Rating: SKIII

Distance: 24NM

Date: August 24,1998

Leader: Henry Romer Participants: 3

Launch: 07:00 Return: 4:30

Weather: Cloudy, 65-70F, winds very light except from 11:00-2:00 when, after rounding the north end of Hartstene we ran into a southerly 10-15 kts headwind all the way to McMiken Island. After lunch wind was light.

Description: Launched at Boston Harbor and crossed a lateral 5 knot tide in Dana Passage….then went against the tide north in Peale Passage but stayed close to the Squaxin Island shore. Took a break on the sand bar at the north end of Squaxin. Picked up the ebb tide in Pickering Passage and flew up to Jarrell Cove where we took another break. We crested Dougal Point easily but then ran into a 10-15 knot (gusting to 20) headwind that generated wind waves of 1-2 feet. Hard work all the way to McMiken Island State Park where we stopped for lunch for over an hour. Had about a 50 yard portage across the sandbar on the west side of McMiken. After lunch the wind had died down, so the trip on down to Dana Passage was easy. Also had a small tide boost. The tide rips in Dana are just off the mainland directly across from Brisco Point. Radical! The rips had 2-3 foot waves (some breaking) and they went on and on for at least an1/8 of a mile (not just the usual 3 or 4 waves). Great fun but a little tiring at the end of a fairly long trip.

Tides/Currents: Plan to run against the tide in Peale Passage (between Hartstene and Squaxin). This is pretty easy and will allow you to pick up a really good ebb in Pickering Passage from the north end of Squaxin to the north end of Hartstene. The tide rips in Dana are fairly serious and are not for beginners.

Charts:

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

Puget Sound Current Guide – Island Canoe, Inc.

Chart #18448 – Puget Sound – Southern Part.

Notes:

1. The trip was a great mix of against the tide – with the tide – light breeze to windy – and some serious tide rips.
2. Not a "long" day, but definitely a "full" day.
3. Having lunch at McMiken Island was a good choice – it shortened the afternoon paddle.
4. Early start (0700) was a great idea and timed the tides perfectly.

Directions to Launch Site: From I5 at Hwy 16 it takes about 45 minutes, 35 miles. Take I5 south towards Olympia and take the "Port of Olympia" exit. Follow this through town until you see Budd Inlet at your 11 o’clock. At this point don’t turn left at the "Port of Olympia" sign. Go straight ahead. This road follows the east side of Budd Inlet. Go 7 miles to Boston Harbor. At the stop sign you will see a sign "Boston Harbor Marina". Turn left and go 2 blocks to the public launch ramp on your right.

Facilities:

1. Bathrooms in the parking area at the launch site in Boston Harbor.
2. Bathroom and store at Jarrell Cove
3. Bathrooms (fancy port-o-lets) at McMiken Island.

Sample Magazine Submittal: Hartstene Island Circumnavigation (SKIII). 24NM RT. We’ll launch from Boston Harbor and head north through Peale Passage and on to Jarrell Cove. Lunch at McMiken Island SP. Polish off the trip playing in the tide rips in Dana Passage. Be prepared for a good workout.

Bailey, Jo, and Carl Nyberg. Gunkholing in South Puget Sound. Seattle: San Juan Enterprises, Inc. 1997. Pp. 265-289.

Campbell, Ken. A Sea Kayaker’s Guide to South Puget Sound. Tacoma: Self-Published. 1997. P. 54-60.

Scott, James W., and Melly A. Reuling. Washington Public Shore Guide. Seattle: University of Washington Press. 1986. pp. 230-231, 242-245.

Washburne, Randel. Kayaking Puget Sound, the San Juans, and Gulf Islands. Seattle: The Mountaineers. 1996. pp. 42-47.