Rating: SKII

Distance: 8 NM

Date: June 21, 1998

Leader: Pete Schwab Participants: 7

Launch: 09:30 Return: 12:45

Weather: Clear, light breeze, 75F.

Description: The trip was taken in connection with Karen’s Weekend and we launched from Karen’s dock on Pickering Passage. We paddled south towards Hope Island and turned into Peale Passage after passing across a huge kelp bed on the south end of Squaxin. The 8 NM trip was conducted at a very easy pace and no breaks were taken. You’re not allowed to land on Squaxin but on other trips we have landed on the sand bar at the north end of the island for a short break. Going back across Pickering was easy since there was little wind and the current was in our favor. Squaxin is mostly undeveloped and allows a view of an unmolested environment.

Tides/Currents When planning your trip you should note that the tide ebb and flow splits, in Pickering Passage at about the midpoint along Squaxin. That is to say it goes out to the south towards Dana Passage, but also ebbs towards the north. Currents in Peale, behind Squaxin are usually light so if you have to paddle against the tide it may not be much of a problem.

Charts:

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

Puget Sound Current Guide – Island Canoe, Inc.

Chart #18448 – Puget Sound – Southern Part.

Notes:

1. You’re not allowed to land on Squaxin. But there is a spit at the south end of Hartstene for a break. Best lunch bet may be on Hope Island.
2. The south end of Squaxin has huge kelp beds visible a low tide.
3. The State Park on Squaxin (indicated on maps etc.) is no longer in operation since the State and the Squaxin tribe couldn’t strike a deal.

Directions to Launch Site: To get to Karen’s: From I5 @ Hwy 16 it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Take Hwy 16 to the 302 exit (Purdy-Shelton). In Purdy turn left to stay on 302. Cross the bridge, go 5 miles and turn right to stay on 302. Go to Allyn and turn left at the stop sign. Go 11 miles towards Shelton. Turn left on Pickering Road. Go 3.5 miles to the "Y" and go to the right. Go 2.5 miles to a sign on the right pointing to a road on the left – Franjo Beach Drive. Turn left. Go to the end and turn right on Franjo. The "Wilson" sign is on the left at the top of the driveway.

Facilities:

1. Virtually no facilities. Hope Island is a good place for lunch but there are no port-o-lets….just the woods.

Sample Magazine Submittal: Squaxin Island Circumnavigation SKII. 8NM RT. See the south Sound as it used to be. Circumnavigate Squaxin Island using Karen’s place as a launch site. We’ll see Bald Eagles, Blue Herrons, and plenty of clams, oysters, kelp, and possibly the occasional Geoduck.

Bailey, Jo, and Carl Nyberg. Gunkholing in South Puget Sound. Seattle: San Juan Enterprises, Inc. 1997. Pp. 265, 279-280, 287-289.

Campbell, Ken. A Sea Kayaker’s Guide to South Puget Sound. Tacoma: Self-Published. 1997. P. 57-60.

Scott, James W., and Melly A. Reuling. Washington Public Shore Guide. Seattle: University of Washington Press. 1986. pp. 244-245.

Washburne, Randel. Kayaking Puget Sound, the San Juans, and Gulf Islands. Seattle: The Mountaineers. 1996. pp. 42-45.