Rating: SKIII

Distance: 13NM

Date: Sept. 12, 1998

Leader: Pete Schwab Participants: 6

Launch: 09:00 Return: 3:30

Weather: Clear, ~75F, very light breezes.

Description: Launched at Owen Beach and paddled SE past the Vashon Ferry route. Then took the direct crossing (3.3NM) to Dash Point. From Dash Point we followed the shore past Brown’s Point and then east into the Tacoma waterways. Crossed the waterways and mouth of the Puyallup River and had lunch on a small beach on the south side of the Bay. The beach was located just west of where the City (Foss) Waterway empties into the bay. After lunch we followed the shore along Ruston Way back to the launch site at Owen Beach.

Tides/Currents: Tides and currents in Commencement Bay a very light and variable. Nevertheless, a trip planned to ride the tide in and back out gives you a little boost. Boat or ship waves can add to the excitement.

Charts:

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

Puget Sound Current Guide – Island Canoe, Inc.

Chart #18453 – Tacoma Harbor.

Chart #18448 – Puget Sound – Southern Part.

Notes:

1. When you round the point at Dash Point you will see a fishing pier. You can land here. There is a picnic table and bathroom available. Nice spot.
2. If you want to cross to Brown’s Point instead of Dash Point, the park at Brown’s Point can be seen as the only grassy area down near the water. There is a small, white, lighthouse at the park that is visible out on the water. Bathroom is available at Brown’s Point.
3. Possible lunch stop in the City Waterway. Enter the waterway – pass under the 11^th Street bridge – and you’ll see "Johnny’s Seafood" on your right. The public dock will accommodate 7-8 kayaks easily. The dock sits about 1 ½ feet above waterline. Johnny’s Seafood has a restaurant and bathrooms may be available.
4. Actual lunch stop was on a tiny public beach where the City Waterway enters the bay. Large grassed area with picnic tables. Bathroom are in the restaurant located in the large "warehouse" building called "The Dock".
5. A separate trip could be done – called "Tacoma Waterways". Just explore all the waterways at the Port of Tacoma.
6. The crossing to Dash Point involves crossing shipping lanes – lots of traffic on this route.

Directions to Launch Site: Owen Beach is about 10 minutes from I5 @ Hwy 16.

1. From I5 take 705 and then follow Ruston Way all the way to the end. Follow the signs to the Vashon Ferry or Point Defiance Park OR

2. From I5 take Hwy 16 towards Gig Harbor and turn off at the Vashon Ferry signs (Hwy 163 – also called Pearl Strteet). Follow Pearl until you get to Point Defiance Park and the ferry AND THEN:

Enter Point Defiance Park and, at first, follow the sign to the Zoo. When the zoo road turns left you’ll see a sign to Owen Beach (straight ahead). Then turn right when you get to the Owen Beach sign, go down the hill to the parking area.

Facilities:

1. Bathrooms are available at Owen Beach, Dash Point, Brown’s Point and at the lunch stop.
2. Tons of parking at Owen Beach.

Sample Magazine Submittal: Commencement Bay and Dash Point (SKIII). 13NM RT. Launch from Owen Beach and take the direct crossing to Dash Point. In Commencement Bay we’ll explore the waterways and dodge the freighters.

Bailey, Jo, and Carl Nyberg. Gunkholing in South Puget Sound. Seattle: San Juan Enterprises, Inc. 1997. Pp. 176-188.

Campbell, Ken. A Sea Kayaker’s Guide to South Puget Sound. Tacoma: Self-Published. 1997. P. 22-25.

Scott, James W., and Melly A. Reuling. Washington Public Shore Guide. Seattle: University of Washington Press. 1986. pp. 208-209.

Washburne, Randel. Kayaking Puget Sound, the San Juans, and Gulf Islands. Seattle: The Mountaineers. 1996. pp. 54-57.