Paddle Kitsap

Day 1 paddle start is on the waterfront in historic downtown Port Gamble. The paddle will start by heading north along Hood Canal. You'll enjoy many fine views of the Olympic Mountains and even glimpses of Mount Baker to the north. At the furthest point of the Kitsap peninsula you enjoy your first rest stop at Foulweather Bluff. You have just completed 6 NM or about 1/3 of the days paddle, congratulations!

After making the turn south you will enter Admiralty Inlet and enjoy the paddle along skunk bay to Norwegian Point where the lunch stop is located. Now things are picking up you just went 3 NM and the tide is building behind you. Enjoy the incredible views of the North Cascade mountains and the south end of Whidbey Island. Ready for more paddling, you are now over half way?

After Norwegian point keep going south another 5NM to your next rest stop at Eglon. About 1 NM into your paddle you will be rounding the headland of historic Point No Point. This is a treacherous location where tidal currents meet so be careful and watch for freighter wakes. Need a restroom, food, stretch your legs or a friendly chat make sure you rest before the final push to Kingston.

Now your on your last leg of the day, only 4 NM more to Kingston and the party. Watch for the passing freighters in the shipping lanes as they are on their way to Seattle or Tacoma but don't become to complacent because shortly after they pass you will get a BIG boat wake. Be careful crossing the ferry lane on your way to the Kingston marina. Always give the big boats the right of way and enjoy the scenery as you wait. Wave to the ferry passengers as its always a delight because they have no idea what this procession of paddlers is all about.

The end of the day. Paddle to the boat ramp where you will be assisted in carrying your boat to the adjacent storage location.

Day 2 start is at the boat launch at the Port of Kingston Marina where you took out from day 1. Start your paddle by heading south along the shore. You’ll enjoy many fine views of the Cascade mountains. After about 4 NM you will come to your first rest stop at Camp Indianola after rounding Jefferson Head.

Next after enjoying your hearty snack you will be heading toward Suquamish and Old Man House park and lunch. You will continue paddling west towards Indianola past the Indianola dock. You may notice allot of activity as it is usually Indianola Days Festival. A short paddle farther you will pass the Suquamish dock and then Old Man House is next.

Soon after leaving the beach you will enter Agate Pass. Agate pass has the strongest tidal flows of all west sound and today is no exception. We have timed it so that you will be paddling through Agate pass at the maximum flood (incoming tide). At the south end of the pass you will enjoying a 6+ knot current at your back. You will hardly need to paddle with this strong current.

About a NM after exiting the pass you make a turn west toward Poulsbo. Here you will see the inlet narrows into what we call the CUT. Also you will see to the north the naval facility Keyport where they test torpedoes for our submarine fleet. Don't worry, today paddlers are off limits for firing practice.  Paddle to the North of this well marked channel staying well away from the Naval facility. If you get to close you will be alarmed to see a chase boat of well armed men come out of nowhere to escort you away.

After negotiating the channel the rest stop is at Keyport on the south side of the channel just after the naval facility. You have just completed another 5 NM and Poulsbo is in site down the bay. You do not want to miss the Keyport rest stop because they serve ice cream to the paddlers!

Poulsbo is a short 2.5 NM paddle from Keyport. As you paddle north the bay will open up with fine views of the Olympic mountains to the west and Mount Rainier to the south. Stay to the west side of the bay for the best paddling and follow the shore line. The Poulsbo Marina is the last marina on the bay and you will see the signs for the take-out. Secure your boat and follow the signs to the waterfront park for all the end of paddle festivities. Thanks for joining our little adventure.