Vashon Island Circumnavigation

Rating: SKIII+

Distance: 32 NM RT

Date: June 12, 1999

Leader: Dave Agnew                            Participants: 6

Launch: 06:15   Return: 19:00

Weather: Temperature was ~60F, no wind, no waves..except last 3 miles when wind

was gusting to 25 knots, wind waves 2-21/2 feet.

Description: Launched from a low dock at the Point Defiance ferry landing (dock is on east side of ferry) and crossed over to the southwest end of Vashon just after ebb slack. The outgoing tide splits when it hits Vashon, with flow going north through Colvos and east towards Commencement Bay. We hit the ebb a little too far to the east and had to paddle against a strong ebb for about a quarter of a mile before getting into the correct ebb – the one going north through Colvos. Paddling against the ebb was difficult and required paddling as absolutely close to the shore as we could possibly get.

            We headed north through Colvos and took a break at Lisabeula Park 6 NM from the launch point. This location has a port-o-let available. Heading north another 8 NM we reached the north end of the island at the ferry dock and took a potty break. Paddled another half mile or so south past Dolphin Point where we stopped at NE Vashon County Park for lunch. It’s a grassy area with a picnic table and a port-o-let. (Look for the concrete sea wall with concrete steps leading up the center of the wall).

            Going south after lunch we stopped at Tramp Harbor. The little store there afforded an opportunity to get an ice cream, but no bathrooms.

            South from Tramp Harbor we took our last break on a small beach at the south end of Maury Island. Leaving Maury to do the 3 NM back to the launch site a big wind began to blow (Gary P clocked 18 kts on his wind guage) right into our faces. Wind waves were 2 to 2 1/2 feet. Consequently, the final 3NM required and hour and forty-five minutes…instead of just 45 minutes.

Tides/Currents: The flow through Colvos is always south to north. This necessitates running your trip in a clockwise direction around the island. We picked a day with a strong ebb, low slack around noon, and then paddled south through East Passage on the flood.

            The ebb splits at the south end of Vashon Island. As the flow hits the southwest corner of the island, it ebbs through Colvos on the west side and out towards Commencement Bay on the east – so, if you approach the island a little too far to the east you may run into a stretch along southwest Vashon through which you will be against a pretty strong ebb. We had to paddle about 5 feet off the shore – otherwise we could make no headway.

            Try to launch at slack or a little before slack to avoid this stuation.

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, Pages A and C.

Chart #18448 – Puget Sound – Southern Part.

Notes:

  1. Porpoises were seen in East Passage.
  2. With excellent tides and weather this 32 NM trip was quite nice – until we ran into the wind on the last three miles (that kept it honest).

Directions to Point Defiance Launch Site:

It’s about 15 minutes to the launch site from the Intersection of I-5 and Hwy 16. Proceed on Hwy 16 approximately 3 miles and exit on the 6th Avenue exit (signed Vashon Ferry). Turn left onto 6th Avenue at the stop light. Turn right at the next stop light onto Hwy 163 (Pearl Street). Proceed north approximately 3.5 miles to the stop sign at the entrance to Pt. Defiance Park. Do not enter the Park. Stay to the right, then get in the left lane at the bottom of the hill to avoid being in the ferry lanes. The parking area is down by the water, just to the left of the ferry dock.

Facilities:

  1. There is a bathroom at the Pt. Defiance ferry dock.
  2. First break at Lisabeula Park has a port-o-let up a trail behind the beach.
  3. North end Vashon ferry dock has a beach landing, bathroom out on the ferry dock, and store.
  4. Lunch stop at NE Vashon County Park has a grassy area above the sea wall, a picnic table, and a port-o-let about 50 yards up the ravel road behind the grassy area.
  5. Tramp Harbor has a store (ice cream) but no bathroom.

Sample Magazine Submittal:

Vashon Island Circumnavigation (SKIII+). 32NM RT. Circumnavigate the island, crossing from and to the mainland. This paddle can be strenuous depending on the weather and will take 12 hours of paddling. It will be fun but please be prepared for a workout.

References:

Bailey, Jo, and Carl Nyberg. Gunkholing in South Puget Sound. Seattle: San Juan Enterprises, Inc. 1997. Pp. 163-173.

Campbell, Ken. A Sea Kayaker’s Guide to South Puget Sound. Tacoma: Self-Published. 1997. P. 18.

Scott, James W., and Melly A. Reuling. Washington Public Shore Guide. Seattle: University of Washington Press. 1986. pp. 174-181.

Washburne, Randel. Kayaking Puget Sound, the San Juans, and Gulf Islands. Seattle: The Mountaineers. 1996. pp. 59,64.