Enjoy potlucks, the Nordland store, oyster BBQ, hiking, kayaking and even the local goat cheese farm. This is an all round fun time for the whole family.
All but hidden on the west side of Marrowstone Island, Mystery Bay State Park offers a great escape for visitors arriving by land or by water. Boaters can dock or lay anchor and stroll along the grassy and gravelly shoreline or enjoy the inlet’s pristine waters. Take along a kayak or paddle board for a day of recreation. Take in the Olympic mountain views from one of six picnic tables. Cook up those oysters and clams in one of three fire rings, (fires allowed during daylight hours) and enjoy an island sunset before heading back to your boat.
The Plan
Anchoring Notes: Hail the CYC Raft-Up Master on VHF 68 as you are approaching Mystery Bay or call Jenny (206 384 0053) or Tim (206 354 9039) The raft-up will be larger boats in the center with smaller boats on the out side. If you do not want to raft up, you can anchor on your own or Mystery Bay State Park has mooring buoys and linear dock space, if available, first come first served. If you want details about how to enter the channel leading into Kilisut Harbor contact the cruise leader - it can be a bit tricky
Mystery Bay Memorial Day Events & Attractions
Fort Flagler Historical State Park
https://parks.state.wa.us/508/Fort-Flagler
Tour and explore a significant coastal defense fort established more than a century ago to guard the entrance to Puget Sound. Fort Flagler activities include hiking, boating, kite-flying, beach exploration, saltwater fishing, clam digging and crabbing. Fort Flagler is approximately 2 miles from Mystery Bay (about a 15 minute dinghy ride) and there is a dinghy dock to park your boat while you go exploring.
Nordland General Store
The Mystery Bay State Park is located approximately one half mile north of the Nordland General Store (which also faces Mystery Bay) on Flagler Road (SR 116). The staff is welcoming, and it really is the center of the island. An astounding selection smoked salmon, oysters, and ice cream. Great beer and wine selection, and of course, they have ice to keep your cocktails nicely chilled. They also have a dinghy dock that is accessible when not at a minus tide.
CYC On-Shore Potluck
Saturday May 23 @ 5:30pm
Dingy the whole 80 yards over to the Mystery Bay State Park dingy dock and bring your favorite specialty dish. They have fire pits for smores, so bring your smores kit and some firewood as well. Also, pack your lawn chairs if you have some. BYO plates, silverware, glasses, etc.
Mystery Bay Farm - FARMSTEAD TOUR
https://www.mysterybayfarm.com /
Sunday May 24 @ 10:00am
Come learn about homestead-style self-sufficiency. Guests will tour the dairy as well as the greater homestead where they will explore examples of: perennial silvapastures, nutrient management, farm and infrastructure design and layout, water catchment and storage, solar hot water heating, integrated organic gardens and orchards (fruit and nut), creating animal forage and more. Tour is approximately 2 hours and includes full cheese tasting. Cost is $10
Nordland General Store "Tractor Days" Parade
Sunday May 24 - Approximately 1 pm (Island Time)
Every Memorial Day weekend, Marrowstone Island residents of all ages gather for Tractor Days. The celebration includes a little bit of everything, from large farming tractors and vintage machines to small children’s toys. Festivities are held all afternoon, with the Nordland General Store at the center of activity.
Cruise Leader
Jenny Heins (rugbird@gmail.com)
Please register so that we know to expect you at the cruise.
