A Hike in the Park: Anacortes Kayaking, WA Dreaming

Here you see the tip of Burrows Island, just off from Anacortes, WA. That was our kayaking destination. There were 7 of us on a 3 hour guided tour - if you know Gilligan's Island then you might understand my beginner's momentary hesitation.

This island covers more than 400 acres and stands just off Fidalgo Island, facing Rosario Strait. In 1905, prompted by the loss of several vessels, a new lighthouse was built. It is the oldest in WA; it was first lit in April, 1906. Employing keepers for decades, it is still a working, but now automated, lighthouse. That was our destination after launching from the Anacortes marina. It was a grand day and an exciting nature adventure. Normally we hike, but today our legs rested and our arms worked.

Here's another look at the island from Washington Park, which is right in Anacortes. Washington Park Link

Just at the end of the marina we sighted 3 harbor seals. They were eating yummy salmon being thrown off the end of a fishing boat. They swam confident and intent on their lunch feast.

As we continued paddling along the length of Burrows Island, our guide Tucker had in mind the best point for us to make the dash across from the Anacortes side of the channel to the Island so we would have to dodge the fewest fishing boats and speed boats underway. At first nosing the front of the kayak into the oncoming wake seemed challenging, but soon we were enjoying the little waves.

This fishing boat has the distinction of the Olympic mountains as its backdrop.

We did not have to dodge any of the San Juan ferries. I'll leave that to you who are more advanced kayakers. But they did make a pretty scene in the distance as they ferried on between San Juan islands.

On our fun paddle to the lighthouse we saw lots of birds including a juvenile bald eagle. We know that one was less than 4 years old because his signature white headfeathers weren't there yet. We also saw 2 adult bald eagles high in the fir trees, but fortunately they sat on branches stripped of needles so we could see them.

We also saw jellyfish, and a school of very silvery fish, and a starfish. And the lighthouse looked very cool from the water.

We also saw this Black Oystercatcher. These amazing birds can dive 290 feet deep to feast on oysters

We worked up a healthy appetite, so we picnicked on the rock beach at nearby Washington Park. I was glad I didn't have to dive 290 feet down for my lunch, I just took the stairway down from the trail.