Maury Island Circumnavigation

Rating: SKII

Distance: 13 NM

Date: Oct 10, 1998

Leader: Pete Schwab Participants: 4

Launch: 09:15 Return: 3:15

Weather: 65F, mostly clear, light southerly breezes, no waves.

Description: We took the Point Defiance to Tahlequah ferry at 07:50 and drove to Portage where we parked along the edge of the berm on the roadside on the north side of the isthmus at Tramp Harbor. Carried or wheeled our boats for about 200 yards down the street and launched, at almost high tide, in Quartermaster Harbor. Checked out the marina at the north end of Quartermaster and later stopped at Burton for a short break. Then we paddled over to Dockton for another break. The outgoing tide pushed us around the south end of Maury and along the shore in East Passage. Had lunch on the beach at the new King County Park (not developed yet) which is located just past the old dock, just past the village of Gold Beach. Apparently there is 1 mile of public beach here – needs more research. After lunch we paddled past Point Robinson and on into Tramp Harbor and the cars.

Tides/Currents: In East Passage and Quartermaster Harbor max ebb was only about 0.5 kts – nevertheless, we got a good boost going north in East Passage. Low tide in Tramp Harbor is sorta ok for launching/landing since the mud flat is filled with barnacle encrusted rock and allows easy walking and movement of boats. However, the Quartermaster Harbor side of Portage is a vast mud flat at low tide. If your going to launch at low tide in Quartermaster choose Dockton or Burton.

Charts:

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

Puget Sound Current Guide – Island Canoe, Inc.

Chart #18448 – Puget Sound – Southern Part.

Notes:

1. There’s a new King County Park with about 1 mile of public beach on East Passage about 1 mile south of Point Robinson. It starts at the old dock – just past the village of Gold Beach. Currently there are no facilities at this location.

Directions to Launch Site: It’s about 15 minutes to the ferry from the Intersection of I-5 and Hwy 16 and another 10 minutes of driving on Vashon. Proceed on Hwy 16 approximately 3 miles and exit on the 6th Avenue exit (signed Vashon Ferry). Turn left onto 6th Avenue at the stop light. Turn right at the next stop light onto Hwy 163 (Pearl Street). Proceed north approximately 3.5 miles to the stop sign at the entrance to Pt. Defiance Park. Do not enter the Park. Stay to the right, then get in the right lane to enter the ferry lane.

When you get off the ferry take the Vashon Highway and turn right on Quartermaster Drive which is just after you cross Judd Creek. Go to the end or "T" in the road and turn left. Go about 1/8 mile and park on the right side of the road across from the old store (which opens at 12:00).

Facilities:

  1. No facilities at Tramp Harbor. The store has goodies but no bathroom.
  2. Parking at Tramp Harbor is limited to about 4 or 5 cards (6 at the most).
  3. Burton – at the public launch ramp there’s a port-o-let about 1/10 mile up the street that leads to the ramp. Burton also has picnic tables and lots of parking.
  4. Dockton – good bathrooms, picnic tables, and a launch ramp.
  5. New King County Park – no facilities.
  6. Point Robinson – Potty behind the Coast Guard Station.

Ferrys: Get the latest schedule for times and prices. When we did this trip:

Sample Magazine Submittal: Maury Island Circumnavigation (SKII). 13 NM. We’ll put in at Portage, explore Quartermaster Harbor and then travel the East Passage north into Tramp Harbor.

References:

Bailey, Jo, and Carl Nyberg. Gunkholing in South Puget Sound. Seattle: San Juan Enterprises, Inc. 1997. Pp. 172-173.

Campbell, Ken. A Sea Kayaker’s Guide to South Puget Sound. Tacoma: Self-Published. 1997. P. 18-21.

Scott, James W., and Melly A. Reuling. Washington Public Shore Guide. Seattle: University of Washington Press. 1986. pp. 180-181.

Washburne, Randel. Kayaking Puget Sound, the San Juans, and Gulf Islands. Seattle: The Mountaineers. 1996. pp. 58-62.