Steilacoom to Titlow Beach  

Rating: SKII                                                                                        

Distance: 12NM

Date: July 10, 1999

Leader: Pete Schwab             Participants: 4

Launch: 08:30                         Return: 4:00

Weather: Clear, windless, ~80F.

Description: We launched at the Steilacoom ferry landing and followed the shoreline north past the quarry. A docking facility at the quarry provided an excellent place to play around the pilings and practice our handling skills. Continuing north we came on Days Island and at its’ north end we explored in and around the marina. Titlow beach lays just across the water from the marina. The beach is right next to the pilings that remain from the old ferry landing. Getting ashore presented a small problem in that the beach is covered with large, barnacle encrusted rocks. But it’s doable. A long lunch up at the picnic tables, and we headed back south, exploring as we went. While a fairly simple, straightforward trip, this one was a real treat. The water is clear. There are anemones, starfish, crabs, and waterfowl to see. Well worth a repeat.

Tides/Currents: Nothing special.

Charts: (List any charts you may have used planning your trip).

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

Puget Sound Current Guide – Island Canoe, Inc.

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

Chart #18448 – Puget Sound – Southern Part.

Notes:

  1. If you don’t want to repeat this trip, note that Steilacoom is a good launch site for many trips. Maybe Steilacoom to Nisqually….or circumnavigate Anderson Island etc.

Directions to Launch Site: From I5 @ Hwy 16 it’s 10.5 miles and takes about 20 minutes. Take I5 south and get off at Exit 129 (Highway 74). Go west on 74 and eventually it becomes Custer. Follow Custer all the way to 88th Street SW (just like going to the Pierce College pool) and turn right. This will become Steilacoom Blvd. When you get into the town of Steilacoom turn right on Puyallup and then left on Rainier. You’ll go 2 or 3 blocks on Rainier and run into Union Ave. Turn right a drive down to the ferry landing. The launch ramp is just to the right of the ferry landing, parking is there as well.

Facilities:

  1. At the Steilacoom ferry landing there is a port-o-let and parking right there at the launch site. Please note that parking is $5.00 for the day.
  2. Titlow beach has bathrooms in the park. Go above the sea wall, across the RR tracks, and past the trees into the park.
  3. There are picnic tables at Titlow at the south end of the beach just above the sea wall. You can eat and keep an eye on your boats from here.
  4. Titlow also has a restaurant and a store with 100 yards.

Sample Magazine Submittal: Steilacoom to Titlow Beach (SKII). 12NM RT. From the Steilacoom ferry landing we’ll head north to Titlow Beach. Along the way we’ll explore docks and old ferry landings. This is a great place to play and watch the underwater life.

References:

Bailey, Jo, and Carl Nyberg. Gunkholing in South Puget Sound. Seattle: San Juan Enterprises, Inc. 1997. Pp. 196 and 228, 233, 235-237.

Campbell, Ken. A Sea Kayaker’s Guide to South Puget Sound. Tacoma: Self-Published. 1997. P. 29-32, 48.

Scott, James W., and Melly A. Reuling. Washington Public Shore Guide. Seattle: University of Washington Press. 1986. pp. 214-215.