Quilcene Bay

Rating: SKII

Distance: 8 NM

Date: November 20, 1999

Leader: Gary Knudson/Martha Scoville

 Participants: 6

Launch: 08:45                                       Return: 2:00

Weather: Mostly overcast (sun at lunch), ~50 F, strong breezes from the SE generating wind waves 1 ½ to 2 feet.

Description: The trip was originally intended to encompass both Quilcene and Dabob Bays but wind and waves kept us within the confines of Quilcene. We launched from Quilcene at around 08:45 on fairly flat seas and crossed over to the Bolton Peninsula. Rounding Red Bluff we found the wind picking up and swells running 1 ½ to 2 feet. We paddled on to the entrance to Dabob Bay where the leader decided that, given the weather report, and given what we were seeing, it would probably only get worse. Winter paddling was upon us. We headed back towards Quilcene Bay staying fairly close to the shore. At Red Bluff we headed straight across the Bay. Reaching the opposite shore we headed south and stopped for lunch at Whitney Point at the Shellfish Research Station. There’s a neat little inlet behind the research station, so we explored it before beaching the boats. During lunch we enjoyed walking through the small shellfish natural history museum at the research station. There are examples of all the area shellfish and a cool plaster topo map of the area. We lunched at the research station and then headed back towards Quilcene. The pace was fairly rapid since we were riding quartering and following seas. By the time we reached Quilcene we elected to land at the concrete ramp in the safety of the little marina as waves were breaking on the beach. Overall a nice trip worth repeating.

Tides/Currents: Currents are light and variable in Quilcene Bay. We paddled out of the bay against an incoming tide with no problem at all.

Charts:

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

Puget Sound Current Guide – Island Canoe, Inc.

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

Notes:

1. This trip could be extended in all sorts of ways. Dabob Bay could be added to the trip. To the south are Jackson Cove and Pleasant Harbor, other alternatives. You can make anything you want of this area. Trips from 5 to 30 miles could easily be planned.
2. Dosewallips State Park is to the south near Pleasant Harbor. This presents the possibility of car camping and multiple days of kayaking.

Directions to Launch Site: : From I5 @ Hwy 16 it takes about 1 1/2 hours. (74 miles) to the launch site. Take Hwy 16 to Bremerton and get on Hwy 3 to the Hood Canal Bridge. After you cross the bridge go about 11 miles and take the Quilcene turn. Go south to the town of Quilcene and turn left on Rogers Road. Then go left on Linger Longer Road and follow it 1 ½ miles to the small boat harbor and launch site.

Facilities:

1. There are bathrooms and even a shower at the Harbor Master office just across the street from the launch site at Quilcene.
2. Parking at Quilcene will accommodate 6 or 7 cars in a pinch. Otherwise you could probably park along the street leading away from the launch site.
3. There are bathrooms at the Shellfish Research Station at Whitney Point.

Sample Magazine Submittal: Quilcene and Dabob Bays (SKII). 10-13 NM RT. Explore the remote ends of Hood Canal and rarely visited tidal lagoons. Expect to see eagles, wintering birds, and abundant marine life in quiet, pristine surroundings.

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