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MADE BY: Brian Haber CONTRIBUTOR: Shane Kucera
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in nature and should be used for reference only.

Orcas Island to Sucia Island Sea Kayaking, San Juan

Islands, WA
Adventure Description
by Shane Kucera | 09.25.14
Just off of the northern shore of Orcas Island in the San Juan
Islands is an archipelago of 10 islands. Overall, this group of
islands is about 2.5 miles in length and just short of a half mile
wide; the largest of this cluster is Sucia Island, which is also
designated as a Washington State Marine Park. When
paddling from Orcas Island to Sucia Island, it is apparent why
Sucia has this designation, as wildlife is abundant and you will
likely encounter a range of creatures in the sea and air.

With nice weather, Sucia Island is clearly visible from Orcas

Island for the entire length of the paddling trip. It is an easy
launch from North Beach to get underway to Sucia Island, and
once you cross the channel, there are numerous sandy
beaches on which to land for camping, lounging or just
soaking up the views of the surrounding islands.

The island's name originated before 1800 with Spanish

Captain Francisco de Eliza. He named it "Isla Sucia," which in
Spanish means "dirty," or in a nautical context, "foul." The
designation refers to the dangerous reefs and hidden rocks
along the shores. However, these hidden reefs and rocks are
Shane Kucera | 09.25.14 not too treacherous for kayaks, so don’t let the name keep you
from a trip through the exceptional, isolated coves and bays
that the area offers.

Highlights Getting there (from Seattle, WA):

TYPE: Sound/Straight
Orcas Island is accessed via the Anacortes Ferry
CLASS: Moderate / Class B From the Orcas Island Ferry Dock, turn left onto Orcas
USES: Motorized boats allowed (few limitations) Road
Follow Orcas Road for 8.1 miles to N Beach Rd in
DOCKING TYPE: Single Docking
Eastsound
PORTAGE REG'D: No Continue straight onto Lover's Ln for 0.6 miles
PREFERABLE SEASON(S): Spring, Summer, Fall Continue onto Mt Baker Rd for 0.2 miles
Turn left on N Beach Rd and your destination will be
CONGESTION: Low
straight ahead
CLOSEST METROPOLITAN AREA: Seattle, WA
TIME TO GET THERE: 4:0 hours From Seattle to Orcas Island: 100 miles; 3
ROAD CONDITION: Paved hours:
DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQ'D: Not Required
From Seattle, take I-5 N for approximately 60 miles
Take exit 226 for Kincaid St/WA-536 W
Turn left onto WA-536 W/Broad St/E Kincaid St (signs for
Kinaid St/Washington 536 W/City Center) and continue to
follow WA-536 W/E Kincaid S
Turn right onto S 3rd St
Continue onto WA-536 W/W Division St and continue to
follow WA-536 W
Continue onto WA-20 W
At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto Commercial Ave
Turn left onto 12th St
Continue onto WA-20 Spur W/Oakes Ave Continue to
follow WA-20 Spur W
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Take the Anacortes - Orcas Island ferry to Eastsound

 Water Route (approx.) Vista / Cascadia Marine
Trailhead Picnic Area Campground Harbor Seals Beach Trail Campsite
Trail (land) Viewpoint
(Must arrive by
Trail (unmaintained) Backcountry human- or wind-
Parking Lodging Waterfall Airstrip Dock Moorage
Paved Rd (major) Campsite power watercraft)
Paved Rd (minor) Navigation
Restrooms Ranger Station Fishing Wildlife Kayak Put-in Distance Marker
Forest Rd (major) Beacon
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MADE BY: Brian Haber

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in nature and should be used for reference only.

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CONTRIBUTOR: Shane Kucera

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NOTE: Content specified is from time of PDF creation. Please check

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website for up-to-date information or for changes. Maps are illustrative

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0 0.5 mi. 1.0 mi. 2.0 mi.

Orcas Island to Sucia Island, WA NORTH

Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
Trail (major) Vista / Cascadia Marine
Trailhead Picnic Area Campground Shelter Beach Trail Campsite
Trail (minor) Viewpoint
(Must arrive by
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Paved Rd (major) Campsite power watercraft)
Paved Rd (minor) Horseback
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MADE BY: Brian Haber

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CONTRIBUTOR: Shane Kucera

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0 4.0 mi. 8.0 mi. 16.0 mi.

San Juan Islands, WA NORTH