Activities

Paddling
Hiking
Camping

Included

Medically-trained, naturalist guides
All transportation in passenger van
Tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and paddling gear
All lodging: hotels and camping
All meals indicated in itinerary
Park entry fees

Weather

Early fall in the San Juans islands  is generally mild. Daytime temperatures in September usually peak around the low to mid 70s with nighttime lows dropping as low as the mid 50s to upper 40s, rain is very likely. The temperatures on the water will be significantly cooler, up to 10-15 degrees cooler, so adequate rain and wind protection is a must.

Group 

All public trips are 18+. Please make sure to review the Intensity section for information about what to expect on your trip!

Intensity – Moderate

Paddling days will include 3-7 miles of kayaking in a day. Hiking days will usually include about 6 total hours on the trail, covering anywhere from 3-8 miles each day.

This trip includes four days of back-to-back paddling, followed by two days of hiking, so it’s best for travelers who are comfortable being active for most of the day, multiple days in a row. Paddling or hiking experience is not required, but training before your trip will help to prepare.

Accommodations

• Nights 1 & 7, Moore Hotel, Seattle*
• Nights 2-4, Backcountry Campsites San Juan Islands*
• Night 5, Hotel Olympic Lodge by Ayres in Port Angeles*
• Night 6, Campsite in Olympic National Park*
• Double Occupancy

Day 1

Your journey begins today! You’ll meet your group and Washington guides in Seattle at your hotel. We will get to know each other over dinner and have a kayaking-packing lesson before the night is over. This will get us ready for the big adventure to come.

Day 2

Today it’s the van, ferry, kayak, and camp day. All that in one day! We will start off with breakfast at our hotel and get on the road early. We will travel 2 hours to Anacortes to catch our late-morning ferry to Orcas Island. While on the ferry, we will enjoy the views of the San Juan Islands and have lunch.

Once our ferry stops at our terminal, we will have a short drive to North Beach, where we will unpack our boats and get ready for our paddle over to Succia. This paddle will take us about an hour. Once we are on shore, we will set up camp and enjoy a nice dinner together.

Meals: L, D

Day 3

After a cup of coffee and breakfast, we will head out for a paddle over to Matia Island for lunch and continue around Succia for a full circumnavigation of Succia Island. Covering about 6-7 miles today. This day, we will be given many wonderful views and the true feeling of our paddle. We will have time to explore the island’s nooks and crannies.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4

Today we will paddle over to Patos Island 3 miles away, and visit the lighthouse. It will be an exciting change as Canada is just over to the west. We will enjoy lunch and walk around a bit more before heading back to our camp.

Once back on the island, you will have an opportunity to stretch your legs and cover some miles if you desire with all the wonderful trails on Succia. We will enjoy a nice fire and dinner under the stars.

Meals: B, L, D

• Required Gear
  • Bag for personal packing items 
  • Daypack (15-25 liters)
  • Sleeping bag (also available to rent), rated to 20 degrees or below
  • Pack cover
  • Headlamp
  • Reusable water bottles or bladders (3L total capacity)

• Recommended Gear and Personal Items 
  • • Hiking poles
    • Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner (optional, recommended if renting)
    • Travel pillow
    • Sunscreen
    • Earplugs
    • Insect repellent
    • Toiletries (please choose biodegradable and scent-free items)
    • Small, personal first aid kit (including blister treatment)
    • Small, quick dry towel
    • Portable charger