Sunset Wildlife Kayak Tour at Fort Flagler State Park — Admiralty Inlet Golden Hour Paddle

Port Townsend•moderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3–3.5 hours

Fitness Level

Basic paddling fitness and ability to sit in a narrow cockpit for up to two hours; comfortable in mild chop and tidal currents.

Overview

Paddle Admiralty Inlet as the sky ignites: this guided sunset tour at Fort Flagler State Park combines wildlife viewing, golden-hour photography, and a short safety orientation before two hours on protected saltwater. Expect coastal currents, historic gun batteries, and close-up seal and bird encounters.

Sunset Wildlife Kayak Tour at Fort Flagler State Park — Admiralty Inlet Golden Hour Paddle

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Kayak

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Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

The day loosens its hold on the Salish Sea as you slide from shore into a low-angle light that gilds every ripple. Guides clip on spray skirts, hand out life jackets, and spend thirty minutes moving through safety checks and stroke drills while gulls argue overhead. Then the kayaks slip quietly into Admiralty Inlet, and the shoreline of Fort Flagler — concrete batteries and grassy bluffs — recede into a horizon that burns orange and mauve.

Adventure Photos

Sunset Wildlife Kayak Tour at Fort Flagler State Park — Admiralty Inlet Golden Hour Paddle photo 1

Adventure Tips

Arrive early for orientation

Plan to arrive 15–20 minutes before the scheduled start so you can attend the full safety briefing and get fitted for gear.

Layer for temperature swings

The shore may be mild but open water cools quickly after sunset—bring a windproof outer layer.

Respect marine mammals

Keep distance from seals and otters; guides will position the group for viewing without causing disturbance.

Headlamp for the paddle back

Bring a reliable headlamp or flashlight for the return to the boat launch once twilight sets in.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Harbor seals
River otters

History

Fort Flagler was part of a coastal-defense system with Fort Worden and Fort Casey built around the turn of the 20th century to protect Puget Sound’s entrance.

Conservation

The operator emphasizes minimal disturbance to marine mammals and advises paddlers to keep distance from haul-outs; state park rules protect sensitive tidal habitats.