warned.  Use of wheels across the tidal flats right to the water’s edge helps.

Docton Park makes a good longer lunch break.  They have sheltered picnic tables where one can get out of the rain.

 

The campsite at Maury Island Marine Park has been nicely improved since last year.  There are 5 or so sites on a low bluff overlooking the water among madrone trees.  A large picnic shelter and one portapotty.  This would make an enjoyable overnight.

Tide was flooding in the afternoon as we paddled east along the south shore.  We stayed close to shore and experience no tidal current.   Also, negliable current on crossing back to the Marina.  

17nm in 7.5 hours.