Trip Report
Sea Kayak - Maury Island Circumnavigation
Wonderful fall paddle in near perfect conditions. Sunshine, little wind, fall colors and very little boat traffic.
Will Greenough
- Tue, Oct 21, 2025
- Sea Kayak - Maury Island Circumnavigation
- Vashon & Maury Islands Circumnavigation
- Sea Kayaking
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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We launched from Dash Point Park (Tacoma Parks). At this time of year and arriving early, there was plenty of parking and the carry to the beach is minimal. Good sandy beach for the launch, bathroom facilities and no fee make this a great launch.
Tide height for the portage was a bit low - just above 5'. Made the exit from Quartermaster Harbor just a bit muddy, but it was not too deep or sticky. I would not worry about doing it again at this tide level.
We launched on time just before 9:30am and made the crossing from Dash Point to Piner Point on Maury Island uneventfully. Handrailing along the shore into Quartermaster Harbor, we stopped around 10:30 for a short break about halfway between Manzanita and Dockton. After break we continued to the portage in absolute calm conditions with mirror-like water reflecting the fall colors along the shore.
As indicated above the portage was a bit longer than I've done at higher tide levels, but the mud was only a couple inches deep and not very sticky, so the portage was pretty uneventful. Once on the north side, we had a quick snack and decided to wait until we got to Point Robinson to eat lunch. The view of Mt. Rainier from Point Robinson was spectacular as we ate.
After lunch, we continued down the SE shore of the island stopping for an exploration of the camping spots at Maury Island Marine Park. We then paddled along the shore back to Piner Point and made the crossing back to Dash Point, arriving at 4pm.
After putting the boats back on the cars, we had refreshments at Gino's adjacent to the park. A great day on the water!
