Technical details of Crockett Lake / Whidbey Island spot

Spot functioning

Park on the south side of the lake along the road near Keystone Ferry Landing. Large grass area for rigging on the south shore.

Launch directly into the lake from the grassy shore. The entire lake is rideable but very shallow — expect to touch bottom regularly. Mud can be sticky, so avoid walking far from shore without your board.

Best sessions during October–March when water levels are higher (tidal influence and rainfall) and pre-frontal south winds are strongest. Check wind forecasts for southerly events.

Suitable for twin-tip riding, freestyle and tricks thanks to the flat water. Not recommended for foiling due to extreme shallowness.

On the water

Very shallow brackish water throughout — rarely deeper than waist height. Bottom is soft mud that can trap your feet. Flat to slightly choppy surface depending on wind speed.

Water is a mix of fresh and salt water (estuarine), connected to Admiralty Inlet through a tidegate. Water levels fluctuate with tides and seasons — higher in winter, lower in summer when extensive mudflats may be exposed.

Required level

Intermediate

Spot opening date

Open all year round

Rideable all year round, but most commonly used from October to March during pre-frontal south wind events when water levels are highest.

Summer sessions are possible but wind is less reliable and water levels can drop significantly, exposing mudflats.

Parking

Get onto Whidbey Island (via Deception Pass Bridge from the north or Mukilteo–Clinton Ferry from the south). Take SR-525 and SR-20 toward Coupeville.

Main access: Take Poggensee Road off SR-525 and follow signs toward Keystone Ferry Landing. The lake is visible north of the road. Park directly next to the water on the south side — large grass area available for rigging.

Alternative: Fort Casey State Park parking lot near the ferry terminal (restrooms available). State Parks parking permit required ($10/day or Discovery Pass).

From the south on SR-20: turn right on Engle Road at the Coupeville stoplight, continue south 1.3 miles to reach the lake area.

Hazards

Very shallow lake: mud bottom throughout. You can go from firm ground to knee-deep soft mud in a single step. Not suitable for foiling.

Row of old pilings crossing the lake at mid-point — be aware of their location, especially at higher water levels when they may be partially submerged.

Wildlife sensitivity: Crockett Lake is an Important Birding Area on the Pacific Flyway with 230+ bird species. The Whidbey Camano Land Trust manages the surrounding 423-acre preserve. Be respectful of wildlife, particularly during spring (April–May) and fall (July–October) shorebird migration periods.

Cold water: 8–14°C year-round. Full wetsuit (5mm) or drysuit essential.

Small lake: can get crowded quickly when conditions are good.

Wind specificities

Crockett Lake works best with southerly winds. The dominant wind pattern comes from Admiralty Inlet to the south, crossing Keystone Spit and reaching the lake as smooth, laminar flow — creating the legendary flat water conditions.

South (S): primary wind direction, delivers the best flat water. Pre-frontal south winds during winter storms provide the strongest and most consistent sessions.

South-Southeast (SSE) and South-Southwest (SSW): also work well, wind still crosses the spit cleanly.

The lake is most commonly used during winter months (October–March) when strong pre-frontal south wind events coincide with higher water levels. Summer can be too calm.

The combination of moderate to strong wind with perfectly smooth water is exceptionally rare — described by local riders as potential world-class conditions for freestyle and tricks.

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