San Juan Islands Kayaking Tour – 5 Day

Tumalo Creek Deposits and Cancellation Policies:

San Juan Islands Tours and Lower Deschutes Whitewater Camps: 50% non-refundable deposit is required upon booking. 60 days prior to departure the remaining balance is due in full. No Shows, cancellations or date changes for any reason inside the 60 day period will be subject to forfeiture of all fees and/or deposits.

Tumalo Creek (TC) Initiated Cancellation Disclaimer: Applies to all one day lessons, trips, tours, multi-day trips, camps and special events. TC reserves the right to cancel, postpone or reschedule one day lessons, trips, tours, multi-day trips, camps and special events within 24 hours of the scheduled date. Circumstances include but are not limited to low enrollment, weather (ex. thunderstorms/lightning), natural disasters (ex. forest fires) and events or circumstances beyond TC’s control.

5 Day Sample Itinerary.

Day 1: West Beach Resort → Jones Island
Distance: ~6–7 miles
Route: Launch from West Beach Resort, paddle south along Orcas Island’s shoreline, then a short crossing to Jones Island.

Camp Highlights: Jones Island State Park offers forested campsites with easy beach access for tents and gear. Great spot for evening beach walks, exploration, and sunset.

Why it works: Short mileage eases you into multi-day paddling, giving time to unpack, set up camp, and enjoy your first night on the water.

Day 2: Jones Island → Obstruction Pass
Distance: ~10–11 miles
Route: Paddle through Pole Pass, Dear Harbor, and West and East Sound to Obstruction Pass.

Camp Highlights: Obstruction Pass State Park has sheltered coves, forested campsites, and scenic views of nearby islands.

Why it works: A slightly longer day with varied paddling keeps momentum while still manageable. Protected waters and scenic bays make it comfortable for both navigation and camping.

Day 3: Obstruction Pass → Turn Island
Distance: ~8–9 miles
Route: Paddle to Shaw Island, stopping at Indian Cove, then continue crossing to Turn Island near Friday Harbor.
Camp Highlights: Indian Cove offers a picturesque stop with tidal beaches and forested campsites. Turn Island, near Friday Harbor, provides scenic camping and opportunities to explore nearby marine life. This stop gives a mix of solitude and proximity to small town amenities if needed.

Why it works: Moderate distance balances paddling and downtime. Stops like Indian Cove break up the day and offer natural exploration, while Turn Island’s location is ideal for experiencing both open-water crossings and sheltered camping.

Day 4: Turn Island → Jones Island
Distance: ~8–10 miles
Route: Paddle through Friday Harbor, then make multiple small crossings to Shaw, Yellow, and Wasp Islands to return to Jones Island.

Camp Highlights: Returning to Jones Island offers the comfort of a previously visited campground. The varied route passes several small islands with tidal beaches and coves.

Why it works: This route mixes short crossings and exploratory paddling around small islands, keeping it interesting while not overly strenuous. Returning to a familiar campsite simplifies logistics before the final day.

Day 5: Jones Island → West Beach Resort, Orcas
Distance: ~6 miles
Route: Paddle north along Orcas Island’s western shores back to West Beach Resort.

Why it works: Short final day gives paddlers time to enjoy the water without fatigue, ensuring a comfortable finish to the trip and time to catch the ferry back to the mainland. Perfect for reflecting on the adventure and soaking in the scenery before heading home.

Gear List:

TC - Provided by Tumalo Creek

On Water:
• Boat - TC
• Paddle - TC
• Sprayskirt - TC
• PFD; Whistle - TC
• Paddle Float - TC
• Sponge - TC
• Bilge pump - TC
• Paddle shoe; booties, mukluks - TC can provide
• Sunglasses w/retainer strap
• Sunscreen & Lip Balm SPF 30
• Sun hat, rain hat, and/or fleece hat
• Synthetic top and bottom
• Paddling top
• Paddling pant
• Dry suit - TC can provide
• Nylon shorts and/or swimsuit
• 32oz Water bottle (2)

Camp:
• Lightweight Backpack Style Sleeping bag
• Lightweight Backpack Style Sleeping Pad
• Lightweight Compact Tent
• Swimsuit
• Camp shorts (1 pair)
• Camp pants (1 pair)
• 2 camp shirts - Guest
• Fleece pants and jacket (wool or down ok)
• Underwear
• Towel (small)
• Toiletry kit
• Insulated coffee/tea mug w/lid
• Insect repellent
• Headlamp or Flashlight w/spare batteries
• Camp shoes and socks
• Small dry bags for personal gear (six to eight 5-10L Dry Bags)
• Ground Tarp - Guest

What should I wear out on the River?

We recommend wearing clothes and shoes that you are ok getting wet. Moisture wicking fabrics are best as they dry quickly. Avoid cotton clothing as it takes a long time to dry and can keep you cold.

Do you provide life jackets?

We do provide life jackets at no additional cost for all of our rentals, tours and classes. We have a variety of sizes to fit many body types.

Are there rapids?

Unless a trip is a whitewater specific trip you will not have to go through any rapids.

Do you provide lunch?

We do provide a sack lunch for all of our full day tours. You can choose your sandwich preference at the same time you make your reservation, vegetarian options are available.

Are dogs allowed on tours?

Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on any of our tours or classes.

Can we do a custom trip?

We can do custom trips and tours. These can be contingent upon availability of our guides and vehicles. Please email [email protected] for more information and pricing.