Paddle Kitsap

Transforming Individuals and Communities

through Paddling

Member of the North Kitsap Trails Association

Paddle Kitsap Route

Paddle Kitsap Route Map

Paddle Route Summary

Day 1 Port Gamble to Kingston (18 N.M.)

Port Gamble to Foulweather Bluff 6 NM

Day 1 paddle start at historic downtown Port Gamble. After checking in with our staff start your paddle by heading north into 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!

 

Foulweather Bluff to Norwegian Point 3 NM

After making the turn south you will enter Admiralty Inlet and enjoy the paddle through 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?

 

Norwegian Point to Eglon 5 NM

From Norwegian point keep going south another 5 NM to your next rest stop at Eglon. Need a restroom, stretch your legs or a friendly chat.

 

Eglon to Kingston 4 NM

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.

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.

Day 2 Kingston to Poulsbo (15.5 N.M.)

Kingston to Jefferson head 4 NM

Day 2 start is at the Port of Kingston Marina. For those paddlers just paddling day 2 and coming from Edmonds you can easily roll your kayaks to the put-in from the ferry. Everyone follow the signs to the put-in, parking, and registration check-in. 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 Jefferson Head. This vertical bluff has a rich history among early explorers of Puget Sound.

Jefferson Head to Suquamish 4 NM

After a short rest and some refreshments your on your way to Suquamish. You will notice as you paddle south a large bay will open up to the west and you will paddle along its shore. This is Port Madison bay. You will pass the community of Indianola and see to the south the piers of the town of Suquamish your next stop and its a good one that's where lunch is being served. You will have completed another 4 NM and be over half way of the paddle.

Next after enjoying your hearty lunch you will be heading into 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.

Suquamish to Keyport 5 NM

Here you will see that 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.

Keyport to Poulsbo 2.5 NM

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.