San Juan Islands Kayaking Weekend

 

Just a quick trip from Seattle, the San Juan Islands beckon area residents for weekend excursions and longer escapes in every season. It's in summer though, when these jewels of Puget Sound really shine, that REI Adventures kayaking trips run nearly every week and bring travelers from across the country. Our skilled paddling guides, with their knowledge of the region, the wildlife and sea kayaking, work to make each trips a safe and enjoyable experience. We caught up with Tom, one of our San Juan guides, to get some insights into the islands, sea kayaking and his experiences as a guide.

Q: Tell us about life on San Juan. What makes it a great place to visit and a great place to live?

A: It's wonderful that the area has not been totally exploited—the roads are still relatively few, the population is not huge and there is a lot of land that has not been (and never will be) settled due to good land use laws. People-wise, the islands are of a different nature. Life can be pretty demanding on a ferry-served island. You have to rely on yourselves and on your neighbors much more than people on the mainland do. Not only are people more independent, but they seem to be more accepting of one another, more tolerant and friendly. To the outside visitor, the San Juans are an enchanting place—I've seen this in the reactions of clients who are visiting for the first time. They remind me of what we have—nearly pristine islands in a gorgeous setting, something that you can start to take for granted when you live here.

Q: I understand that you are a long-time resident of San Juan Island but just recently ventured into leading kayak trips. What made you decide to be a trip leader?

A: I've been an outdoor enthusiast my whole life: I used to whitewater kayak and rock climb when I lived on the East Coast, and in the late '60s spent 2 years traveling and climbing my way across the U.S., ending up in Yosemite. I worked as a rock climbing guide alongside—and in awe of—the Yosemite legends such as Yvon Chouinard and Royal Robbins. I had always wanted to see the San Juans, and in 1972, a Seattle-area friend and kayak builder let me take one of his boats to the islands. I spent two weeks paddling and exploring the area and fell in love with it. In 1978 I moved here with my wife and never left. Since then, I've been the outdoor education coordinator at my kids' school here in Friday Harbor and have led mountaineering, rock climbing and various other outdoor trips. Last year I started leading kayaking trips here. It seemed like a natural progression to combine my love of nature, working with people and paddling.

Q: What do you get excited about showing people when they come to the islands? Why is this area one of the premier paddling places in the U.S.?

A: The whole island environment. I'm a birder and a marine naturalist, and I love sharing the natural world with people. Last year I kept track of a pair of nesting peregrine falcons in the area, and I just learned from some of my ornithologist friends that the birds are back this year. It's this aspect of nature that I get excited about sharing with people, and I think I do a good job of it—it's really enjoyable for me.

Q: A trip to the Whale Museum is on the itinerary for the longer trip. I understand you've been involved with the museum for quite some time. What role does the museum play in the whale populations of the area?

A: The Whale Museum is the public face for the scientists who monitor the resident orca pods around the islands, do research on whale behavior and stranding. The museum provides education for the general public and for school groups which come through regularly from around the region. I've been involved with the naturalist program for a long time at the museum and got my marine naturalist training through them. My wife has worked at the museum for 24 years.

Q: We've heard that the food on both San Juans paddling trips is amazing and that a few of the guides are really good chefs! Can you elaborate on what folks might be served in camp?

A: Yes! I've been working on some of my recipes, in fact. Pasta dishes like smoked salmon fettuccini and a marinated tomato pasta. We're limited by what we can carry in the boats and what will keep, so these dishes are a good solution. We also make a lot of the meals in cast iron Dutch ovens—like breakfast frittatas. Some of the fruit and other produce is from farms on the islands, so clients get fresh, locally grown food. We are also mindful of personal tastes and food allergies and accommodate for these as well.

Q: What are the kayaking routes like on your trips? Are they suitable for first-time kayakers?

A: For the most part these routes are fine for beginning kayakers who are in reasonably good shape. We've had clients as young as eight years old all the way up to those in their late 70s.

On both trips, the route starts out heading to Posey Island State Park, a three- to four-hour paddle, depending on the currents and tides. There is only one campsite on Posey so we have an intimate setting for our base camp. The rest of the weekend trip is spent kayaking up to Stuart and Speiden Islands, and depending on the group's stamina and interest, we can circumnavigate Stuart Island or get out of the boats and go for a hike.

The week-long trip involves more mileage, of course, and there are some tides and currents in Rosario Strait when we head for Jones Island. We determine the best pairing of paddling partners and keep a close eye on our groups so no one lags behind or gets too fatigued.

Ready for an adventure of your own?

If you want to give your kids memories to last a lifetime, consider taking an REI Adventures Family Trip. Or, you may be in interested in booking an adventure for a special group of friends or family. Find out how on our Private Departures page.