The Island of Many Names
The protected waters of Horsehead Bay and Cutts Island make for an ideal location for your first kayaking experience. After time has been taken to orientate you with our guide, the kayaking equipment and our destination, we launch our kayaks onto Horsehead Bay. Paddling north and leaving Horsehead Bay, we enter Carr Inlet. On clear days we are treated to sweeping views of the Olympic Mountain range. The eastern shore of Carr Inlet will lead us to Kopachuck State Park, the once seasonal fishing and clamming site of the native Puyallup and Nisqually tribes. After time is taken to admire the expansive Sand Dollar beds just off shore, it is off to Cutts Island aka Deadman's Island, aka Crow Island, aka Scotts Island. Here we will spend some time stretching our legs with an optional walk and a quick discussion on the history of Cutts Island and its names. Harbor seals and 
eagles are often spotted while exploring the low tide sand and gravel spit to the north or the towering clay banks to the south. We conclude our paddle by returning to Horsehead Bay.
Links and Resources
Kopachuck - Washington State Parks
Location: Cutts Island, Pierce County, Washington. Approximately 15 miles west of Tacoma
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Evening Paddles: 6pm-9pm
Itinerary:
6:00-6:30 pm meet at Horsehead Bay boat ramp sign liability waivers, assign equipment and safety talk
6:30-7:15 paddle to Kopachuck State Park, stretch and bathroom break
7:15-7:30 paddle to Cutts Island
7:30-8:00 explore Cutts Island
8:00-9:00 return paddle to Horsehead Bay
Moon Light Paddles: 8pm-11pm
Itinerary:
8:00-8:30 pm meet at Horsehead Bay boat ramp, sign liability waivers, assign equipment and safety talk
8:30-9:15 paddle to Kopachuck State Park, stretch and bathroom break
9:15-9:30 paddle to Cutts Island
9:30-10:00 explore Cutts Island
10:00-11:00 return paddle to Horsehead Bay
For a
Trip Packet, including driving directions and a packing list down load this PDF File.
