Stuart Island's Turning Point
Stuart Islands Turn Point has to be one of the most striking places in the San Juan Islands. In 1893 this prominent location began marking the northern most entrance to Haro Straight. Stuart Island, named by the Wilkes Expedition in 1841, is the quintessential place to understand "Island Life." This laid-back part private part public island is a steeping back in time. Small enough to walk country roads and catch sunset at Turn Point yet large enough for a circumnavigation this San Juan Island makes for a often overlooked kayaking 
multi-day trip. Out trip starts at Roche Harbor on San Juan Island, crosses Spiden Channel probes the kelp beds and steep shorelines of Spiden Island before continuing on Prevost Harbor were we set up camp for the next few nights. Day paddles around Stuart and John's Islands are highlight by towering honeycombed walls of Chuckanut Sandstone, starfish, and the occasional pod of Orcas.
Location: Stuart Island , San Juan County, Washington. Approximately 4 miles northwest of San Juan Island.
Difficulty: Intermediate
3 Day Paddle:
Itinerary:
Day 1
9:00-am meet at Roche Harbor, sign liability waivers, assign equipment, pack boats and safety talk
10:45 paddle to Stuart Island
set up camp
dinner
Day 2
breakfast
paddle around Stuart Island
lunch
dinner
hike to Turn Point Light House, exploration or relaxation
Day 3
breakfast
camp breakdown
return paddle to Roche Harbor
back by 4pm
4 Day Paddle:
Itinerary:
Day 1
9:00-am meet at Roche Harbor, sign liability waivers, assign equipment, pack boats and safety talk
10:45 paddle to Stuart Island
set up camp
dinner
Day 2
breakfast
paddle around Stuart Island
lunch
dinner
hike to Turn Point Light House, exploration or relaxation
Day 3
breakfast
paddle to east end of John's Island
lunch
return paddle to Stuart Island
dinner
Day 4
breakfast
camp breakdown
return paddle to Roche Harbor
back by 4pm
For a
Trip Packet, including driving directions and a packing list down load this PDF File.
