Last spring we shared my epic battle against low tide in the mud flats of the Skagit River mouth. On that trip I left the South fork of the Skagit River and paddled out into the shallows of the Puget Sound. After a long day of paddling (and walking in the sand dragging my kayak) I eventually made it up the Swinomish Channel to the town of La Conner. What I didn't know at the time, but suspected, was that there was a shortcut into the Swinomish…this would have cut at least an hour off of my trip…or more…it's called the Hole in the Wall. To prove the Hole in the Wall exists, we put in at the sweet little public launch kayak dock under the bridge in La Conner and paddled south to check it out. Tides/currents are a big deal when paddling in the Channel, make sure you check - it feels like paddling upriver if you're going against it. Above, paddling next to McGlinn Island…below, a shot of Ika Island past the wall. Also, here's a link to a great aerial photo of the entrance to the Swinomish (and just how shallow it can get). There it is. The Hole in the Wall. We paddled through it - the current was swift. While we were there we saw a small powerboat make it through as well. Just know that at low/ebbing tide the other side of the wall could turn super shallow. Our paddle back was a breeze thanks to the current pushing us along. Once you hit the bridge you know you're back to for launch site. Check out our spring Skagit to La Conner post here…don't forget to check the tides!
~Paul, Amber, Ann ETC
6 Comments
Mikette
8/1/2019 03:14:57 pm
Hello!
Reply
tikao
8/2/2019 04:40:18 pm
Hi! I'm thinking about kayaking in the area. Not quite sure about the tide but by reading your post, as long as if I start and end my trip while the tide is high, it will be ok?
Reply
Hey!
Reply
tikao
8/3/2019 12:06:57 am
Hi Paul,
John Bower
9/4/2020 04:49:27 pm
This may seem like a dumb question but I assume when the tide is rising the water is moving from Padilla Bay towards La Conner? Just want to be sure.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Follow us on Twitter and receive updates when we post (click the birdie).
Archives
March 2014
|