Coupeville & Penn Cove (Level 2)

This trip is limited to OOPS members who are WEC.  Registration will occur at the DP Event HQ campsite.

Reminder: Registration for every trip is always conditional upon final approval by the Trip Organizer.  The TO may contact you to assess whether your skills & equipment are appropriate for the trip.

Narrative: Explore historical Coupeville, the oldest town on Whidbey Island and enjoy a view of Mount Baker to the north. This eight-mile Level 2 trip, with an option for a two-mile extension once we return to the launch, will circumnavigate protected Penn Cove, which is part of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Preserve. We’ll paddle by the docks, wharfs, and overhanging buildings that make up Coupeville’s waterfront. We’ll check out the mussel pens and, if the tide allows, the lagoons at the west end of the cove.  

Our trip will begin by paddling along the waterfront to see it at a higher tide level. We’ll then do a one-mile crossing towards Penn Cove Beach Access on the north side of Penn Cove. The tide will be outgoing while we’re on the water, so our return leg should take advantage of that. Our lunch break will be at Mueller Park Beach Access, near the lagoons. We’ll paddle past historic Captain Whidbey Inn, the mussels, and complete our loop by going past the waterfront again, this time at a 0.01 tide level. It will be fun to compare how it looks with six feet less water. Once back at the launch point, there will be the option to continue east for a mile or so and then double-back to the launch for anyone still feeling energetic.  

Afterwards, some folks might want to stop at Tobey’s Tavern and eat some of the mussels we saw earlier. Need to stretch your legs before hopping back in the car? A stroll through the historic district offers art galleries, gift shops, and historic buildings. See a walking map here:  https://www.nps.gov/ebla/planyourvisit/upload/Walking-Tour-Map-for-Web-2.pdf

We’ll launch from Captain Thomas Coupeville Park, which Google Maps tells me is a 36-min. drive from Bowman Bay Campground. Amenities include a floating dock and boat trailer parking. Picnic tables, barbecues, and a public restroom are also available. Directions to the launch via Oak Harbor: From State Route 20 turn left at the light onto North Main Street. Drive north .5 miles to 9th street and turn right. Drive .3 miles to the park entrance on your left.

Meeting Time: 10:15:00 AM
Launch Time: 11:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Captain Thomas Coupeville Park
Take out: Captain Thomas Coupeville Park
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment:  
Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit
Primary Organizer: Chris Mayou
Assistant Organizer(s):  
Has organizer paddled here before? No
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? No
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? Yes
First Aid /CPR Person:  
Maximum number of paddlers: 7
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 60
Estimated Water Temperature: 48
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4-5 hours
Tide times & heights: 2018/05/05 Sat 08:36 AM 8.76 H
2018/05/05 Sat 3:22 PM 0.01 L
Current information:  
Hazards:  
Wind strength: Level 1: 0-7 knots (8 mph)
Swell/Surf size: Level 1: Under 1' waves, no breaking waves
Sea state: Level 1: Waves up to the deck seam; water glassy to rippled, no whitecaps
Landing types: Level 2: Frequent landing opportunities including docks or moderate sloping banks, brush or overhanging trees
Currents: Level 1: None or mild (less than 1 knot)
Total distance: Level 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing: Level 3: 1 to 2 miles
Paddling Environment:  
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments:  
Location (Optional): Captain Coupe's Park & Boat Launch, 600 NE Ninth Street Coupeville, WA 98239
Photos (optional):