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Destinations > Desolation Sound

Desolation Sound

Warmest waters north of Baja, sheltered coves surrounded by lofty peaks of Coastal Range, & sea life like no where else on earth.

Charts
3538 - Southern half of Desolation Sound - Malaspina Island - south end of Redonda Island
3541 - Northern half of Desolation Sound - south end of Redonda - Toba Inlet/Ramsay Arm
3559 - Malaspina Inlet only




Reserves
- Sliammon I.R. between Scuttle Bay & Gibson's Beach

Launching:

- From Squirrel Cove on Cortes Island (Our favorite since you start away from the mob)
- From Lund by way of the Copeland Islands
- From Okeover by way of Okeover Inlet & Malaspina Inlet
- By water Taxi from Lund, for a list of them try http://www.discoverpowellriver.com/

Weather & Hazards
- Boat traffic
- Strong winds in Lewis Channel
- It's best to cross to Mink from Zephine Head in the morning before the wind gets up
-

Consider the following
- Paddling anywhere other than Copeland Islands, Okeover Inlet or some of the short distances on Cortes Island are is not advised for Novices, Intermediate- Advanced paddling conditions through out the rest of the Desolation Sound area is a definite.
- There is a lot of marine traffic in Thulin Passage
- NEVER want to paddle through oyster farming equipment
- Few landings on West Redonda
- Toba Inlet has few landing places, strong inflow/outflow winds/ clapotis waves up to 2 m/ Grizzly country/ Glacier Fed water/ VHF reception is problematic
- If on Cortes, avoid long paddle around Bullock Point by portaging between Squirrel Cove & Von Donop Inlet (.5 km)



Link to books on the area found below

Additional Links