Hood Canal (Part 1): Twanoh to Lynch Cove

Rating:  SKII

Distance:  13 NM

Date:  February 17, 2001

Leader:   Pete Schwab                       Participants:  8

Launch:  09:15                                   Return:  15:00

Weather: Winter paddling.  ~40F.  Overcast to clear, no wind.  Had lunch in the snow.

                                                                 A cold winter morning on the Hood Canal near Twanoh

Description:  This one's a really great winter paddle in a sorta "pseudo-urban" setting.  The shores of the Canal are mostly private along this stretch but it's a pretty place and, in winter, little-to-no boat traffic.  In fact, aside from a single kayaker that we stopped and talked to there was zero boat traffic along our route.  

Adding a little warmth to a cold morning

           We launched at Twanoh State Park on the south shore of the Canal following the shoreline all the way to the northeast terminus of the Canal at Lynch Cove.  Lots of homes along here in a really pleasant setting.  Seals, eagles (two were seen attacking a small duck) are in abundance.  From Lynch Cove we headed southeast along the north shore until reaching  Belfair State Park where we stopped for lunch.  There's a nice gravely beach here to park the boats and a nice log to eat lunch on.  There are picnic tables just 50 yards away but with everything covered with snow we opted for the log.  With feet getting colder by the minute, we hopped back in our boats and headed along the shore, passing the Port of Allyn Public Boat Ramp and then crossed back to Twanoh.  Back at the launch site, at the end of the trip a few of the folks decided to practice their eskimo rolls.  One resulted in a wet exit in what was certainly the iciest water I've ever rolled in.  Now that's dedication to practice.
    

                                   
    Lunch in the snow

Tides/Currents:  There are no current stations in this part of the Canal.  We rode the flood to high tide at Lynch Cove and then rode the ebb back to Twanoh.  Probably a little boost but it wasn't really noticeable.  We found a small back eddy while crossing to Belfair SP but it too was insignificant.

Charts:  

Waterproof Chart #30 – Puget Sound – International Sailing Supply.
Puget Sound Current Guide – Island Canoe, Inc.
Chart #18440 - Puget Sound

Twanoh State Park:  Twanoh is closed in winter but the launch ramp is open and the bathrooms were open.  They can be contacted (if they happen to be around) at 360-275-2222.

Directions to Launch Site:  From I5 at Highway 16 it takes about 45 minutes (42 miles) to get to the launch site. Take Hwy 16 across the Narrows bridge and turn off at Hwy 302 exit (Purdy/Key Center).  Follow 302 across the causeway and continue on for several miles following all the 302 signs.  If you see the sign to Belfair, turn right.  You'll then see the sign saying 302.  Shortly after that you come to Hwy 3 where you'll turn right, go a short distance, and take the left turn on to Hwy 106 (marked "Union").  Follow 106 along the canal until you reach Twanoh SP.  At the west end of the park (the only gate open in winter) turn right to the launch ramp.

Facilities: 

1.  Twanoh has a large parking lot, concrete boat ramp, and gravel beaches on which to launch.  While the park is closed in winter, the bathrooms were open and the launch area is open.
2.  There were no places to stop along the south shore of the Canal.  First bathroom stop was Belfair SP on the north shore.

Sample Magazine Submittal:  Hood Canal (Part 1) Twanoh to Lynch Cove (SKII).  13 NM RT.  Enjoy the protection of the south end of the Hood Canal for a peaceful winter paddle.  Bring your binoculars and cameras to view and record an area the Skokomish once settled for it's abundance of wildlife.

References: 

Scott, James W., and Melly A. Reuling.  Washington Public Shore Guide.  Seattle: University of Washington Press. 1986. pp. 236-237.