(Aerial photo copyright by the State of Washington Department of Ecology). For
additional photographs of Bush Point visit:
http://apps.ecy.wa.gov/shorephotos/scripts/mapsearch.asp?id=837
Bush
Point to Lagoon Point
(Whidbey Island)
Rating: SKIII (Fetch)
Distance: 5 NM
Date: July 12, 2002
Leader: Pete Schwab Participants: 2
Launch: 1:00 pm Return: 3:00 pm
Weather: Partly cloudy to sunny skies, ~80F, breezes northerly 5-10 knots.
Description:
Here's a very simple trip that simply
follows the shoreline from Bush Point to Lagoon Point. I'm including it in the
web site because the west shore of Whidbey Island is a somewhat difficult place
for kayakers. Endless bluffs, no place to camp, no place to
launch...unless, of course, you want to haul your boats and equipment down lousy
trails to the bottom of 200 foot bluffs. At Bush Point there are
alternatives. From this point you can travel north to the ferry terminal
where there's a WWTA site, or south to Mutiny Bay, Useless Bay and the ferry to
returns to Mukilteo. In this report you'll find a cottage on the beach, a
public launch ramp, and a public access point, all on Bush Point.
Bush Point itself has really nice beach all along both sides
of the point. Significant rips can form on the north or south sides and
especially directly off the point itself.
We elected to follow the shore northward against the tide so
we could have a nice ride back. No seals around but we did see eagles and
plenty of shorebirds. Sandpipers abound in this area. The paddle was
relaxing in good weather. In foul weather you'll want to be cognizant of
the huge fetch you're in. Seas could become quite heavy out here.
Tides/Currents: Tides and currents are straightforward but the Point creates plenty of rips. The ones we ran into were only a couple of feet high and easily negotiated. Your experience could be entirely different so please keep an eye out any place close to the point.
Charts:
Maptech Number 103. Cape Flattery to Whidbey Island.
Waterproof Chart #30 – Puget Sound – International Sailing Supply.
Puget Sound Current Guide – Island Canoe, Inc.
Notes:
In the past, Salmon fishing has been extraordinary from the "Public Access" point described below. Folks were surf casting with buzz bombs.
Directions
to the Launch Site: From
I-5 and Hwy 16 it takes about 1 hour 45 minutes (depending on ferry waits) to
get to the launch site at Bush Point. It’s
80 miles (66 miles TO the ferry and 14 miles AFTER the ferry).
At
the very end of Sandpiper Road you’ll be at the beach.
The beach, at that point is public access for the width of the road.
It’s private on either side of the road.
Parking is good for about 4 cars and is on the right, alongside the road,
as you approach the beach.
Facilities:
1. The Seaside Cottage at Bush Point: The cottage is right smack on the beach, has a nice deck, and is fully equipped. Coffee maker, beans, grinder, microwave, oven, BBQ, TV with VCR and about 30 VHS videos to choose from, boom box and a huge supply of CD.s Lots of books and even a pair of binoculars to watch birds with. It is definitely the most pleasant place I have ever stayed at. Winter would, of course, be a different story. To contact these folks for rental just go to their web site at: http://www.whidbey.com/seaside/. See the chart below for location.
2. Public Access: There's a public access point at the end of Sandpiper Road where you can park about 4 cars (on the right side of the road) right down at the beach. The beach itself is mixed sand and small rocks and pebbles. The "public access" is only the width of the road. Beach to your right and left is private. See the chart below for location.
3. Launch Ramp: There's also a public launch ramp on the north side of the point just to the east of the Bush Point Resort. The resort is easily identified as the only large building around, right down on the beach. They also have a restaurant. See the chart below for location.
Location of the Cottage, Launch Ramp, and Public Access
(Aerial photo copyright by the State of Washington Department of Ecology). For
additional photographs of Bush Point visit:
http://apps.ecy.wa.gov/shorephotos/scripts/mapsearch.asp?id=837
Camping: The nearest camping is at South Whidbey State Park. Just stay on Hwy 525 for a couple of miles past the Bush Point Road turnoff and you'll be there. You COULD launch your boats from here but I've walked the trails and, believe me, it's not worth the effort. Just drive over to Bush Point to launch. To contact South Whidbey SP call: 360-331-4559 or visit their web site at: http://www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage.asp?selectedpark=South%20Whidbey&pageno=1
References: