Island Beach Access

Whidbey Island Sea Kayakers (WISK) – Round the Island Paddle #14: Lagoon Pt to Bush Point

General area of island: CENTRAL – West Side

Nearest town or community: Freeland-Greenbank

Point to Point launch sites: #36 Lagoon Pt S to #38 Bush Point

Difficulty: Skill level I-III depending on conditions

Paddle distance/time (one way): 2.9 mi.

Access: Ref: Getting to the Water’s Edge

Site #36: Lagoon Pt. So. Lat/Long: N 48: 04.315 W: 122: 36.786
From 525 go W onto Smugglers Cove Rd. After 2.7 mi turn R onto Westcliff Dr . At bottom of hill go W toward water and a small gravel parking lot. Private property exists on both sides of the small launch site.
Site #36: Bush Point Lat/Long: N 48: 02.017 W: 122: 36.179
From Hwy 525 N. of Freeland, turn W onto Bush Pt Rd. (becomes Smuggler’s Pt Rd). for 2.7 mi. Go L at fork in road to Scurlock Rd take 0.75 Mi, then L on Spyglass Dr. Large fixed and floating dock launch site for boats. Good kayak launch site on beach just to left.

Special features, attractions, points of interest, warnings: (e.g., best times to paddle, wildlife, scenery)
Lagoon Pt S. and Bush Pt are both picturesque areas with an easy launch. You will paddle past S. Whidbey State Park, a possible stopping point for lunch or a break.

This is a popular fishing area when salmon are running, mostly in the fall. Can be windy with mild-moderate current flows, especially near Bush Pt, just west of the launch/takeout site. Bush Pt has a floating dock and sandy area for launching and plenty of nearby parking. The Bush Pt take-out site is well clear of Bush Pt. itself.

This is a popular area to watch harbor seals bald eagles, and occasionally, orcas. The seals are frequent guests during salmon season.

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

	SKI	SKII	SKIII	SKIV	SKV	SKVI
Geography (fetch: distance of unimpeded wind)	Protected from wind & waves	Fetch less than 10 nautical miles	Fetch more than 10 nautical miles	Crossings up to 5 nautical miles	Crossings over 5 nautical miles	Landings may be impossible
Hydraulics	Insignificant currents	Max current 1 knot	Max current 2 knots	Currents above 2 knots	Currents faster than paddle speed	Anything possible
Route	Day trips nearshore	Crossings less than 1 nautical mile	Eddy lines & tiderips possible	Strong eddy lines, tiderips & boils	Possible launching & landing in surf	Anything possible
Possible conditions	Calm	Winds less than 10 knots	Wind possibility more than 10 knots	Steep waves, swells & wind over 15 knots	Foul weather, whitecaps and fast current	Rescues may be impossible
Skills & expertise	Willing to learn	Wet exits and rescues	Group & self rescue; bracing	Reflexive bracing, navigation	All skills plus roll recommended	Extensive surfing

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