Salsbury Point to Foulweather Bluff

Rating: SKII-III

Distance:  14 NM

Date:  March 3, 2001

Leader:   Don Rice                            Participants:  4

Launch: 10:00 am                               Return:  3:30 pm

Weather: Sunny and cool

Description: We launched under clear blue skies from Salsbury Point and headed east crossing Port Gamble entrance.  We then followed the shoreline heading north toward Foulweather Bluff—which is not visible.  We stopped for lunch at the light tower just north of the Marsh.  The Marsh would offer more protection on a windy day, but we had nice weather and wanted to enjoy the view looking north.  On the return trip, Hood Head is very deceptive as it appears to be in the middle of the canal.  We paddled into Port Gamble and looked at the lumber mill .  The pilings were loaded with starfish and other marine life.

Tides/Currents: Current in the Hood Canal can be a factor to consider and time it favorably.  Of more concern, however, is the wind.  Hope that you never have to paddle against a southerly wind here.  Bail out point at Coon Bay.

Charts:
18473 Puget Sound—Oak Bay to Shilshole Bay
Waterproof Chart #30 – Puget Sound – International Sailing Supply.
Puget Sound Current Guide – Island Canoe, Inc.

Notes:  :  Sea lions were feeding just outside of Port Gamble’s entrance.  They were too busy to notice the observers.  Salsbury Point is also a favorite jet ski launch spot in warmer weather.

Directions to Launch Site: From I5 @ Hwy 16 it takes about 1 hour. (52 miles) to the launch site. Take Hwy 16 to Bremerton and get on Hwy 3 to the Hood Canal Bridge. When you get to the bridge just keep going straight towards Port Gamble. About a mile further look for the Salsbury Park sign on your left.  Turn left and follow the signs to the park and launch site.

From Kingston drive west on hwy 104 and look for the sign to Port Gamble/Hood Canal bridge.  You’ll turn right heading north on hwy 104.   About a long mile after driving through Port Gamble you will see the Salsbury Point Park sign on your right.  Turn right off the highway onto Wheeler and follow the road (which actually goes to your left) down to Shine Dr. and make another right where we will meet by the water.

Facilities:
Very deluxe bathrooms with showers at Salsbury Point.

Sample Magazine Submittal:  Salsbury Point to Foulweather Bluff (SKIII).  16NM RT.  Depart from Salsbury Point County Park (near east side of Hood Canal Bridge) at 10:00 and paddle toward the dramatic headland of Foulweather Bluff which is only accessible by boat.  We will also stop at Foulweather Bluff preserve and dip a paddle into Port Gamble.  Wet or dry suit required..