Fort Collins Audubon Society

Kayak Trip 2007

San Juan Islands, Washington
5-day Trip

 

Date: August 27-31 (Mon-Fri), 2007                               Trip:  Fort Collins Audubon Society
Cost: $780 (includes $60 donation to Fort Collins Audubon Society) 

With over 200 rocky, forested islands to explore, the San Juan Archipelago is a superb kayak destination. You’ll experience the fun of paddling and camping on remote islands accessible only by boat! Harking back to an earlier time, the islands were used by the native Lummi and Swinomish tribes as summer fishing camps. The pristine waters of the San Juan and Gulf Islands are host to over 80 resident orca whales. Other wildlife sighting may include minke whales, Dall’s porpoises, seals and eagles.

Itinerary. Stuart Island will be your first destination as you paddle north past Spieden Island. On day two, you’ll circumnavigate Stuart Island and paddle past the abandoned Coast Guard lighthouse with Vancouver Island to your west and a good chance to sight whales. Your third day will be a layover day; you’ll do an easy hike to Turn Point situated on a rocky bluff with the Canadian San Juan Islands to the west. After dinner, you’ll have the option of participating in an evening “bioluminesence” paddle with marine life that glows at night. On the fourth day you’ll break camp and paddle to Jones Island owned by Washington State Parks, which has gorgeous waterfront campsites. On day five, you’ll paddle to the south side of San Juan Island where your trip will conclude between 1-3 p.m.

Trip Logistics. You are responsible for providing your own transportation to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island where your trip begins. From the Seattle/Tacoma (SeaTac) Airport, take the shuttle to the Anacortes ferry or drive a rental car. From Anacortes, take the ferry to Friday Harbor, which accommodates walk-ons and motor vehicles.

 
How to Sign Up.  Our outfitters (www.centennialcanoe.com) will provide all safety equipment, river guides, canoes and great food. Cost of the trip is $780, of which $60 is donated back to FCAS. You will need to bring basic personal supplies. The trip is limited to 20 participants, so sign up early to reserve your place. A deposit of $300 per person must accompany your reservation request, and the balance is due by July 13. For further details and to register for the trip, contact Centennial Canoe Outfitters, 1-877-353-1850 (toll free) and be sure to tell them you heard about it from Fort Collins Audubon Society.

 Get the Trip Packet (.pdf file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)