A Sunset Paddle at Larrabee State Park
Created in 1915, Larrabee is Washington's first state park! Greg and I recently visited to test out our new packrafts in saltwater.
Created in 1915, Larrabee is Washington's first state park! Greg and I recently visited to test out our new packrafts in saltwater.
We launched from Larrabee State Park Boat Launch at Wildcat Cove. The Discover Pass is required to park here and there is a $7 launch fee. There are loaner life vests at the trailhead in case you forget your own!
Larrabee is the perfect place to watch the sunset– especially from the water! This park is also great for wildlife sightings. We saw two bald eagles and a seal.
While gorgeous, this trip was a reminder that water demands respect. Despite being "only" a bay, the worsening wind and therefore current was very difficult to paddle back in against. Darkness was setting in as I pushed against the steady gusts, shoulders burning. This added stress to the end of an otherwise peaceful trip.
Luckily, we were able to make it back to shore with only sore arms.
The trailhead hosts life jacket rentals and a memorial for Jim Robinson and Braden Talbott Lindholdt, two 20-year-olds who went missing on an evening kayaking trip from Wildcat Cove in 2001.
Wildcat Cove Paddle has a convenient paddle trip planning resources page.
Wind Forecast
Tide Forecast
Marine Forecast
Wind and Weather Forecasts
Webcams and Forecasts
Paddling.com offers paddling safety tips and resources.
Check the weather, wear your life vest, and dress for immersion if you're going to be paddling cold water. If you do go overboard, do your best to stay with your vessel– it gives you the best chance of being spotted by rescuers.