Mukilteo to Kayak Point and Back

Rating: SKIIII

Distance: 30NM

Date:      January 25, 2003
    

Leader: Pete Schwab                Participants: 3

Launch: 06:00                             Return: 19:00

Weather: A.M. was overcast, ~50F, light breezes from the south.  On the return we had head winds 10-15 knots, seas 2-3 feet and scattered showers (most missed us).

Description: Launched from the public launch area just west of the ferry line at the Mukilteo ferry.  It was dark as we paddled off towards Everett.  Dark, calm, pleasant.  The ferry was just about to leave and we were sneaking by under the dock when we heard the ferry folks yelling at us to "get out of there!".  Too late for Robin, he just blew on through.  Terry and I waited for the ferry to clear the dock and then went about our business.  I knew there was a Navy presence in Everett (who doesn't?) but I hadn't seen any restricted areas on the charts so we just played it by ear.  Wait and see.  Low and behold, as we neared the port, a Police boat came alongside to check us out.  Nice guys.  They just told us to stay 50 feet off the docks.
    We crossed straight over to Priest Point and then headed NW towards Tulalip Bay, taking a little break along the way. From there the course to Kayak Point was pretty straight forward.  We followed the shoreline and, with a breeze behind us, arrived at Kayak Point with very little effort.  The Point is easily distinguished.  A large park with covered picnic areas, roads, and a dock.  Bathrooms were locked, probably for winter.  The local trees were open for business.
    During our 45 minute lunch the breezes began to pick up.  We knew we were in for at least an additional hour of paddling on the return trip.  What we got was an additional 2-3 hours of extra paddling.
    With the wind in our faces we headed for Priest Point.  The idea was to follow the shore all the way around.  Past Everett and on back to Mukilteo (to avoid the effects of fetch).  But the wave action didn't appear all that significant (and it wasn't) and the wind didn't seem all that strong (but it was strong enough).  About a mile shy of Priest Point we headed across.  We had to establish a ferry angle to keep from being carried past Mukilteo by the ebb so we aimed for an area of tree line between Everett and Darlington.  The ferry angle worked fine.  When we finally got to the SW shore we were only about a half mile from the ferry dock at Mukilteo.  It was the getting there that was the problem.  The 4 mile crossing took us around 3 hours.  Seas were 2-3 feet (mostly 2-21/2).  It was getting dark.  And, in fact, it did go dark on us but it proved not a problem.  The city lights of Mukilteo reflect off the low clouds and give enough light to see easily in the dark.  So the paddling was relentless.  The Leader (yours truly) was completely out of steam.  A quarter of a mile off shore we began to feel the lee of the south shore.  Seas flattened out, the wind began to die.  A hundred yards off shore we suddenly found ourselves in glassy, windless waters.  A short break, back in the boats, and we paddled our last half a mile, chased back to the landing by three heavy breathing seals.  Nice to be back on shore!

Tides/Currents: We rode the flood in the morning and the ebb on the way back. There was an 8 foot tide range so we got a significant boost in the morning.  In the afternoon we had a boost but it was negated by the wind.

Charts:

NOAA Chart # 18423.  Bellingham to Everett, Page E.
Puget Sound Current Guide – Puget Sound / Northern Part - Island Canoe, Inc.

Directions to Launch Site: From I5 @ Hwy 16 it takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to the launch site just west of the Mukilteo ferry landing. Follow I5 to well north of Seattle (but south of Everett) and turn off at Exit 189 which is highway 526 west. Just follow the signs to the Mukilteo/Clinton ferry. When you get to the ferry lanes, just continue down to the bottom of the hill and turn left.  The parking area is on the left.  There's a sign as you enter the parking area that shows which parking spaces are free.

Facilities:

2.  Kayak Point Park has picnic tables, some covered, and a dock.  Bathrooms were closed for winter.

Sample Magazine Submittal:   Mukilteo to Kayak Point and Back (SKIII). 29 NM RT. Don’t wait for spring to get warmed up, do it now! Wet or dry suit and tow system required.