Lopez Island Event - MacKay Inner Harbor Circumnavigation Points and Coves - L2

When
August 22, 2025
9:00 AM
Location
MacKay Harbor Boat Launch
Spaces left
6

Registration

Members with wet exit certification
Active club members with wet exit certification, including kayaking professional and lifetime.
TO and Safety
Password Reserved for TO use

Full Name: Mart Hughes
Narrative:

The paddle will begin at the MacKay Harbor boat launch (48.441860 -122.863574). The launch area is restricted and will require coordinated unloading and rotation to the parking area. Addational parking is aviable up the road from the launch. The launch is at low tide and the ramp is slippery. The facilities at the launch are the only that are available and rest stops are unknown. The paddle is around a sheltered harbor returning to the launch site. The shoreline is rocky with interspersed coves and sandy beaches. The paddle to the outer harbor approaches the greater Salish Sea but does not enter the open sea way. There is one streach of open water crossing the inner harbor entrance. If fog appears to be heavy the alternative paddle to Iceberg Point will be taken. This is a scenic and enjoyable paddle.

Meeting Time: 9:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 9:45:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: MacKay Harbor Boat Launch (48.441860 -122.863574)
Take out: MacKay Harbor Boat Launch
Route Alternative for bad weather: MacKay Harbor Boat Launch to Iceberg Point (if foggy)
Required equipment: Towline
Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit
Primary Organizer: Mart Hughes
Co-Organizer(s): TBD
Has organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? No
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? No
First Aid /CPR Person: TBD
Maximum number of paddlers: 6 or 12
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 58 - 74 deg. F
Estimated Water Temperature: 54 deg F
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4 hours
Tide times & heights: Low -1.4 @ 09:53, High 6.7 @ 5:58
Current information: < 0.5 knot in inner harbor 2 knots N at Charles Island in AM reversing by 14:00. Current expected between Richardson Cove and Charles Island and west and south of the Charles Island – Johns point line. If the current at Richardson to rough the paddle will be routed to the east side of Charles Island.
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 3: Bad footing, rocky shores, or surf up to 1.5'
Currents: Level 2: Mild currents (up to 2 knots): current increases / decreases group speed by half
Total distance: Level 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing: Level 2: Between 0.5 and 1 miles
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: The inner MacKay is a protected harbor with a rising tide. Light wind is expected. The paddle is expected to be a combination of L1 and L2 conditions. The lack of takeout options is the single L3 condition. The numerous beaches are private otherwise the route is along rocky shores.
Location: Mackaye Harbor boat launch, Norman Rd, Lopez Island, WA (48.441860 -122.863574)
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station: : Richardson, San Juan Channel, Washington
Link to map of route (Optional)

Comments and Discussion

Oregon Ocean Paddling Society
Portland, Oregon