Vashon Island Circumnavigation

Circumnavigating Vashon Island is a long trip that crosses the Puget Sound from Dash Point and follows Colvos Passage around the island in a clockwise trajectory. From Dash Point, cross the Puget Sound heading toward the southern end of Vashon Island. Like any trip that involves a crossing of the sound, paddlers should be aware of approaching container ships, ferries, and other water traffic. The use of a VHF radio to monitor shipping traffic is highly recommended. The route around Vashon Island crosses two ferry routes on both the north and south side of the island.  

From the south side of the island, head into the protected Colvos Passage, which always flows to the north regardless of the tides. Be on the lookout for eagles, seals, and even whales along the route through this scenic, narrow passage. Paddlers have several options for camping during this route. For paddlers getting a late start from Dash Point, Lisabuela Park offers a single Cascadia Marine Trail site. For paddlers wanting to get further along, Winghaven is another marine trail site on the northern end of the island. From Lisabuela, continue north through Colvos Passage and round the north end of the island. Once paddlers round the north side of the island and leave the protected nature of Colvos Passage behind, the currents become stronger and the crossings between points of the island become longer and more exposed. Continue paddling along the shoreline and choose the best place to cross back to Dash Point depending on the currents and conditions.