Explore:NW Explore:NW Spring 2016 | Page 42

A SHORT 45-MINUTE FLIGHT from Seattle’s Lake Union lands you in the San Juan Islands long considered to be some of the best sea kayaking in the world. There are 172 named islands and reefs that await your exploration and curiosity, plus a regular population of orca whales, abundant bird and sea life to see throughout the year, and plenty of water that is friendly to the paddler. And summer months are the most popular, the off-season paddling allows for more camping spots and solitude when the summer crowds are gone. For paddlers, the archipelago offers a wide variety of day and overnight paddling for all skill levels from protected waterways with picturesque coves and bays to moderate to strong tidal currents, which if planned right gives you a free ride to your destination. Advanced kayakers use the current to their advantage by traveling long distances including crossings from the mainland or over to the nearby Gulf Islands of British Columbia. Many boaters use kayaks to explore offshore reefs and islands. Strong tidal currents surround the outer islands requiring expert paddling skills or professional guides while the inner islands have mostly calm conditions with light to no current and are better suited for beginning to intermediate paddlers. The largest islands of San Juan, Lopez and Orcas each have several options for kayak rentals and tours. Experienced touring kayakers can follow the Cascadia Marine Trail, which provides paddlers with several paddle-in campsites throughout the archipelago. Flying in over the south tip of Lopez Island you can start planning your trip from your window by following the craggy shoreline over the scattered rocky islands of Iceberg Point and protected MacKaye Harbor. You may fly over Cattle Pass, which separates Lopez from San Juan Islands. Swift tidal currents in the Pass can build to whitewater on big tidal exchanges, a thrill for advanced kayakers. Lopez Island is the sleepy cousin of the other main islands with a town center extending only a few blocks. The island’s gentle rolling landscape is covered with hay bails, quaint homes and forests. Locals are a friendly folk, known for waving to passing vehicles and bicyclists. From the town of Lopez, rent a kayak from Cascadia Kayaks and explore 40 explore:NW | The Official Magazine of kenmore air | Spring 2016 Matia Island. Cascadia Marine Trail campsite at Alice Bight, Barrows Island. protected Fishermen’s Harbor viewing harbor seals and bird life. If you’re seeking a guided trip, half and full day trips include exploring caves, cliffs and viewing diving sea birds. If you have time on your side, sign up for a two or three day fully catered overnight tour and explore and stay on secluded nearby islands. If you’re seeking waterfront overnight lodging, MacKaye Harbor Inn. This B&B, located on the island’s south side, provides its guests with stable recreational kayaks to explore MacKaye Harbor. The protected bay is the home of the Lopez commercial fishing fleet. Paddle past the former 1912 era Astoria Puget Sound Canning site not far from the inn. Further west visit (from the water) Long and Charles Islands, both part of the San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Kayakers with their own boats can launch at two boat ramps in the bay from Agate Beach and Norman Road. From Lopez you can take the ferry, a short hop over to the north side of Orcas Island. One of the larger islands, Orcas has plenty of paddling options for all levels including three large bays and smaller islands to explore not far offshore. A picturesque village that offers supplies and plenty of café’s offering local organic foods, Eastsound is a wonderful town that serves as a great hub. Shearwater Kayak Tours has several