Freshwater Bay

Couldn't have picked a more perfect day for exploring the Olympic Peninsula.  Launched at Freshwater Bay boat ramp to begin our coastline adventure.  No surprise that we weren't the only ones with the idea of paddling here as there were a couple of other kayaking groups that showed up.  This is a paddlers delight.  Sun was shining, ocean swells were minor (if any at all) and temps were in the low 60s.  Not a great day for those wanting to do a little kayak surfing but for the rest of us, it couldn't have been better.  This is my first time paddling this far north on the Peninsula.  Freshwater Bay is mostly protected  and is one of the most scenic sections of coastline in Washington with lots of cliffs, kelp beds, and small coves.  Just know that the water is very cold - dress for it and you should be fine.  We paddled inside the kep line to enjoy the amazing views and not rush the 4.5 miles to Cresent Beach for lunch.  We saw seals and a variety of birds, lots of jellyfish and I was lucky enough to spot some purple starfish in the turquoise blue water.

 

Click here to follow along

The launch site - Freshwater Bay boat launch

Cute starfish

 Look at the crystal clear water

Exploring coves

These kelp beds were everywhere - felt and sounded like you were paddling over a cheese grater.  Just an illusion - the boat is just fine.

Absolutely gorgeous

 Just chillin'

 Threading the rocks

Lunch

Lions Mane jellyfish.  Why we're manhandling it I do not know.

My purple starfish



 

 Heading back from lunch

The Valley Avocet LV

 

There's two things that I would do differently next time (and there definitely will be a next time): 1. Stay overnight some place nearby. Either camp at Salt Creek (which is pretty nice) or stay at a local hotel. Left home at 7:00am for the 2 1/2 hour drive to get here. 2. Bring a boat that I don't have to baby. There were so many areas that if I didn't have my scratch-free Avocet LV, I would have loved to have ventured through. But those huge rocks are deadly to gel coat, not to mention kevlar underneath. Next time, a playboat would be my craft of choice.