Headed to the San Juans. Best, Secure, Long Term Parking??

Desert Dory

Hi Brats,
The Mrs and I will be heading to the PNW towards the end of the month. We will stop at Jackson Lake for a night or two, then over to Cour d'Alane to visit friends for a few days over the 4th. From there we're heading to the San Juans where we expect to stay for 7-8 days.

I'm still trying to figure out the best bet for leaving the truck/trailer in a secure place for the time we're on the water in the San Juan's. I did do a search and read some of the older threads on this subject but, I am also aware these suggestions can change after a year or two just because things, places, change.

I did contact a friend who has a friend who lives in the area and he recommended the large Bellingham or Anacortes marina's, and even suggested Cornett Bay, stating it has a pretty consistent Ranger/Sheriff presence there at the launch. Thoughts?

Another option is to use the Naval Station Everett ramp/marina and leave the truck there. You would think being on base would make things a bit more secure? That makes for a pretty good haul to get up to the islands though.

So, what to you Brats suggest?

Thanks in advance, Allen

Missynme · Posted: Sat Jun 19, 2021 1:45 pm Post subject:

We go out all the time using Bellingham, Washington Park, and Cornet Bay. All have been no problem for at least 4 day weekends. Bellingham is a great North entrance. Wa Park will be expensive for longer periods but fastest into the islands. Cornet is our favorite. Go thru Thatchers pass for smoother sailing. We can launch and retrieve any time at Bellingham. Easily at Cornet -1 tide. And Wa Park 0+. We did -.6 at Wa Park but very short dock and a lot of wenching. Bellingham has some wave issues that I haven’t figured out yet with accuracy. Going out Cornet thru Deception Pass and Cattle point is a favorite route but the currents can make a bumpy ride headed to Cattle Point. Check out Whale Rocks along the way to see all the seals and sea lions. The San Juan’s are fun to visit no mater the weather. Although some days are better to walk onto the ferry and let someone else navigate the waters.
Enjoy, Roger & Melissa

DayBreak · Posted: Sat Jun 19, 2021 2:17 pm Post subject:

Cornet Bay Boat Ramp is also a favorite here. There is a Marine Park Host that lives on the south side of the parking area near the ramp to keep an eye out for your rig. You will need to pay a launch fee along with a fee for Discovery Pass and $10 a day for parking. The State Parks Law Enforcement Ranger patrols the lot quite frequently which is a plus. Bellingham is a great place to launch and they have washdown station. With a max of only 3 days on parking, you can store your trailer in secure storage at 'Landings at Colony Wharf' just south of the ramp on C Street, then park your truck in the parking lot just north of the ramp long-term.

Have fun and be safe.

RobMcClain · Posted: Sat Jun 19, 2021 2:43 pm Post subject:

During late summer of 2019 we spent 3+ weeks exploring the San Juan and Gulf Islands. Launched from the Squalicum Harbor ramp in Bellingham, which is a great ramp. For long term parking we used Hilton Harbor, just to the south of the Bellingham ramp and within very easy walking distance. They took the boat trailer, and then with recommendation/permission of the harbor master at Squalicum we parked in their parking lot. They gave me a permission slip to place on my car seat. I believe the trailer cost for the 3+ weeks at Hilton was $25, and no fee for the car at Squalicum. Hilton has a gated and secure parking area for the trailers.

Rob

DayBreak · Posted: Sat Jun 19, 2021 5:08 pm Post subject:

Hilton Harbor is next to and just above Landings at Colony Wharf. Last year the Harbor Master at the Port of Bellingham(Squalicum) told us to park in the north parking lot next to The Loft Restaurant and for a week of parking, we would not need written permission or to sign the Port Register. Check with the Harbor Master just to be sure.

davidJ · Posted: Sat Jun 19, 2021 10:56 pm Post subject:

If you lock your truck and maybe lock your trailer to your truck you should be safe at any of these launches. I would be more concerned about finding a parking space as salmon season opens July 1st in area 7, and crab opens in area 6. Good luck and have a good trip.

hardee · Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2021 1:19 am Post subject:

I can't speak currently for Starcraft Tom, but I know he has parking available near Marysville. PM him for details on that. (I'm surprised that he has not popped up in this thread already.)

IF you are NOT interested in driving through Seattle (I-5, I-405 etc.) and the Strait of Juan does not intimidate you, (not to be confused with respect), I can connect you with good, secure parking, away from the marina, but would/could include transportation to and from the launch. It would be at a friend of mine's place but end of a long drive off the street to the last place, with plenty of maneuvering room.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

Desert Dory · Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2021 1:57 am Post subject:

Thanks for all the tips/reply's everyone.

I think we may give Cornet a shot first. We should be arriving either Tuesday the 6th or Wednesday the 7th so, hopefully there will be a spot. If not, we'll head on up to Anacortes or Bellingham.

@Harvey. Thanks for the offer to store at your buddy's place. This is going to be our first "saltwater" adventure so I'm not so sure I'd want to tackle the Strait this time.

hardee · Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2021 2:05 am Post subject:

DayBreak · Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2021 10:53 am Post subject:

The four D words that Harvey uses is why we will again use Sequim in the future. Launching out of Cornet was our first boating experience with our C-Dory and it was good. I don't remember a wash down rack in the parking lot but maybe I just didn't see it. The Marine Caretaker/Camp Host told us to park in the trailer slot adjacent to her travel trailer where she was living and that she would watch our rig while we were away. She was very nice and made our experience with Cornet a positive one. The day we pulled out was the opener of the crabbing season. It was very crowded but organized chaos and we had no problem.

Salmon Fisher · Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2021 11:57 am Post subject:

You should be good at Cornet Bay.
They have a 10 night limit on overnight parking and it is $10 a night fee.

Desert Dory · Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2021 12:41 am Post subject:

Hello Brats.

Just a little update. After 3 nights at Jackson Lake, GTNP. 4 nights at Coeur D'Alene, we are now in the San Juan's.

Thanks for the Cornet Bay tip. The place was pretty empty and we got a parking spot right by the host ladies trailer.

Met Ranger Tug skipper, and C-Brat, Patrick as we were getting ready to launch. Super nice guy with some great tips.

Got launched right around 5 and made it thru the pass and across the straight with no issues.

Let the fun begin.

hardee · Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2021 12:22 am Post subject:

Allen, Glad you made it to the SJI. You should have a wonderful week there. Patrick is a super guy, and know the islands well. Pay attention to his tips.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

Desert Dory · Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2021 1:12 am Post subject:

Update #2. After an awesome week in the SJI's the truck was still there, untouched, right where we left it. Watched the weather and shot across Rosario about 4pm on Tuesday and waited in Burrows Bay for the 7pm slack tide thru Deception Pass. The ride from Burrows to Deception was more than a little sporty. Made it just fine but wouldn't want to do it again any time soon.

Loaded up Wednesday, morning and now headed back to AZ.

SJI's are fantastic, you guys living up here are totally spoiled, and Cornet is a great place to launch from.

Thanks again for the insight.