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Anderson Island Images and Information

Located about 3 hours from Portland in South Puget Sound near four different islands, the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, natural bays, and in sight of Mt. Rainer and the Olympics, Anderson island is mostly private.  Access to the water is almost non-existent, and many island amenities including the campground are private.  However, with proper connections to Anderson Island residents, guest passes open access to the fresh water lakes, golf course, private parks, campground and Riviera Marina.   OOPS is able to lead some trips here due to members who are also Anderson Island residents.

Scroll down for information about the most recent event at this location

Additional resources:

  • How to submit more pictures for this page
  • OOPS runs a paddle weekend at Anderson Isand, usually during May.  See  below. 
  • Click to view the map location for Anderson Island
  • Conditions in May:
    • It's Puget Sound in spring - wet or dry suits required for immersion protection
    • It will be spring. Expect the possibility of wind, showers and hope for sunshine.
  • Other Considerations
    • This is a private island - you need a local contact to visit
    • A Washington Discover Pass will be needed at the parks near Anderson Island
    • You should find plenty of food, lodging, etc. in nearby Olympia and Lakewood, Washington

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Anderson Island Annual Event

Don’t miss this sought-after OOPS Event in South Puget Sound!

Paddle on saltwater in a protected environment with lots of choices, in the company of friends, and close to home. Kayakers are in proximity to four different islands, the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge and natural bays, and have views of Mt. Rainer and the Olympics.

The “Anderson Island Paddle Weekend” is a sponsored Event because public access to the water is almost non-existent. Many island amenities including the campground are private. Your gracious sponsors are OOPS members and Anderson Island residents, Bill and Catherine Spears. They will obtain guest privileges and passes for OOPS members for this Event, to use the fresh water lakes, golf course, private parks, campground and Riviera Marina.

Bill and Catherine’s B&B and vacation rental house will be available this weekend for people who make reservations early enough. They will also be providing trip planning assistance, and sharing their in-depth personal knowledge of the area.

What: 3-day/2-night campout or comfy stay on Anderson Island, Washington in South Puget Sound featuring trips that may include circumnavigation of 4 different islands, exploring the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge and bays and lagoons. Planned OOPS activities include a navigation class and a currents class. Other activities may include geocaching by water and land based opportunities such as hiking, bike riding and golf.

When: Friday, April 13 through Sunday April 15, 2012

Trips: Most are Level 2 but could be 3 depending on wind. http://www.oopskayak.org/ratings.php

Clothing on the water: Immersion protection required.

Group Size and Meals: Limited to 20 people. Bring own food or there is a restaurant and coffee shop available and a small convenience store with expensive gas. A group dinner at the Riviera Restaurant on Saturday night is scheduled.

Accommodations and Cost: A bed and breakfast, vacation rental house, and private tent/RV camping are available. Contact sponsors Bill and Catherine Spears at 253-884-2180 bcspears@centurytel.net. Make B&B/House reservations before March 1.

Weather: It will be spring. Expect the possibility of wind, showers and hope for sunshine.

Time from Portland: About 3 hours with no stops from Clackamas Town Center on I-205 and I-5. Take Exit 119, to the ferry landing at Steilacoom, WA.

Special Considerations: Access to all put-ins, camping privileges, marinas, and use of most island non-commercial amenities is private. They are owned by private parties or the Riviera Community Club. Most of the tide lands are private. However, public parks are abundant and there is much for others in the party to do other than kayak. Bill and Catherine Spears are sponsoring OOPS

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