Princess Louisa Inlet

[Terry Cox]

At the moment AMEE flotilla has Princess Louisa Inlet at the bottom of Jervis Inlet on the cruising itinerary for this season. Never been there, but some say it is quite nice, worth the hike in. Does anyone here have local knowledge they would care to share?

We've been by the entrance to Jervis some number of times during our cruises north. We've talked about making the trip in, perhaps we will this year.

 

[Kings Gambit]

At the moment AMEE flotilla has Princess Louisa Inlet at the bottom of Jervis Inlet on the cruising itinerary for this season. Never been there, but some say it is quite nice, but a bit of a hike in. Does anyone here have local knowledge they would care to share?

We've been by the entrance to Jervis some number of times during our cruises north. We've talked about making the trip in, perhaps we will this year.

We were up there on a BB charter out of Vancouver in the mid-90's. It's a fairly long ride (ca. 43 n.mi.) up the reaches to Malibu from the entrance into Jervis Inlet at Georges Strait . "Local knowledge" and guide books recommended passing through Malibu Rapids at slack water. It's a narrow pass with a twist and with fast water; then another 3 or so n.mi. into Princess Louisa at the foot of the falls. It's "Yosemite Falls" on the water! Our timing was off on the tides, such that we arrived to the rapids near twilight but more than 2 hr ahead of slack water. Dithering on the matter about going then and braving the current or waiting until after dark, we lucked out when a local boater showed up, and zoomed through with us in close pursuit! Barely got the hook down in 20+ ft by dark. Beautiful spot; I'd go again. [No place to anchor outside in the reaches; steep rock-bound canyon all the way. So, got to go into PL by dark or potentially be stuck out there live boating all night!]

 

[tgrady]

Quite nice is an understatement. You have a tidal gate at the beginning but it really is not much if you time the slack (but do go at slack). Radio in as people are coming in and out during that 20 min. Sailboats generally have preference. The dock is nice but can get crowded. The guide books will show you where to drop the anchor if it is full. Plan carefully for the way up because there are few places to drop anchor until you get there.

Take a hike up to the trappers cabin but stay on the trail (experienced not taking that advice).

 

[Mark Maulden]

Do it! Earlier the better cuz of all the waterfalls on the sides. A lot of them dry up later in the season. You can make Malibu rapids from Pender Hbr or Eggmont in one tide.

 

[druid]

Been there a couple times - it is magical! It's a long, usually-motor slog up Jervis Inlet - most people start from Pender Hbr or Egmont (careful at Egmont - Skookumchuck current can be felt there!). As others have said, the Big Issue is Malibu Rapids. There is some anchorage a ways from the falls. As for a hike - you can see the falls from the water. There is a fairly demanding trail to the top of the falls that I'm told is worth going on.

Any time in the summer be prepared for lots of crowds!
druid

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Never been there, but some say it is quite nice, worth the hike in. Does anyone here have local knowledge they would care to share?

Nope, nothing to see there, just move along folks .

Unfortunately, there's another one of our many gems in this area going public. As Mark Maulden mentions, the earlier you go the more waterfalls you'll see and they are spectacular. Going early will also avoid the crowds although there's always room to stern tie to the left of the falls. Never been left floating around all night due to the lack of a spot.

 

[Captn Scotty]

You may also enjoy Harmony Islands Marine Park, which is in Hotham Sound a few miles into Jervice Inlet. It also has some beautiful falls a little to the South East coming out of Freil Lake. It has been mentioned in many cruising books and would make for a good stop over on your way to Princess Louisa!

 

[tgrady]

Wait! What am I saying! Naw. the place sucks. Don't go. Thoses pictures are photoshopped. To long of drive, Just some water over some rocks...

 

[Terry Cox]

Hi Ralph, nice photos. Thanks.

 

[Terry Cox]

Thanks guys for your input. Hopefully, the trip will come to fruition and as I have done before post a log report of the experience. Maybe even some videos and stills. too.

 

[Mark Maulden]

You'll love it..I used to go up there with my grandfather as a kid. Used to play cribbage with Mac McDonald. BTW, what does AMEE stand for?

 

[Terry Cox]

On one of our earlier cruises (2005 I think), when all four of us were together our boats were ported at; Anacortes (Colin-Wassail), Mukilteo (Terry-Belle-Vie), Everett (John-Friehet) and Everett (Bob-Mariposa). So, I came up with AMEE as our hailing call sign for our little flotilla.

 

[Kings Gambit]

You'll love it..I used to go up there with my grandfather as a kid. Used to play cribbage with Mac McDonald. BTW, what does AMEE stand for?

You folks have it pretty nice there in the great PNW! I've bare-boat chartered there 4 times, the most recent for a week in August of 2013. I'd like to spend a whole "summer" up there, whatever that means. Just say, May through September, and circumnavigate Vancouver Island, as I'm sure many others have done. The scenery, the challenge, the folks, and the food! It's all good.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

I'd like to spend a whole "summer" up there, whatever that means.

The PNW is the most beautiful place on earth ..................... on both days it doesn't rain.
And this isn't one of them, although it was mid August.

 

[Charles Erwin]

Your pictures are excellent. Probably headed to Princess or Desolation or both. Your photos probably clinched it

Charles

 

[Terry Cox]

Very nice pic.

 

[Kings Gambit]

Left: Clearing Dodd Narrows at slack water leaving Nanaimo & heading south (view is looking back toward north), August, 2013; Right: Entering East Bay, Gambier Island, after crossing Georges Strait. Lower: A new 45' Dufour passing us in Georges Strait heading toward Gambier (one of our charter group; we're sailing too in a Bavaria 42); the city of Vancouver on the horizon, August 2013. Tell me where it gets better!

 

[Mark Maulden]

I've gone through Dodd Narrows with 7 humpbacks....interesting experience and camera stuffed below...