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© Kirsten Morse
Boating in and around the San Juan Islands is a favorite destination for boaters from across the country – and La Conner Marina is a favorite stopping spot. If you carry a kayak or two with you, there are some wonderful kayak adventures you can take along the Swinomish Channel.
Start your adventure by staying with us at our guest docks – you’ll find everything you need including restroom and shower facilities, and we’re an easy walk to La Conner shopping, dining and the local grocery store.
A little planning ahead will make your trip more enjoyable – our office staff can help you determine the tide and current directions for the day – it’s much easier paddling if you’ve got the current running with you!
Going North
You can paddle north along the Swinomish Channel to Twin Bridges (Highway 20 between Burlington and Anacortes) – there are some nice little beaches along the way that provide a good place for a snack, or a quick game of Frisbee toss if you’ve brought along your favorite kayak pooch. Favor the sides of the channel when possible as you may encounter boats who can toss a wake.
Going South
Another favorite paddle is south along the town of La Conner, under the Rainbow Bridge, and either into the Shelter Bay marina for a quick look around, or further south to Hole in the Wall. From Hole in the Wall, there are a couple options, depending on currents and tide. We encourage you to ask seasoned kayakers for their expertise and tips – and use blog posts to help guide you to some memorable paddles within the Skagit waterway system.
- A favorite of knowledgeable paddlers is to access the actual ‘hole’ in the wall – it’s a small opening in the rocks on the southeast side of the channel that, when the tide is favorable, is navigable, and takes you into the Skagit River Estuary. Here’s a nicely detailed blog post from Everyone’s Travel Club that gives you directions and tips.
- A second option is to stay to the south side of the Channel as it corners west (again, be alert for boats that can send out a bumpy wake). Staying on the south side, head for Goat Island – which has some interesting war-time history including Fort Whitman and Battery Harrison. Accessing Battery Harrison is by foot only and quite difficult – a post from U.S. Forting has a good description and photos. Goat Island is another great place for a picnic stop.
Boating in the San Juan Islands – and the waters nearby – is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re a power boater, sailor, or personal watercraft paddler, we’ve got lots of options for you. Come explore our waterways soon!
Visit www.lovelaconner.com for more La Conner fun!