Ketron Island in Washington

Trip Overview

Four of us left the boat launch in Steilacoom right at 6pm. Beautiful sunny summer evening. Followed the shoreline south until we came to the Steilacoom marina, a run-down facility next to a nice little day-use park. From the marina, we crossed over to Ketron Island (about 3/4 mile over Cormorant Passage). We circumnavigated the island in a clockwise direction, stopping for a brief stretch on one of the great little sandy beaches that dot the east side of the island. Coming around the southern tip, we were back in the rays of the setting sun all the way back to the put-in. A wonderful paddle, and in the summertime, suitable for just about anybody.

Accommodations:

Honey bucket at the put-in. No facilities on Ketron Island.

Fees:

Parking in the lot requires a fee. There is free parking available on the streets in the area.

Directions:

The launch is right in the town of Steilacoom, which is located just south of Tacoma. Put in from the parking lot immediately to the north of the ferry dock. There is a railroad trestle that is right above the beach access; at high tide, the water comes up into the lot.

Resources:

"A Sea Kayaker's Guide to South Puget Sound" by Ken Campbell