Rating: SKIII

Distance: 18.5 NM

Date: Trip Cancelled

Leader: Pete Schwab Participants:

Launch: Return:

Weather: Weather caused cancellation.

Description: NOTE: This trip was cancelled due to weather but is included here since all the research used as input to the trip was already completed. The trip launches from Cornet Bay, probably at 09:00. Crossing the flooding waters of Deception Pass we head for Similk Bay in the northeastern corner of Skagit Bay. After touring the bay we head south for Skagit Island where we take a break. Later we paddle a mile south to Hope Island State Park and set up camp for the night. The next morning we ride a flooding tide south towards Goat Island. Just before we reach Goat, we turn east towards the channel that leads to LaConner. There is a very long and prominent jetty just south of the channel. If you continue east along the jetty you’ll find the ‘hole-in-the-wall’. If you’ve timed the tides correctly you’ll be able to pass through to the other side of the jetty. Paddling west you’ll now be on the south side of Goat Island. Circumnavigate the island and you’ll find a beach for a lunch stop on the islands northeast corner. After lunch ride the ebb back to Cornet Bay.

Tides/Currents: The north end of Skagit Bay is fed by Deception Pass. Eddys, whirlpools, and rips can form in some areas (not with the intensity of the pass, however).

Current through the ‘hole in the wall’ is really fast – you must plan your tides correctly to get through here.

Charts:

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

Puget Sound Current Guide – Island Canoe, Inc.

Chart #18423 – Bellingham to Everett including San Juan Islands

Chart #18427 – Anacortes to Skagit Bay

Notes:

1. Similk Bay was paddled on another trip and was well worth the effort. However, westerly winds blowing in from Deception Pass can impede forward progress to some extent.

Directions to Launch Site: From I5 @ Hwy 16 it takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes (117 miles) to get to the Cornet Bay launch site. Drive north on I5 to Hwy 20 (North Cascades Highway) and go west. After you cross the bridge to Fidalgo Island take the left turn at the Deception Pass/Oak Harbor sign. Continue on Hwy 20 South until you cross the Deception Pass bridge. Take the first left – Cornet Blvd (there’s a new traffic light) and drive down to the bay and marinas. Parking and launching is just above the seawall and just beyond the private marinas.

Facilities:

1. There is a State Park bathroom with sink, toilet, and shower at the Cornet Bay parking area.
2. Private marina next to the park has a small store.
3. Skagit and Hope have port-o-lets.

Sample Magazine Submittal: Overnight from Cornet Bay (SKIII): 18NM RT. Leaving Deception Pass to the east we’ll tour Similk Bay to the north before landing at Skagit and Hope Island State Parks. After spending the night on Hope we’ll paddle south towards Goat Island which we’ll circumnavigate via the ‘Hole in the Wall’. Complete the weekend by riding the ebb back to Cornet Bay. Limit 6 participants.

Park Service Contacts: Cornet Bay State Park has no office of it’s own. Leave your float plan at the Deception Pass SP headquarters directly across Hwy 20 on Cornet Bay Road (the big intersection just south of the Deception Pass bridge).

To Contact Deception Pass State Park: (360) 675-2417.

Scott, James W., and Melly A. Reuling. Washington Public Shore Guide. Seattle: University of Washington Press. 1986. pp. 64-65.

Washburne, Randel. Kayaking Puget Sound, the San Juans, and Gulf Islands. Seattle: The Mountaineers. 1996. pp. 101-104.