A
SHORT 45-MINUTE FLIGHT
from Seattle’s Lake
Union lands you in
the San Juan Islands
long considered to
be some of the best
sea kayaking in the
world. There are 172 named islands and
reefs that await your exploration and
curiosity, plus a regular population of
orca whales, abundant bird and sea life
to see throughout the year, and plenty
of water that is friendly to the paddler.
And summer months are the most popular, the off-season paddling allows for
more camping spots and solitude when
the summer crowds are gone.
For paddlers, the archipelago offers a
wide variety of day and overnight paddling for all skill levels from protected
waterways with picturesque coves and
bays to moderate to strong tidal currents, which if planned right gives you a
free ride to your destination. Advanced
kayakers use the current to their advantage by traveling long distances including crossings from the mainland or
over to the nearby Gulf Islands of British
Columbia. Many boaters use kayaks to
explore offshore reefs and islands.
Strong tidal currents surround the
outer islands requiring expert paddling
skills or professional guides while the
inner islands have mostly calm conditions with light to no current and are
better suited for beginning to intermediate paddlers. The largest islands of
San Juan, Lopez and Orcas each have
several options for kayak rentals and
tours. Experienced touring kayakers can
follow the Cascadia Marine Trail, which
provides paddlers with several paddle-in
campsites throughout the archipelago.
Flying in over the south tip of Lopez
Island you can start planning your trip
from your window by following the
craggy shoreline over the scattered
rocky islands of Iceberg Point and
protected MacKaye Harbor. You may
fly over Cattle Pass, which separates
Lopez from San Juan Islands. Swift tidal
currents in the Pass can build to whitewater on big tidal exchanges, a thrill for
advanced kayakers.
Lopez Island is the sleepy cousin
of the other main islands with a town
center extending only a few blocks.
The island’s gentle rolling landscape is
covered with hay bails, quaint homes
and forests. Locals are a friendly folk,
known for waving to passing vehicles
and bicyclists.
From the town of Lopez, rent a kayak
from Cascadia Kayaks and explore
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explore:NW | The Official Magazine of kenmore air | Spring 2016
Matia Island.
Cascadia Marine Trail
campsite at Alice Bight,
Barrows Island.
protected Fishermen’s Harbor viewing
harbor seals and bird life. If you’re seeking a guided trip, half and full day trips
include exploring caves, cliffs and viewing diving sea birds. If you have time on
your side, sign up for a two or three day
fully catered overnight tour and explore
and stay on secluded nearby islands.
If you’re seeking waterfront overnight lodging, MacKaye Harbor Inn.
This B&B, located on the island’s south
side, provides its guests with stable
recreational kayaks to explore MacKaye
Harbor. The protected bay is the home
of the Lopez commercial fishing fleet.
Paddle past the former 1912 era Astoria
Puget Sound Canning site not far from
the inn. Further west visit (from the water) Long and Charles Islands, both part
of the San Juan Islands National Wildlife
Refuge. Kayakers with their own boats
can launch at two boat ramps in the bay
from Agate Beach and Norman Road.
From Lopez you can take the ferry,
a short hop over to the north side of
Orcas Island. One of the larger islands,
Orcas has plenty of paddling options
for all levels including three large bays
and smaller islands to explore not far
offshore. A picturesque village that offers supplies and plenty of café’s offering
local organic foods, Eastsound is a wonderful town that serves as a great hub.
Shearwater Kayak Tours has several