Days
<1
Motors Allowed?
Yes
Difficulty
Moderate / Class B
Distance
6.50 mi (10.46 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Everyone knows about the stunning San Juan Islands, but you'll find little traffic around Portage Island in Bellingham Bay. This uninhabited island is part of the Lummi Native American Tribal lands, and it offers a great place to paddle and explore. Much of the island has accessible beaches for a rest or picnic.  

The roughly 6.5-mile trip features views of Mount Baker, Lummi Island, the San Juan Islands, and the beautiful waters of Puget Sound. Expect a variety of wildlife encounters, including sea lions, seals, bald eagles, vultures, and numerous species of shorebirds, crabs, and fish. 

The small parking lot is at the end Portage Point (though you can also put in at Gooseberry Point near the Lummi Island Ferry terminal). You can actually walk out to Portage Island from this point during low tide (so watch your rutter). Check the tides, and bring snacks and lots of water. Portage Bay is a shallow tidal flat that features a spit of land called Brant Point. In addition to hosting resting shorebirds, Brant Point is a good place to portage your kayak or paddleboard for a shortcut.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Abundant wildlife. Island explorations. Solitude.

Cons

Subject to tides and surf. Limited parking.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Put-in location (lat, long coordinates)

48.716065, -122.651269

Take-out location (lat, long coordinates)

48.716065, -122.651269

Water Temperature

54.00 °F (12.22 °C)

Features

Backcountry camping
Fishing
Bird watching
Wildlife

Trail type

Loop

Access

Vehicle

Shuttle required

No

Site characteristics: Water

Sound/Strait

Portage required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

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