Re: [Paddlewise] Orcas Island (S.Juans) and Sucia

In a message dated 4/24/2003 11:46:09 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
sullivaned_at_pop.mts.kpnw.org writes:


> A trip to Seattle tonight looks like it might end up on
> Orcas tomorrow. I'm thinking about leaving my car at the
> ferry (safer there?) and paddling round to Sucia to camp.
> Anybody got any other suggestions for jump-off points?
> 
> Please send any response to me directly (as well as the
> list) as I only get the digest and I'm heading out 3-ish PT
> today (4/24).
> 

You cannot launch at the ferry landing on Orcas. Rather,  what we did was 
make a left at the ferry offramp, drive a mile or two and make a left on Deer 
Harbor road and park in front of the Deer Harbor inn and minimarket (I think 
that is what it's called). last year you could pay 5 bucks a day for the 
privelage. The flood speeds through Spring and Presidents passage making it 
13-14 miles to Sucia.  Don't even bother trying to go against the current. It 
runs up to 4+ knots. It is faster than 13-14 miles sounds if the wind is 
modest and the current strong and going your way. If not, have a good brace 
and exposed conditions preparation, as the rips off Point Doughty are 
significant, as are those midway between Doughty and Sucia.

You may also wish to launch at North Beach paying the same price, roughly, 
for the parking privelage. It is 2.5 miles across from North Beach to Sucia. 
Bear in mind people have run afoul off the north end of Orcas, with 3 
fatalities that I'm aware of and mucho stress cases. Parker Reef, in mid 
channel develops some really nasty (or fun) waves when the wind and current 
oppose. Parker also has a reputation of running contrary to prediction.

It's a great trip, have a blast.

Rob G

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