What is Watmough Bay like for anchoring, hiking, and visiting by boat?
Watmough Bay on Lopez Island is a secluded, well-protected anchorage with a mostly rock-free bottom and several mooring buoys. Boaters can anchor in shallow or deep water and dinghy ashore to a gravel beach, where short trails lead to viewpoints and a restroom with vehicle access. With no camping and limited walk-in access, the bay becomes quiet once day visitors leave.
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.
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| Not exactly sure, but in the far far background (8 miles) is about where Deception Pass is. |
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.
