Submitted by Chris Fry of West Bay Paddleboards
Lower Budd Inlet has many paddling options. For those who want a quick workout or a short paddle there are the following:
Swantown Marina to Ellis Cove, (Priest Point Park), 3 mile round trip
West Bay Marina to Ellis Cove (Priest Point Park), 3 mile round trip.
Rotary Park (off West Bay Dr.) to Percival Landing, 2.5 miles.
Each launch point has a map of the surrounding area so the paddlers can familiarize themselves with the local waters.
These offer a great abbreviated paddle with great views of Olympia, Mt. Rainier, and the Olympics.
Sea life and birdlife are abundant as well. The log rafts north of West Bay Marina offer a great view to a large seal population. Ellis Cove is a quiet little cove with Heron and various other birdlife.
During the Summer to late Fall months jellyfish drift through the bay in thick white clouds sometimes stretching hundreds of feet. And during the Fall the salmon make their return.
All of this within minutes of downtown Olympia.
Launch areas are:
Westbay Marina —- 2100 Westbay Dr. N.W.
Swantown Marina—- 1022 Marine Drive NE Rotary Park (West Bay Park)—-700 West Bay Drive Even with short paddles, it is always important to check weather conditions and tide charts before heading out. Washington State law also requires paddleboarders to have a pfd on board as well as a leash attached to the leg.
Located in Olympia, West Bay Paddleboards is a mobile unit covering the Thurston County area. West Bay Paddleboards can be reached via their website http://www.westbaypaddleboards.com or by phone 360-584-0582.
