Questions about WA State Park Docks in the San Juan Islands

[BillEvans]

I’m pretty new to this kayaking camping experience but I have some, hopefully not too stupid, questions about docks. Specifically WA State Park Docks in the San Juan Islands.

Is it allowed, or practical, to land, unload, and “park” a kayak on the docks in WA State Parks?

The reason I ask is that I found a couple of nice campsites on Stuart and Sucia that don’t have good beach access but would work coming from the dock.

Of course, I’d only consider these as good options during the off season.

Does anyone have any experience or thoughts on this?

Thanks, Bill

 

[alexsidles]

I often load and unload kayaks on the state parks docks in the San Juans, including the ones you mentioned on Stuart and Sucia. There’s no fee, but it’s polite to clear the dock as fast as possible. Sometimes in the dead of winter I’ll leave the boat on the dock overnight, especially on Stuart where it’s a long carry up the hill, but that’s not a good practice because it impedes other boaters’ usage.

Alex

 

[cougarmeat]

One nice feature about docks/landings (thinking of Patos) that service larger watercraft - they often have a "wheelbarrow" to haul gear from the landing to the campsite. I know this is true on Patos and Jones (north side).

Depending upon tides level and "population density", you could probably tether up at the dock.

 

[BillEvans]

I often load and unload kayaks on the state parks docks in the San Juans, including the ones you mentioned on Stuart and Sucia. There’s no fee, but it’s polite to clear the dock as fast as possible. Sometimes in the dead of winter I’ll leave the boat on the dock overnight, especially on Stuart where it’s a long carry up the hill, but that’s not a good practice because it impedes other boaters’ usage.

Alex

Thanks Alex,

That was just the info I was hoping / looking for. And I would only use this strategy during the late fall thru early spring off season. And probably mid week to boot. There was only a single boat on the Reid Harbor dock during my late November trip and a nice, empty, little spot on the end of the dingy dock. This is what got me thinking about this possibility.

And having walked the Sucia dock during the summer, your practice of being polite by not cluttering the dock is admirable.

Bill

Edit: And one other note. I’m not sure it was planned, but one end of the Reid Harbor dingy dock sloops nicely towards the water. Almost like it was made to haul up a kayak.