Tacoma Narrows Exploration

Rating:  SKIII

Distance:  15 NM

Date:  February 10, 2001

Leader:    Pete Schwab                      Participants:  3

Launch:     10:15 am                           Return:  3:30 pm

Weather:  Mostly clear, some overcast, ~40F (high) and the lightest of breezes.

Description:  Lots of nice things to see along this almost urban paddle.  We launched at the Fox Island bridge and headed south through Hale Passage following the north shore of Fox Island.  Plenty of bird life and seals along here.  A small lighthouse adds to the scene.  We eventually crossed the Passage heading for Point Fosdick and then crossed the Narrows to the east side allowing the ebb to carry us north.  After passing under the Narrows bridge we found that a back eddy along the east shore was working against us so we moved out into the middle of the channel, taking the easy route north to Point Defiance for our lunch stop.  After lunch and a nice conversation with some of the Gig Harbor folks that showed up, we headed back across the Narrows to head south.  The plan was to get through the Narrows at slack.  What we actually found at slack, on the west side shore was a significant boost heading south.  We were probably hitting about 5 knots with little effort.  The fun ended at Point Fosdick where we headed out into the middle of Hale Passage to avoid a back eddy at the Point.  From there it was just a straight forward paddle back to the Fix Island bridge.
    A couple of variations to this route, if you have the time, would be to stop at Gig Harbor for lunch.  You could also explore Wollochet Bay near Point Fosdick.  Yah, maybe on a warmer day! 

Tides/Currents: On our trip there was nothing significant going on in the Narrows.  Tiny little eddy lines.  Back eddies on the east side forced us out into the channel as we headed north.  At slack we got a significant boost heading south through the Narrows.  You'll always want to plan this one carefully.  The Narrows can be a treacherous place with significant eddy lines, whirlpools, the whole ball of wax.  Make sure you know what's going on in there when you're planning your trip!

Charts:  Chart #18445, Page C

Directions to Launch Site: About 20 minutes from I5 @ Hwy 16. Take Hwy 16 out across the narrows and turn off at "Olympic Drive to Fox Island" exit and follow a whole bunch of signs to "Fox Island". Cross the bridge and the parking/launch area is on your right along the causeway, at the end of the bridge.

Facilities:

    A significant problem on this trip!  There is ample parking at the Fox Island bridge launch site, but no port-o-let and only a few bushes!  In fact, all along the route there's nothing.  Point Defiance provides a few bushes but there are lots of folks walking around.  Along the west shore of the Narrows you might be able to make a stop...if you don't care about the folks driving above you on the bridge.  So, plan ahead on this on.  You might want to consider Gig Harbor for lunch for just this reason.

Sample Magazine Submittal:  Tacoma Narrows Exploration (SKIII).  15 NM RT. This trip will go north, following the east side, with the ebb current.  After lunch we will go south, following the west side, at slack.  Wet or dry suit required as is the "ear-in-the-water" test prior to departure (you demonstrate a roll, a deep high brace, a deep sculling brace, or a competent self-rescue).

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