Blake Island Overnight

Rating: SKIII

Distance: 9 NM

Date: May 22-24, 2003

Leader: Pete Schwab                           Participants: 2

Launch: 3 pm Thursday                        Return: 2:00 pm Saturday

Weather: Skies were mostly clear, light breezes and ~65F.  Beautiful.

Approaching the east end of Blake

Description: We launched from the boat ramp at Fort Ward State Park on Bainbridge Island.  Launching into
Rich Passage always means the first goal is to get across before the ferries come along and this trip was no exception.  The Bremerton ferry came along but timing was simple.  We had plenty of time to finish the crossing before the great ship crossed our path.  We rounded the point towards Manchester and then crossed straight over to the  West Beach camping area on Blake. Only about a 4.5 mile day but it afforded the opportunity to get campsites early. Campsites are on the berm right above the beach. They have picnic tables, fire pits (no firewood gathering is allowed - though you can buy it over in Tillicum Village if you don't mind carrying it about a mile) water faucets/fountains and bathrooms. The bathrooms were closed for repair when we were there but the outhouse was in excellent shape. This was Memorial Day weekend so showing up on Thursday evening proved to be a good move.  All the campsites were available!  By the time we left on Saturday only one site was not in use.
    On Friday we circumnavigated the island under clear skies.  The atmosphere almost had a tropical feel to it.  A very pleasant paddle.   We stopped at Tillicum Village where the tourist boat from Seattle was in port.  The place was crawling with folks but the gift shop was open so we went in and signed up for that evenings salmon dinner and Native American dance.  Tillicum village closes when the boat leaves and doesn't reopen until around 4 pm.  That's when you have to be there to reserve a place at the dinner table.  If you wait until 5 pm they probably won't let you sign up!
    The dinner was very nice.  Portions were good and they even offered seconds after everyone had been fed.  The dancing was also enjoyable.  Two stories were told.  The story of "Raven and the Light" and the story of "Bakbakwalanuksiwe" - the cannibal at the north end of the earth.  Masks and Button Blankets used in the dance appeared to be authentic northern style regalia.  The walk back to camp was pleasant and relaxing after such a nice meal.
    Saturday brought more decent weather and after a leisurely breakfast we loaded the boats and headed back to Fort Ward and home.

Tides/Currents: Currents in Rich Passage can be strong. Be sure to plan with care. Coming out of Rich Passage it should be noted that the waters between Manchester-Bainbridge Island-Blake Island can become very rough on windy days. To avoid this condition cross to Blake from Southworth.

Charts:

Waterproof Chart #30 – Puget Sound – International Sailing Supply.
Puget Sound Current Guide – Island Canoe, Inc.
Chart #18449 – Puget Sound, Seattle to Bremerton
Chart #18474 – Shilshole Bay to Commencement Bay

Notes:

If you go as far south as Colby you can make an  Espresso stop.. The shop is up on the highway, just where it makes an uphill turn, and right behind the old wooden dock.

The smartest way to run this trip is to start from the Southworth ferry dock.  You can launch there and leave the cars overnight, no charge.

Directions to Launch Site: From I5 at Hwy 16 it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes (67 miles) to get to Fort Ward State Park on Bainbridge Island. Follow Hwy 16 out across the Narrows bridge, past Gig Harbor and on past Bremerton where you follow the highway towards to Hood Canal bridge.  Turn off at Exit 132 (highway 305) towards Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island. Follow 305 until you get to High School Road and turn right (west).  Drive to the T-intersection (~3 miles) and turn left onto Fletcher Bay Road.  Continue on Fletcher Bay road to T-intersection, and turn right.  This takes you past Linnwood Center.  Continue to the Y-intersection and veer to the right to go to the Fort Ward boat ramp.

Facilities:

Tillicum Village: Tillicum offers a salmon dinner and Indian dance program that is really worth attending. The village is located on the north end of Blake and can be approached by trail or boat from any of the camp areas (it’s 1 mile from West Beach Camp area). Dinners are at 5:30  (when the tourist boats arrive). They would like you to show up an hour ahead of time to reserve a dinner spot. The price is $34.00 per person. A little pricey but the dinner’s good and the show is very well presented. Also in the village…you can buy all sorts of crafts in their store, or, they have ice cream, coffee, hot dogs etc.

Sample Magazine Submittal: Blake Island Overnight (SKIII). 10NM RT. Experience the fun of kayak camping. This relaxed overnight trip with a flexible itinerary should allow ample time for exploring Blake Island by kayak and afoot. Time to play or practice paddle skills or loaf in the sun. If there is interest, we can attend the presentation of Northwest Coastal Indian dances and salmon bake put on daily at Tillicum Village. Trip will depart from FortWard State Park.

References:

Bailey, Jo, and Carl Nyberg. Gunkholing in South Puget Sound. Seattle: San Juan Enterprises, Inc. 1997. Pp. 142-149.
Campbell, Ken. A Sea Kayaker’s Guide to South Puget Sound. Tacoma: Self-Published. 1997. P. 14-17.
Scott, James W., and Melly A. Reuling. Washington Public Shore Guide. Seattle: University of Washington Press. 1986. pp. 196-197.
Washburne, Randel. Kayaking Puget Sound, the San Juans, and Gulf Islands. Seattle: The Mountaineers. 1996. pp. 63-67.