This information is designed to provide basic information to help you in choosing appropriate paddle trips for your level of experience. The information may be old and outdated and I would encourage you to use several resources when planning a trip in unfamiliar areas. As always you are responsible for the safe operation and navigation of your own vessel. Happy Paddling!
This paddle is one of those milestone paddles in the San Juan Islands. It involves lots of miles, strong currents, tidal races, and beautiful views. This paddle is best suited for the intermediate to advanced paddlers because of long crossings (~5NM) across commercial shipping lanes and strong currents and dangerous Tide Races. I would also suggest paddling this your first time with someone who has already done it.
You can launch from Washington Park or the Anacortes Ferry Landing. Launching from Washington Park requires a short car shuttle be setup from the ferry landing. Check the websites for Washington Park and The Ferry Landing for current parking/use fees. There are restroom facilities at both locations.
SKILL LEVEL:
Newcomers
As a newcomer you have had little to no instruction on how to wet exit and get back in your boat or prevent capsizes effectively. You should only paddle in protected waters near shore and with a friend that can show you the basics. Only attempt
short crossings when accompanied and only launch when you know that the weather is good and not going to change. Avoid any tidal current. The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful place to discover by paddling but there are hidden dangers that you can
avoid with a little bit of knowledge and skills.
To increase your knowledge and skills, find clubs and schools by visiting my Resources Page.
Transitional Paddlers
As a transitional paddler you have been shown and are proficient at wet exiting and self rescues in deepwater. You should have a solid brace to keep yourself upright, you may even be working on getting a reliable roll in the pool or on flat waters. You know the basic paddle strokes and are able to maneuver your boat proficiently on flat water with little wind. You should be able to paddle up to 8 miles in a protected inland environment over the course of a day.
As a developing paddler you should be a self-sufficient paddler that has some formal training, can assess hazards confidently and are comfortable in moderate conditions. You should be comfortable paddling in winds up to 15 knots and waves/swell up to 3 feet, as well as be able to self-rescue effectively in these conditions. A developing paddler can maintain an effective course in wind and waves, as well as be able to roll their kayak in open water. You should be proficient with deep water rescues and towing systems. As a developing paddler you should have an understanding of trip planning, navigation and equipment selection and be capable of paddling 15 NM over the course of a day.
As a progressive paddler you are used to paddling with competent peers in more bumpy ocean settings and are confident in winds up to 20 knots with swells up to 6 feet, you look for more challenging sessions. A progressive paddler will have a well-rounded sea kayaking background and be able to perform all the fundamental skills in moderate to rough water. You should have a reliable roll in open dynamic water, be able to paddle 15 to 20 NM over the course of a day. At this level, paddlers should possess good seamanship skills such as environmental/weather and sea state awareness, tidal and trip planning, on-water navigation and be knowledgeable about emergency procedures and rough water rescues.
This route has an exposed 5NM open water crossing subject to high winds, strong currents and commercial shipping traffic. Timed correctly you should be going through Cattle Pass at or near Max Flood. There is a Tidal Race that forms at the entrance to Cattle Pass off of Davis PT and if there is an opposing West to Southwest wind you can expect large standing waves greeting you.
