Parks Bay

Dec 25, 2000
5,704
Hunter Passage 42 Shelter Bay, WA
Over the years we have frequently used Parks Bay located on the west side of Shaw Island as a layover anchorage on our way north, returning home, or just out cruising the islands. Lots of room, good holding, several 25 foot deep spots at the bottom of the Bay and well protected from southerlies.

The surrounding beach areas are private, so no access. But, it is a short jaunt (about two miles) across San Juan channel to Friday Harbor, if you like that sort of thing. No need to elaborate on Friday Harbor other than to say it does have a very nice grocery store, hardware store and several good eating establishments.

A few years ago our flotilla spent almost two weeks there waiting for another skipper to coalesce. One day the son of the homestead family that owns the east side of the bay took off in his skiff. When he was passing by our boat his engine stopped and since he was without oars, I offered to tow him back to his family dock.

Needless to say his parents were grateful for the rescue and invited us ashore for their evening shoreside picnic. It was a real pleasure to meet and visit with such nice people, who told us about his grandfather homesteading the area so many years ago where they now live.