Penn Cove
(from Coupeville)

Rating: SKII

Distance:  10 NM

Date:  November 23, 2002

Leader:  Pete Schwab                         Participants:  5

Launch:  09:30                                    Return:  2:30

Weather: Clear skies, light breezes, and ~55F.

Description: If you're looking for a nice place to take a short trip, Penn Cove's a good bet.  We launched from Thomas Coupe Park and headed west past the tiny downtown area of Coupeville.  Further west you'll encounter a rather large mussel farm and a beach at the west end that's good for a break.  Following the north side of the cove we encountered large flocks of migratory birds, and crows on the beach attending a salmon feast being had by a large Eagle. We easily reached Blowers Bluff for lunch.  Plenty of beach along there for a lunch stop.  After lunch we crossed to Long Point and headed back to Coupeville.
    Coupeville has plenty of tourist spots.  Espresso stands, restaurants, galleries, and gift shops.  They also have, on display, a dugout cedar canoe that was built in the 1850's.  Some later-day canoe's are also on display.
    For more information on Coupeville go to:  http://www.whidbey.net/coup/coup.html

Tides/Currents: Nothing special here.  We followed the tide out and then back in, after lunch.  You can probably paddle easily against the tide in this cove under any conditions.

Charts:
Waterproof Chart #30 – Puget Sound – International Sailing Supply.

Puget Sound Current Guide – Island Canoe, Inc.

Chart # 18423 – Bellingham to Everett (Including the San Juan Islands), Page B.

Directions to Launch Site: From I5 @ Hwy 16 it takes about 2 hours and 35 minutes (87.0 miles) to the launch
site (about 1 hour and 10 minutes to get to the ferry). 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 off the ferry follow Hwy 525 (becomes Hwy 20) for 28 miles to the Coupeville turn (N Main Street).  Turn right onto N Main and follow it towards Coupeville.  Just before you get to beautiful downtown Coupeville (down by the water) turn right on 9th Street.  Go 0.3 miles and turn in at the Capt. Thomas Coupe Park.

Facilities: 
1.  The parking area has plenty of space for 10 cars or more.
2.  There's a bathroom at the launch site.  The rest is private beach but plenty of bluffs.
3.  Then, of course, there is downtown Coupeville with all of it's shops and restaurants.

Sample Magazine Submittal: Penn Cove (SKII). 12-13 NM RT. Explore Whidbey Island’s Penn Cove and check out the restaurants in Coupeville to polish off the day.

References: 

Scott, James W., and Melly A. Reuling. Washington Public Shore Guide. Seattle: University of
Washington Press. 1986. pp. 126-131.

Mueller, Marge and Ted. North Puget Sound – Afoot and Afloat. Seattle: The Mountaineers. 1995. pp.
138-148.