D
eer Harbor on Orcas Island rates as one of the Salish Sea’s quietest and most picturesque
moorages. Tall rocky cliffs topped with a thick green covering of Douglas firs line the harbor’s west side, and the cabins of Deer Harbor Resort recede up a gentle slope into the old apple orchards and forest along the east side of the harbor. This serene, natural setting is
a haven for all manner of wildlife. You’re likely to see bald eagles soaring overhead, Great Blue Herons striding through the tide flats, Harbor Seals frolicking beside your boat and whales blowing spray outside the harbor. Ashore, watch for black tail deer loping through the orchards and masked raccoons foraging for food. Deer Harbor’s easiest access from
the east is via Pole Pass between Crane Island and Orcas Island. The narrow 50-yard wide pass looks more formidable to sailors than it really is, but you need to pay attention. It’s deep, well marked, and frequently used. Make sure you know what the tide is doing so you know how it will affect you, the boats behind you and the boats coming through the other way. Stay in mid-channel and watch for the rocks on the north shoreline, marked with a red “2”. Once inside the harbor, stay 300
yards away from the shoals on the east shore. Anchorage is good throughout the harbor but pay close attention to you depth and the tides. Deer Harbor Resort is a sprawling series of brown and gray cabins on the hillside. Call VHF Channel 78A when approaching the marina for your moorage assignment. Although the marina has 111 slips
(55 for guests), Harbormaster Marc Broman, advises that you call first to reserve a slip if visiting in July or August, 360-376-3037. This is a busy marina in the summer, hosting 15-20 yacht club rendezvous’ each year and Marc has reluctantly turned people away in the past when the marina has been filled. The marina offers good amenities:
power, water, shower, toilet facilities, laundromat, internet access, pump out, garbage disposal, recycling, and a fuel dock at the marina’s south float. The marina office is located in a brown building on the pier right at the head of
the dock. Moorage rates are $1.55/foot (May 1 to September 30). Conveniently located on the dock is
the Marina Store, a grocery with wine, beer, snacks, and other basics, that doubles as a Café, with a surprisingly lengthy menu. The all-day breakfasts of egg croissants, burritos, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, will get your day off to a good start. The Café’s lunch selection includes burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, fish & chips, chicken strips, French fries, etc. And, of course, with the Pacific Northwest being the spiritual center of coffee, there’s a java
selection as long as your arm. Who’d have thought you could tie up, walk a few paces and order an Americano, Cappucino latte, or Mocha—offered in four sizes—before you even reach dry land!
There are plenty of other activities
in Deer Harbor to keep you occupied. You can rent kayaks or runabouts right off the dock for a quiet paddle in the harbor or a quick fishing trip. If you haven’t seen an Orca while sailing the islands, jump aboard Deer Harbor Charters to go whale watching. There’s even a naturalist to tell you about the
A HEATED GARAGE FOR YOUR BOAT
• 30,000 sq.ft. heated storage building • Just minutes from San Juans and Gulf Islands • Outside storage also available at $6/ft. • Full service boatyard onsite
Prepay now to reserve your spot and receive a discount on your winter stall. Term / Payments
12 months, paid in advance 12 months, paid monthly 6 months, paid in advance 6 months, paid monthly 3 months, paid in advance
Prices subject to change without notice
Cost per foot* $12 $13 $14 $15 $16
*Length overall
TOPSIDE PAINT SPECIAL 20% OFF LABOR
Call for details and an estimate. Offer ends August 31st.
SEAVIEW WEST
At Shilshole Bay Marina
206-783-6550
west@seaviewboatyard.com
SEAVIEW NORTH
At Squalicum Harbor Marina
360-676-8282
north@seaviewboatyard.com
www.seaviewboatyard.com 48° NORTH, JULY 2011 PAGE 43
SEAVIEW YACHT SERVICE FAIRHAVEN In Bellingham’s Fairhaven District
360-594-4314
fairhaven@seaviewboatyard.com
$10 Introductory price
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