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Showing posts with label waves. Show all posts
Showing posts with label waves. Show all posts

Sep 26, 2023

How to Navigate the Strong Currents and Dangerous Waves of Deception Pass

Deception Pass is located in Deception Pass State Park in Washington. It is notorious for strong tidal currents and swirling eddies and is the starting point for many going to the San Juan Islands

The pass can be treacherous for boaters and kayakers. But in reality, it is not much different than Cattle Pass, Thatcher Pass or Peavine Pass. Here are some tips for navigating safely.

Deception Pass bridge, Canoe Pass on left
Looking inbound at what actually is two separate bridges.

You can see narrow slot of Canoe Pass on left side, Deception Pass on right side.


First, let's understand that in the San Juans, Puget Sound, Gulf Islands, pretty much everywhere, there are nasty places where you can get into trouble if you are prone to doing stupid things.  Driving into a storm or wild surf with breaking waves is a mistake for most of us regardless of our boat or skill level.

That being said, the rising/falling tides cause currents.  Large tide ranges usually mean faster currents. Narrow passes or jutting headlands tend to intensify things. Add to that, strong winds and storms and you get places to avoid on your vacation cruise.  

Deception Pass is very narrow, but only narrow for a short section directly under the bridge.  Consequently, the high current speed and accompanying swirlies and waves are confined. 

 As you approach the bridge you notice your speed or lack of it, rapidly changing making you acutely aware of your boat's top speed.  Most sailboats don't have the top speed needed to overcome normal pass conditions on a calm summer day. The water may be mostly flat, whirlpools minimal, no waves, and yet the boat stalls out under the bridge with the skipper wishing 

Jul 23, 2020

Watmough Bay Park / Preserve



     This secluded gem of an anchorage is at the far southeast end of Lopez Island. No, not at popular Iceberg Point or Agate Beach.

Watmough Bay Park is on the southeastern end of Lopez  facing Rosario Strait. The cute little bay is mostly rock-free, and well protected.  You may hook on to one of several buoys or anchor in two fathoms a short dinghy ride from shore. 

Mostly visited by vehicle and bicycle travelers the gravel beach is popular with paddle boarders and swimmers. The park boasts standard upgraded outhouse restrooms a quarter-mile walk up a level trail where the ten-car parking lot is located. Two easy hiking trails complete this worthwhile destination, there are no onshore campsites so you will have the place to yourself when the day-use people head for home.

Watmough Bay Lopez Island


     Tips for Visiting:

  Bicycle-Boating Rendezvous: 

Although there is no dock, Watmough Bay can be an excellent drop-off or pick-up point for a combined bicycle and boating tour of Lopez Island.

Timing: Point Colville and Davidson Rock buoy

Large swells can be encountered offshore near where the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Rosario Strait intersect. To avoid rough waters, it’s best to time your visit for near slack water on a low wind day.

Fog Considerations: 

Fog is a common occurrence and can linger for days, so be prepared for reduced visibility.

Rewarding Visit:

 Despite the challenges, a visit to Watmough Bay is highly rewarding for those who make the effort to reach this beautiful and secluded spot.


Click below to see a satellite view of Watmough Bay