Island Beach Access

Whidbey Island Sea Kayakers (WISK) – Round the Island Paddle #21: DECEPTION PASS –CORNET BAY

Point to Point launch sites: #1: Deception Pass State Park to #3 Cornet Bay

Difficulty: Skill level – IV to V. (see chart below)

Paddle distance/time (one way): 2.5 mi.

Access: Ref: Getting to the Water’s Edge

• Site #1: Deception Pass State Park: Lat/Long: N 48.24.004 W: 122: 39.847
  Launch site is on the westerly corner of the park.
• Site #3: Cornet Bay Boat Launch: Lat/Long N 48: 24.064 W 122: 37.349
  This is a well-established boat launch, with 6 boat ramps. The best kayak launch site is at the far (easterly) end.

Special features, attractions, points of interest, warnings: (e.g., best times to paddle, wildlife, scenery)
Deception Pass State Park is well-developed with overnight camping, picnic tables, rest rooms, and drinking water. It has a good beach for a kayak launch. There can be some surf if the wind is blowing. Once thru the pass it is about 2 miles to Cornet Bay where there are picnic tables, drinking water, etc. Cornet Bay also has good launch sites.

Warnings, precautions: (e.g, tides & currents, launch site issues)
. This can be a challenging paddle. Soon after launch you will be in the tidal current that goes W-->E thru the pass. It can be up to 8 knots. Safest to go at slack tide with current/wind if any at your back. Paddle either side of Deception Isl. but watch for boat traffic on the S. side. Watch for and avoid vicious eddies and whirlpools. Be prepared for an upset in cold water. Go in the direction of upcoming current for a push at the end. An alternative launch point is Bowman Bay on Fidalgo Isl, just to the north. Consider going through Indian Pass, the smaller one just N of Deception Pass. It has fewer boat traffic.

KAYAKING SKILL LEVEL MATRIX (from Hole in the Wall Paddling Club newsletter)

Information supplied by Whidbey Island Sea Kayakers – May the kelp be with you.