My first paddle this year was also my first campout of the year. My brother and I paddled from West Seattle to nearby Blake Island and camped Sunday night. The breeze was slight, the sun was bright, and the air was crisp. We had a wonderful time hiking the maze of trails through the island's interior.
Route map. Tides in this area are usually insignificant.
We had expected we would be the only ones fanatic enough to camp in the January cold. To our surprise, there were several powerboats anchored offshore, and one small group even spent the night on the island. A park ranger even came by to collect campground fee payments.
Departing West Seattle for Blake Island. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish Blake from the background of the Kitsap Peninsula.
Nathan and the Olympic Mountains. The Olympics are his favorite range.
Campsite on Blake Island. In January, we had our pick of the best campsites on the northwest side.
Early morning forest on Blake Island. The madrone, salad, and Douglas-fir make it look more like the San Juans than the central sound.
Departing north side of Blake Island. The ship in the background is a bulk carrier, waiting to take on cargo.
Nathan and Mount Rainier. This washed-out palette is characteristic of the Pacific Northwest.
We saw seven species of mammal on this short, urban paddle: California and Steller sea lions, harbor seal, harbor porpoise, river otter, raccoon, and mule deer. The raccoon and deer were so tame they practically sat in our laps.
—Alex Sidles