
Trip Report
Sea Kayak - Squaxin Island Circumnavigation
A successful circumnavigation of one of the South Sound's gems.
- Sat, Jun 22, 2024
- Sea Kayak - Squaxin Island Circumnavigation
- Squaxin Island Circumnavigation
- Sea Kayaking
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
Our paddle around Squaxin Island went just as planned regarding the weather, tides and currents. With another very low tide of -3.2, our small group had an enjoyable day viewing shoreline critters, especially the many oyster beds and geoduck farms circling the island. With small current assists during the day, we paddled in a counter-clockwise direction with temps in the mid 60s-70s and overcast skies. After rounding the southern tip of Squaxin, we explored the small bays on the eastern side with sightings of many Great Blue Herons, Kingfishers, and a few distant Bald Eagles. Just past the midpoint when we reached the two floating fish farms, our group crossed Peale Passage to Harstine for lunch. We found a good site characterized by higher banks and some logs to sit on for our lunch spot. While eating, we spotted a porpoise parading in front of us. On our way again, we crossed back over to Squaxin and in no time, we rounded the northern tip and headed south down Pickering on our home stretch back to Arcadia. As forecasted, a southwest wind of 5-8 knots confronted us so we decided to cross over to the west side where we were more sheltered. Just before entering the mouth of Hammersley, we found an ideal spot to practice rescues and cool down before returning to our launch site. With the comfortable weather, the boat launch was the busiest I’ve seen it, with many boat trailers, paddle boarders, another kayak group, etc. doing their thing. All in all, a successful and fun day.