Rating: SKII+

Distance: 13NM

Date: October 9, 1999

Leader: Rhonda Schwab Participants: 10

Launch: 09:00 Return: 3:30

Weather: Skies mostly clear, ~65F, seas flat. Beautiful.

Description: We launched from the beach just north of the Hood Canal bridge and headed along the shore before turning northeast towards Hood Head. The seas were flat so, on rounding hood head we had no problems with tide rips. Following the shore we headed for Tala Point. The trip was progressing so easily and rapidly we didn't even stop for a break. Rounding Tala Point, we headed across Port Ludlow Bay towards the hotel and stopped for lunch on the beach just east of the hotel. Those needing a bathroom break took the hike over to the parking area behind the marina. After a leisurely lunch we headed back across the bay, rounded Tala, and headed for the isthmus that connects Hood Head to the mainland. We landed on the isthmus near it's easternmost end for a short portage (~30 yards) over to the bay behind Hood Head. There's also a tidal pool there so, after a short break, we rode the current into the tide pool and played for a time. Finished off the trip paddling along the shore back to the launch site.

Tides/Currents: We rode the ebb tide to Port Ludlow and the flood back to Hood Head. A little boost but nothing to rave about. Please note, however, that wind in this area can make for a very serious trip. The right tides and winds can also generate tide rips off the northeast tip of Hood Head.

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

Puget Sound Current Guide – Island Canoe, Inc.

Chart #18445 – Puget Sound – Possession Sound to Olympia, Page A .

Notes:

1. This trip, in good weather, could probably support an extra hour exploring Port Ludlow bay, if the participants were willing. There are two neat little islands at the westernmost end of the bay that can be circumnavigated and the scenery's great.

Directions to Launch Site: From I5 @ Hwy 16 it takes about 1 hour. (52 miles) to the launch site. Take Hwy 16 to Bremerton and get on Hwy 3 to the Hood Canal Bridge. As soon as you cross the bridge, turn right and then turn right again. Drive down to the left turn and park along the beach to launch – it’s better than using the concrete launch ramp.

Facilities:

1. There are no facilities at the launch site under the Hood Canal bridge just south of Hood Head. On highway 3, about 4 or 5 miles before you get to the Hood Canal bridge there's a BP station and later a Chevron station. Better make a potty stop at one of these.
2. We didn't use the concrete launch ramp. We took the left turn that leads down to a rocky beach. Launching was easy there and parking along the road was no problem.
3. There are no facilities along the route to Port Ludlow.
4. At Port Ludlow there are bathrooms. From the beach head towards the marina. The bathrooms are in the parking lot behind the marina.

Sample Magazine Submittal: Hood Head to Port Ludlow (SKII+). 13NM RT. Launch from Shine Tidelands and travel north around Hood Head and on to Port Ludlow. After lunch we'll ride the flood back to Hood Head for a short portage into Bywater Bay on the west side of Hood Head. Meet at 8:30, launch at 9.

Scott, James W., and Melly A. Reuling. Washington Public Shore Guide. Seattle: University of Washington Press. 1986. pp. 184-187, 284-285.

Washburne, Randel. Kayaking Puget Sound, the San Juans, and Gulf Islands. Seattle: The Mountaineers. 1996. pp. 189-196.