Quileute Harbor Marina aka Lapush Boat Basin, Washington Coast

D

dkinzer

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Sep 22, 2021
284
Hunter 41AC 0 Portland, OR
I'm in the process of figuring out the legs of a trip from Astoria, Oregon to Port Angeles, Washington in the June time frame. We can either sail overnight (a new experience) or we could make some stops along the way. There is a suitable marina in Gray's Harbor, about 9 hours from Astoria. From there, it's about 22 hours to Neah Bay on the tip of the Olympic Penninsula and about 9 hours more from Neah Bay to Port Angeles.

I found that there is a marina (almost centered) between Gray's and Neah Bay called "Lapush Boat Basin" or "Quileute Harbor Marina". However, when I attempt to get Navionics to plot a route to there or from there, it works on it for a long time and then says that no route could be found.

Looking at the depths on the chart (my draft is 6.5 ft and I set it to 8 feet in Navionics), it appears that there shouldn't be any problem getting in and out of that marina. I do notice, however, that the chart shows a "Regulated Navigation Area" covering all of the area leading into that marina. What I don't know is what that notation actually means. I called the marina and the person to whom I spoke claimed to know nothing about that RNA and says that they have sailboats using their marina.

Does anyone have any experience using the Lapush Boat Basin or know why Navionics might fail to find a route?
 
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FastOlson

FastOlson

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Apr 8, 2010
2,088
Ericson Yachts Olson 34 28400 Portland OR
I have done deliveries up n down the Washington coast for several decades. Most skippers want to get 'er done quickly since it is usually a lee shore and there's not much to see. Astoria to Neah Bay will be about 26 hours, straight thru. Often nice to spend a night at Neah Bay at the marina or at anchor and catch up on sleep. Then it's about 12 hours east to Port Angeles. You can fuel up at Astoria, Grays Harbor or LaPush, and we have done so.

I find that it's just easiest to carry some yellow jerry cans on deck, and a handy "rattle syphon", and continue straight thru. We do not like to let the main tank get too low because when it's low the fuel might slosh around and let some air sneak into the engine supply line.

Some folks that like a good night's rest do "harbor hop" first to Grays Harbor, then to Illaco, and then to Neah Bay. Kind of depends on weather windows and how much time you have. And it's great to get your rest and dine out every night!

Just follow the chart going in and out of Quilaute River entrance. Very short distance in or out. Turn at the Red buoy, and do not cut across by the island.
Check in with the USCG there for notices. If you contact them and you are entering at night they can activate a bank of flood lights on James Island to illuminate the entrance; it's pretty cool.

Lots of sailors opt not to stop there IF.... they are comfortable continuing on, 15 miles off shore and IF they are comfortable with watch standing. I have done these trips with 3 or 4 crew, which is ideal. With just two of us we got really tired and did spend a night at Grays Harbor. When you are not used to being continuously at sea, getting kicked around all day by a sneaky cross sea can make sleep difficult on these sort of short deliveries. :(

Very scenic coast. Amazing. Just do not get too close to those charted rocks and reefs.....

And watch out, seriously, for crab pot floats.
 
Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

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Feb 26, 2004
22,985
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
dkinzer said:
I found that there is a marina (almost centered) between Gray's and Neah Bay called "Lapush Boat Basin" or "Quileute Harbor Marina". However, when I attempt to get Navionics to plot a route to there or from there, it works on it for a long time and then says that no route could be found.

.......................
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I called the marina and the person to whom I spoke claimed to know nothing about that RNA and says that they have sailboats using their marina.

Does anyone have any experience using the Lapush Boat Basin or know why Navionics might fail to find a route?
Click to expand
John gave you the link to my long story about our trip up the coast. Some comments based on your post:

1. I would strongly recommend not starting in Astoria but rather from Ilwaco. Why? 'Cuz getting to the ocean is a short distance from Ilwaco, rather than the slog (comparatively) from Astoria to the mouth.

2. Grays Harbour has an excellent marina, but beware - the slip numbers are only on the dock side! It is a long ride in from the ocean to the harbor, with a somewhat tricky entrance. Another reason to leave from Ilwaco - use all the daylight you can, 'cuz we got to Grays just as it got dark.

3. Grays to Lapush was our longest day on the water 13 hours! Lapush is an Indian reservation with no alcohol, a small general store is a mile up the road, but there is a nice restaurant. They cater to tuna fishing folks, so you might want to find out what the season is. If it's on, you might not find a spot. The Charlies Charts book has an excellent guide to the tricky entrance. Do NOT avoid reading this guide if you choose to go there. The CG at Lapush is superb, great folks.

4. Anticipate laydays because of wind.

5. Please read my blog. It will help you. Honest, it will.
 
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