Shoreside accommodations

[Olytuggers]

We have just reached our one year anniversary of owning Hoku Kai, and one of the things that gives us great pleasure is being able to share some of our adventures with our kids and grandkids. Since the boat really only accommodates the two of us comfortably for sleeping, we are looking for places where the kids can sleep ashore while we are nearby at anchorage or on a dock. We have just returned from such a trip to Snug Harbor on San Juan Island (photos and notes are on our blog at www.bioaquatics.com/hokukai) where there are several cabins and dock moorage, fire pits, bbq's, etc., and the kids had such fun. We have also been to West Beach Resort on Orcas in previous years, with a similar setup. We are wondering if any of you have suggestions for other destinations in the Pacific Northwest (Washington and B.C. waters) that are family friendly. We find that the combination of boat and shore are a wonderful way to give the grandkids a great experience.

Dan and Lois Cheney
Hoku Kai, R25SC 2012
www.bioaquatics.com/hokukai

 

[SlackwaterJack]

If you want to trailer...
Chief Timothy State Park located on Silcot Island in the Snake River about 10 miles west Clarkston, Wa. They have small cabins (with A/C) on the water for rent with dock and fire ring.There's a beach nearby, a small store, and an excellent 4 lane, concrete launch ramp with pumpouts at the day-dock. 10 minutes to the nearest Costco and WalMart.
If you want to anchor just offshore (within earshot of the cabin) the anchorage is well protected from all directions, the bottom is sand/mud, approx 10-20 ft deep. Just off Hwy 12 and maybe a 5 hour haul from Olympia.

http://www.clm-services.com/cabins/117- ... ark-cabins

 

[Nellie Too]

Dan and Lois,
If you come back the the San Juans you might try Sucia or Stuart Island if the kids can camp out. There are a lot of hicking trails and good places to pitch a tent. These island are just North of San Juan and Orcas Islands. BBQ pits and tables are available in many locations. These are state parks so if you have a permit, they are paid for. If you are lucky, there are docks and also bouys.
All the best,
Bob and Nita

 

[Jmangiameli]

If you (I mean they) are into camping. Sequim Bay State Park has a dock, mooring bouys and camp sites. Potlatch State park at the bottom of the Hood Canel has camping and mooring bouys. I can't remember the name off the top of my head but just south of the southern entrance to Friday Harbor is a small island with 4 bouys and camping on shore and a few miles north is Jones Island, with a dock, bouys and camping.

 

[JamesTXSD]

Depends on the level of accommodations the rest of the crew are looking for... there are a lot of good hotels and B&Bs in and around Friday Harbor, and within an easy walk of the marina. The Lopez Islander on Fisherman's Bay on Lopez Island would be good. Rosario Resort and Spa on Orcas Island. Head up to the Gulf Islands and on up to Desolation Sound... Heriot Bay Inn is nice and has a marina, on Quadra Island (http://heriotbayinn.com/). Gorge Harbour Marina on Cortes Island has camping and a small guest lodge (http://www.gorgeharbour.com/). The options are pretty unlimited, depending on where you want to go.

Back in the San Juans, Jones Island has camping and a dock (the whole island is a state park), no lodging. Roche Harbor has the Haro Hotel. Deer Harbor Resort on Orcas has a marina and hotel.

A cruising guide and an internet connection will keep you busy with all the options in the area.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

 

[Olytuggers]

Thanks for all of the good suggestions. We especially love the camping ideas as we have done that ourselves in the past when we just had a 20 ft. open skiff. We just need to figure out the logistics of hauling an additional family of five with us on our R25SC along with all of their camping gear and necessities. Think some of the shorter runs like from Orcas to Sucia or Orcas to Jones might work for us, as well as from Roche Harbor to Stuart. That way they can take the ferry most of the way and the runs are short enough if we need to make two trips. Also like the Sequim Bay and Hood Canal ideas as they are accessible by car. Jarrell's Cove in South Sound is another camping option that is accessible by car. Looking forward to checking out some of the other recommended lodgings as well.

Dan and Lois Cheney
Hoku Kai, R25SC 2012
www.bioaquatics.com/hokukai

 

[R-Matey]

There's an island located in Blind Bay (Shaw Island area). I believe that camping is allowed but reservations might be needed due to a limited number of places to pitch a tent. You'll know where the kids are as there's no way for them to escape unless they're marathon swimmers.

Ruth and Joe
R-Matey