Hood Canal Part 2
Union - Ayres Point - Twanoh - Union
Rating: SK II
Distance: 14 NM
Date: March 17, 2001
Leader: Pete Schwab Participants: 4
Launch: 09:00 Return: 15:15
Weather: Mostly overcast, ~50F, calm, light breezes in the afternoon.
Description: The Hood Canal (Part 1) trip launched at Twanoh SP and explored the northeasternmost reaches of the Canal, up to Lynch Cove. In Part 2 we launched at Union down at the Big Bend and explored up to Twanoh. Launching on flat seas, we crossed to Ayres Point and then headed in the direction of Lynch Cove. The shore on the north side of the canal is all private. Some nice homes to look at, but also plenty of seals and eagles. We were able to stop on a couple of stretches of beach where there were no homes. OK for a break but no privacy for bathroom breaks along this shore. When we came to a sand point directly opposite Twanoh SP, we crossed and lunched at Twanoh. There are picnic tables and the bathrooms are open in winter. After lunch we headed towards Union, exploring all the little coves along the way, one of which houses the compound of Bill Gates Sr. Nothing huge. Just a nice home along the shore. With a helipad! A really nice little trip. We only saw one boat all day and where eating lunch at the time.
Tides/Currents: There are no current stations in this stretch of the Canal. We rode northeast on the flood that peaked at about 10:30. After lunch we rode the ebb back to Union. A little boost perhaps, but nothing to speak of.
Charts:
Waterproof
Chart #30 – Puget Sound – International Sailing Supply.
Chart #18440 - Puget Sound
Chart #18445 - Puget Sound - Possession Sound to Olympia Including Hood Canal,
Page E
Directions to Launch Site: From I5 @ Hwy 16 it takes about an hour and 10 minutes to get to the Union launch site (50 miles). Take Hwy 16 across the narrows bridge and turn off at the Hwy 302 exit. Take 302 to Hwy 3 and go north to Hwy 106. Turn left and drive to Union. The Union public launch (a little difficult to see) is located just past a marina. There is a sign out by the road indicating "Mason County Public Launch".
Facilities:
1. Union has a port-o-let. Parking is 100 yards back down the highway in a dirt turnaround. There was space for 4 or 5 cars easily.
2. No facilities on the north side of the Canal. Use the bathrooms before you leave!
3. Twanoh SP has picnic tables and bathrooms open year round.
Sample Magazine Submittal: Hood Canal (Part 2) Union, Ayres Point, and Twanoh (SK II). 14 NM.RT. Join us for Part 2 of the Hood Canal series and get all of those muscles ready for spring and summer paddling.
References:
Campbell, Ken. A Sea Kayaker’s Guide to South
Puget Sound. Tacoma: Self-Published. 1997. P. 78-81.
Scott, James W., and Melly A. Reuling. Washington Public Shore Guide. Seattle: University of Washington Press. 1986. pp. 236-239.