by Migael Scherer
In Migael’s Wake | Penrose Point State Park
Sep 9 2009 in Migael's Wake by Migael Scherer
Penrose Point State Park
This 152-acre park on the west shore of Carr Inlet is one of South Sound’s chief attractions. Mooring buoys are set on both sides of Penrose Point, and a float for shallow vessels is located in the inner bay of Mayo Cove. On shore are numerous trails that wander along the beaches and through second-growth forests of alder, fir, maple and madrona. A small marina operates at the head of Mayo Cove.
Moorings and Anchorage
In Mayo Cove, three state park mooring buoys parallel the sand spit. There is anchoring room and depth south and slightly west of the line of these buoys. The state park float in the inner harbor nearly dries at low tide. A fee box is at the head of the pier. Short-term moorage is also available at Lakebay Marina. Call ahead: 253.884.3350.
Take extra care navigating around Penrose Point, as two unmarked spits, peppered with rocks, extend west and north of the point.
On the south side of Penrose Point are five mooring buoys. Anchoring is good anywhere in this unnamed cove, but stay away from the pilings, which mark the edge of the shallows, and watch for the rock off Delano Beach. Both of these coves are exposed to northerlies.
Getting Ashore
Land at the park only, either side of Penrose Point. All other tidelands are private.
Wonderful walks in the woods are just one of the attractions at Penrose.
For the Boat and Crew
The marina at Lakebay sells gas on Saturdays only; it’s best to call ahead (253.884.3350). The state park restrooms have showers but are closed from Labor Day to early April.
Things to Do
In Mayo Cove the park beaches are steep and rocky; the mud and sand are pocked with clam holes, and the seaweed hides tiny creatures—ideal conditions for beachcombing. South of the point, the beach is sandy; below the tideline, thousands of sand dollars, furred and reddish-brown, stand on end so closely they seem to be pushing each other over. Within the park are trails (including a “Touch of Nature” interpretive trail), picnic tables, shelters and fire pits. Wildlife includes deer, raccoon, owls, woodpeckers, herons and many migratory birds. Even black bear have been seen in the park.
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.
With regard to size of boats on those park bouys. Up to 50′ is the rule and the bouy placards may also include some weight restictions . At low tide there is not enough room for a large boat to swing. It’s even more treachorous if your on a sailboat with much draft. I addition to the tight space at low tide is the fact that you are placing your boat on an unknown chain. I wonder when the last time those bouy chains were inspected or tested. The best recomendation I can give you for a larger boat is to go into the middle of the area just past the bouy’s and slightly west. If you watch your depth meter as you aproach aprox 100 yard off of the wood embankment you gage should go from 20′ up to 40′. I have anchored in that area and the holding is good with plenty of depth at low tide. Stay out of the entrance to the marina as it shoals out.
Here is a great link for you to have a look at. You can clearly see Mayo cove and the deeper waters at its center.
http://demo.geogarage.com/noaa/
The doted lines represent the shoal area with one fathom or less and its close proximity to the bouy’s. By the way we wish we were going to. Watch your charts and avoid the spit. At low tide you can walk out for about 1/3 of a mile to the erant boulder at it’s point It should make for a great time exploring at low tide.
Hi Jeff,
Judging by the picture on the homepage, I’d say not much. I haven’t actually tied to the float, other than in a dinghy, but you may want to grab a mooring ball first. Don’t want that lovely Islander touching bottom
I’m going to Penrose next week. There are some morning minus tides. I’ve seen large sailboats tied on the inside of the park float. Does anybody know the recent actual depths at zero tide around that float?