Steilacoom to Luhr Beach

Rating: SK II

Distance: 13NM

Date: October 16, 1999

Leader: Pete Schwab Participants: 9

Launch: 09:00 Return: 4:00

Weather: Calm, ~60F, light breezes in PM.

Description: Our trip departed from the Steilacoom ferry landing at around 0900 on flat waters. There was an early fall chill in the air but not enough to cause anyone any real problem. Paddling south we followed the shoreline until we reached a beach across from the south end of Ketron Island. The beach is on Fort Lewis property, is a nice place to enjoy patches of early morning sun, but has no facilities. After the break we continued south and, just before reaching the Nisqually delta, inspected the sunken wreck of a cement boat. Touring across the delta we encountered sea lions and a couple of Harbor Seals that were pearched above water on a piece of sunken timber. Crossing the delta we landed at Luhr Beach for lunch under clear skies with temperatures hovering around 60F. On the return we took more of a direct route back to the mainland. Not really a crossing, but, we were well out from the shoreline. When we reached the shore along the Fort Lewis property we stopped on a small beach for a break. At that point we decided to abandon the idea of going around the west side of Ketron Island. The day was getting late, and some folks were a little tired so we headed straight back to the ferry landing. All in all, a very pleasant trip.

Tides/Currents: Nothing special. We rode to flood to Luhr and the ebb back to Steilacoom. In a north wind the fetch is long so the potential exists for rough seas in the area.

Charts:

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

Puget Sound Current Guide – Island Canoe, Inc.

Chart #18440 - Puget Sound

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

Chart #18448 – Puget Sound – Southern Part.

Notes:

  1. A nice alternative return route would be to take the west side of Ketron Island before returning to the ferry landing.

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.

Please note that parking is $5.00 for the day.

Facilities:

  1. The Steilacoom ferry landing has a port-o-let in the parking area.
  2. There are lots of beaches along the route but no parks. No facilities. You’ll have to use the trees and bushes.
  3. Luhr Beach has a small bathroom in the parking area. Please practice holding your breath before using this facility, it’s totally gross!
  4. Up on the bluff at Luhr there’s a nice little picnic table right out in the sun. A decent place for lunch.

Sample Magazine Submittal: Steilacoom to Luhr Beach (SKII). 14.5 NM RT. Explore the southeast reaches of Puget Sound. Leaving Steilacoom we’ll enter Cormorant Passage and head south to Luhr Beach for lunch. On the return we’ll take the west side of Ketron Island and get in a free circumnavigation. Nisqually’s full of wildlife, so bring cameras and boniculars.

References:

Bailey, Jo, and Carl Nyberg. Gunkholing in South Puget Sound. Seattle: San Juan Enterprises, Inc. 1997. Pp. 235-241.

Campbell, Ken. A Sea Kayaker’s Guide to South Puget Sound. Tacoma: Self-Published. 1997. P. 47-53.

Scott, James W., and Melly A. Reuling. Washington Public Shore Guide. Seattle: University of Washington Press. 1986. pp. 220-221, 230-233.

Washburne, Randel. Kayaking Puget Sound, the San Juans, and Gulf Islands. Seattle: The Mountaineers. 1996. pp. 51-53.