Strong currents near Skagit Island result in dragging mooring buoys. Note how the two in this photo have moved together. Photos by Migael Scherer

This small, 24-acre island east of Deception Pass is surrounded by a steep and narrow gravel beach. Off its north shore are rocks and reefs – hardly an inviting anchorage.

However, if you can hook a buoy, a visit here is worthwhile. An overgrown game trail skirts the perimeter of the island, through salal and madrona. From the grassy knoll on the southwest tip, you can look over the channel toward Deception Pass and watch other boats hurrying on their way to somewhere while you luxuriate in the peace you’ve already found.

Moorings and Anchorage
Most boats arriving here are canoes and kayaks. For larger boats, there are two state park mooring buoys are on the northwest side, within 100 feet off the sheer rock face. Possible anchorage is east of the buoys, in 3 to 5 fathoms. Currents are strong, and neither of these anchorages provides any protection from wind funneling off the Strait of Juan de Fuca through Deception Pass.

The northeast beach of Skagit Island is the best for landing ashore.

Getting Ashore
The steep shore relaxes into a pocket-size beach on the northeast tip. Beaches are flatter, but rockier, as you proceed around this tip.

Skagit Island has primitive campsites and a vault toilet, but no other facilities.

Nearby Kiket Island is a new park, co-managed by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and Washington State Parks. Use of its 96-acres — still in the planning stages — will emphasize protection of the fragile environment, including water access by hand-powered craft only. Kiket Island has come a long way from the late 1960’s proposal to build a nuclear power plant on this site.

Sailor, writer and teacher Migael Scherer, who divides her time between Seattle and Lopez Island, is the author of “A Cruising Guide to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands,” published by International Marine/McGraw-Hill. The guide can be purchased online through Armchair Sailor Books & Charts, Captain’s Nautical Supplies, Amazon and other retailers.

About Migael Scherer

Sailor, writer and teacher Migael Scherer, who divides her time between Seattle and Lopez Island, is the author of “A Cruising Guide to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands,” published by International Marine/McGraw-Hill. The guide can be purchased online through Armchair Sailor Books & Charts, Captain’s Nautical Supplies, Amazon and other retailers.

• View all posts by Migael Scherer →
• Blog