Upper Henderson Bay

Rating: SKII+

Distance: 13 NM

Date: Oct. 3, 1998

Leader: Henry Romer Participants: 6

Launch: 09:00 Return: 3:30

Weather: Beginning of winter paddling. ~60F, overcast, wind 5-15 kts, light occasional showers. Wind waves 1 ½ to 2 feet at northern end of bay.

Description: Launched at Rosedale and took a short break on Cutts Island, then crossed Carr Inlet to Glen Cove (1.7 NM in beam seas). Traveled south along the shore in following seas until we reached Purdy where we went under the bridge and had lunch on the beach next to the causeway. After lunch the tide was still coming in under the bridge and we had quite a paddle to get out under the bridge and away from the influence of the tide. Wind and waves were up and presented a problem all the way across the north end of the bay. Reaching the east side of the inlet we came into more protected waters and enjoyed the paddle back to Rosedale.

Tides/Currents: Currents under the bridge at Purdy are very difficult to run against. An outgoing tide would have been a big advantage. Carr Inlet presents a long fetch. Crossing in beam seas can be a great adventure, but is not for beginners.

Charts:

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

Puget Sound Current Guide – Island Canoe, Inc.

Chart #18445 – Puget Sound – Possession Sound to Olympia, Pages C, D, Inset 8.

Chart #18448 – Puget Sound – Southern Part.

Notes:

  1. North end of Henderson Bay is a favorite spot for wind surfers – this should tell you a lot about the kind of sea conditions that can exist there.

Directions to Launch Site: From I5 @ Hwy 16 it takes about 20 minutes (14.5 miles). Take Hwy 16 to the 2nd Gig Harbor Exit (City Center) and turn left back over the highway on Pioneer. Go a short distance to a traffic light (Hunts Road) and turn right; go 1 block and turn right again on 46th Ave. NW and go to the stop sign at Rosedale Street NW. Turn left. Follow this street down to the bay. Just past a Kopachuck State Park sign the road bends right and you’ll see a white church. Head straight for the church. The street terminates at a small bath to the beach.

Facilities:

  1. No facilities at Rosedale except the gas station near the church.
  2. There is an outhouse on Cutts Island on top of the hill.
  3. No facilities at our lunch stop but you can walk across the bridge to gas stations, restaurants etc.

Sample Magazine Submittal: Upper Henderson Bay (SKII+). 13NM RT. Explore the upper reaches of Carr Inlet. We’ll launch at Rosedale, stop by Cutts Island, and cross over to Glen Cove. Following the west shore of Henderson Bay we’ll lunch at Purdy and then return to Rosedale.

References:

Bailey, Jo, and Carl Nyberg. Gunkholing in South Puget Sound. Seattle: San Juan Enterprises, Inc. 1997. Pp. 201, 207, 211-212.

Scott, James W., and Melly A. Reuling. Washington Public Shore Guide. Seattle: University of Washington Press. 1986. pp. 212-213.