Quilcene and Dabob Bays

Approaching Down-town Dabob in the early a.m.

Rating: SKIII

Distance:  25 NM

Date:  April 18, 2003

Leader:  Pete Schwab                         Participants:  4

Launch:  06:00                                    Return:  4:30

Weather:  Light showers in the early am followed by partial clearing.  Not even a breeze in the morning. Temperature ~55F.  In the afternoon the wind picked up a little and by the time we completed the trip we were in following seas with some white caps.

Description:  After driving through an early morning "moon shower" and experiencing a "moon rainbow" we launched from Quilcene at 0600 under very calm conditions.  Directly we crossed Quilcene Bay and headed along the shore around and into Dabob Bay.  On a windless morning this is a beautiful place.  Calm and still.  All you can hear is the sound of the wildfowl.  Grebes, Loons, Blue Herons, Eagles are in profusion.  The north shore of Dabob is around a 12 mile stretch of really nice beach.  Only a few homes break up the forest as you paddle along. We lunched at Tskutsko Point and began crossing the bay, towards Quatsap Point under calm seas.  Way out in the middle we experienced a light breeze and seas picked up to a foot or more.  No problem, just typical Hood Canal fare.  After crossing we headed for Seal Rock and back into Quilcene Bay where we took a break at the Shellfish Research Station.  By the time we arrived at the Quilcene launch ramp we were in 1-2 foot following seas with white caps.  A quick ride back.

Tides/Currents: We rode the ebb out and the flood back in for ease of travel.  Dabob bay is a big place.  Lots of fetch and leads straight into the Hood Canal, so watch the weather carefully.  Even light winds can generate seas of 1-2 feet out in the middle.  Currents are not a consideration.

Charts:

Waterproof Chart #30 – Puget Sound – International Sailing Supply.
Puget Sound Current Guide – Island Canoe, Inc.
Chart #18445 – Puget Sound – Possession Sound to Olympia, Page E .

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.
4. Bathrooms available at Seal Rock Campground.

Sample Magazine Submittal:  Dabob Bay from Quilcene (SKIII). 25 NM. The complete tour of Dabob and Quilcene Bays with stops at Tskutsko and Quatsap Points. Wet or dry suit and tow system required.

References: 

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

Washburne, Randel. Kayaking Puget Sound, the San Juans, and Gulf Islands. Seattle: The Mountaineers. 1996. pp. 196-200.