Bainbridge Island Circumnavigation

Rating: SKIII                                                                                                                                           

Distance: 24NM

Date: 11 Sept. 1999

Leader: Pete Schwab                          Participants: 4

Launch: 07:00                                       Return: 6:00

Weather: Beautiful, clear day. On the east side of Bainbridge we encountered a NE headwind blowing at a constant 10-15 kts with gusts to 20. Waves were 1 ½ to 2 ½ feet. Created a lot of fun but a very tiring passage to the north end.

                                                                                              Taking a break at Blakely Rocks

Description: We launched at 0700 from Illahee SP. Early launch was to allow for one participant who had never done over 16 NM in a day and said she’d like to try the 24. She did it! Rode the current through Rich Passage and stopped at Restoration Point for a break. No facilities. As soon as we rounded the point we ran into a steady 10-15 knot breeze with gusts to 20. This lasted all the way to the north end of the island and slowed us down considerably. After Restoration we had planned to stop at Manitou Beach in Murden Cove for a break. In fact, we stopped on the south side of Murden and had lunch. After lunch we continued north towards Fay Bainbridge SP. Along the way we ran into Nigel Foster and his girlfriend Kristin. Paddled with them for a while and then took a break at Fay Bainbridge. Good bathrooms and also noted the Water Trails site just above the berm behind the beach. Rounding the north end of the island we expected to finally get a reprieve from the wind, but, low and behold, the wind shifted to WNW and was still in our faces all the way over to Agate Pass. Finally reaching Agate the fun began. After fighting the wind and waves all day we were now downwind and riding a 4 knot current. The flood gave us a significant boost all the way back. We stopped just short of Illahee and took a little break on the beach, then finished the trip in pleasant weather, with the sun still in the sky.

Tides/Currents: The trip must be planned with the currents in Rich Passage to the south and Agate Pass to the north in mind. You would not want to have to paddle against the current, especially in Agate. Our trip followed the current throughout.

Charts:

Waterproof Chart #30 – Puget Sound – International Sailing Suppply.

Puget Sound Current Guide – Island Canoe, Inc.

Chart #18445 – Puget Sound – Possession Sound to Olympia, Page A.

Chart #18446 – Puget Sound – Apple Cove Point to Keyport

Notes:

  1. If all participants on this trip were accustomed to long trips you could cut an hour and a half off the time, even in windy conditions.
  2. The Water Trails site at Fay Bainbridge is located just above the berm behind the beach. It is well marked.
  3. Fay Bainbridge can be located from the water by simply looking for the small brown Parks’ sign. If you don’t see it, you’re in the wrong place.
  4. Other possible places for breaks include Manitou Beach in Murden Cove and Brownsville Marine Park just south of Agate Pass.

Directions to Launch Site: From I-5 @ Hwy 16 it takes ~45 minutes (35 miles) to get to the launch site at Illahee State Park. Take Hwy 16 all the way to Bremerton. As you approach Bremerton Harbor you will merge into Hwy 3. Stay to the right and follow Hwy 3 all the way around the harbor. As you are approaching the Navy yard stay right and take Hwy 304 (Bremerton). Follow Hwy 304 (Seattle Ferry) as it winds it’s way through town. When you get to Hwy 303 turn left (it’s well marked and also has a sign indicating ‘Keyport’). Hwy 303 will take you across the Washington Narrows. After crossing the bridge, go 1 mile and turn right on Sylvan Way. Stay on Sylvan Way for 1.6 miles and turn left into Illahee State Park. Inside the park stay to the right, go about ¼ mile to a right turn and follow the steep, winding road down to the launch area. Park at the north end.

Facilities:

  1. There are bathrooms at the launch site in Illahee State Park.
  2. Illahee has a concrete launch ramp, there are solid mud flats at low tide.
  3. Lots of parking at Illahee – please park at the north end of the lot.
  4. The launch fee at Illahee is $3. Envelopes are available at the launch site.
  5. Restoration Point has no facilities.
  6. Fay Bainbridge SP has good bathrooms, picnic tables etc.

Illahee State Park: To contact the Ranger at Illahee SP call 360-478-6460. The park opens at 0800. If you arrive early, open the gate, drive through, and then close the gate behind you. If a leader expects to do this, he or she should call the Ranger a day or so ahead of time so they will know where the cars came from and where the people are that belong to those cars. There is a $3 launch fee with envelopes down by the launch site. The park folks would prefer that we park at the north end of the lot.

Sample Magazine Submittal: Bainbridge Island Circumnavigation (SKIII+). 24 NM RT. The tides look good and the scenery’s great; plus a good workout thrown in for free.

References:

Bailey, Jo, and Carl Nyberg. Gunkholing in South Puget Sound. Seattle: San Juan Enterprises, Inc. 1997. Pp. 95-117, 119-122, 127-129.

Scott, James W., and Melly A. Reuling. Washington Public Shore Guide. Seattle: University of Washington Press. 1986. pp. 188-195.

Washburne, Randel. Kayaking Puget Sound, the San Juans, and Gulf Islands. Seattle: The Mountaineers. 1996. pp. 78-80.