5 Paddle-In Cafés and Stores
5 Paddle-In Cafés and Stores
When many think of overnight paddling trips , they think of freeze dried food , hard energy bars and limited space for all the comforts of home . In the San Juan Islands , an archipelago of over 172 islands north of Seattle , in addition to packing in supplies , you can paddle up to a variety of shoreline cafés and stores to grab a bite , have a refreshing beer or re-supply for the next destination . Here ’ s a list of 5 of my favorites .
By ROB CASEY
DOE BAY RESORT Located on the southeast shore of Orcas Island , paddle up to one of two beaches ( depending on tides ) and walk up the embankment to grab supplies and coffee at the store , have a nice organic lunch at the café ( with water views ) and take a soothing soak in the resort ’ s clothing optional hot tubs . Stay the night ( min 2 nights ) in a shorefront yurt , cabin or campsite . In summer , time your visit for Doe Bay Fest , a grassroots weekend of live music , food drink and activities . doebay . com
DEER HARBOR MARINA If you ’ re making your way west to Jones Island from Orcas , Deer Harbor is the last bay before entering open water north of Shaw . Aim for the marina on the right and go under the dock to pull up on the beach north of the pier . Make sure to use the wash-down to rinse sand off your feet before entering . There ’ s also showers and restrooms on the pier and post office on shore . Refresh your supply with sandwiches , groceries , beverages and additional supplies in the store . For summer 2017 , a pizzeria is opening across the street . deerharbormarina . com
ROCHE HARBOR Located on San Juan Island ’ s northeast corner , Roche Harbor is a protected bay with a rich history and charming architecture . The beautiful Hotel del Haro and its gardens which overlook the harbor dates to 1886 . Pull up to the public dock adjacent to the Market ( look for Roche Harbor Lime & Cement Co ) to stroll the grounds , grab a bite at the waterfront Madrona Café and re-supply your hatches . rochebarbor . com
SHAW ISLAND Of all the islands in the San Juan ’ s with regular ferry service , Shaw Island is the least developed . If you ’ re paddling east or west through Harney Channel which separates Orcas from Shaw , drop
Rosario Resort located in Roche Harbor on San Juan Island is a fine place to dock your kayak .
in at the General Shaw Store in Blind Bay adjacent to the ferry . Re-fuel your supplies and grab a bite while watching passing ferries and other paddlers . Shaw has two Cascade Marine Water Trail sites at Blind Island and Indian Cove . Visit the Little Red Schoolhouse , which has been in continuous use since 1890 , the oldest school in Washington state . The island also is home to three Catholic monasteries and has an annual population of 240 residents .
Open all year , the store has a dock just below . Make sure not to paddle under the ferry dock and watch out for incoming and departing ferries . Grab a local ferry schedule to time your arrival / departure . shawgeneralstore . com
BLAKELY ISLAND With no ferry service , Blakely Island is home to a marina store and cafe that has a regular population of paddlers stopping by seeking hotdogs and ice cream . Shawna and Leon of Body Boat and Blade , the San Juan ’ s only kayaking school , make a regular stop here during classes when circumnavigating the island . Only open in summer , the store has all the basic provisions to keep you supplied for your trip . Watch out ,
paddling much of the island requires a strong knowledge of tidal currents . Nearby Cascade Marine Trail campsites include Spencer Spit on Lopez , James Island off the east coast of Blakely and Obstruction Point on Orcas to the north . nwboatinfo . com / Blakely-Island- Marina . com
Tips for Launching and Landing l Make sure you always land and launch from a public dock or beach . l Dock Launches - Kayakers – place the paddle behind you on both the dock and your boat when getting in . Lean towards the dock when entering or leaving your kayak . For paddle boarders , get on your knees when you launch , only getting up 15 feet from the dock . Coming in for a landing , get on your knees 15 feet away from the dock . Keep your leash on until your board is out of the water . l Both Kayakers and paddle boarders should have a bow / nose line to tie your craft to a dock , or a secure log or tree on a beach . Paddle boarders can use their leash for this . l If landing on a beach pull your craft above the high tide line and watch for incoming waves from passing ferries and recreational boats . l When pulling your craft onto a dock , pull it to the side so others can use the dock .
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