Refuge Island

One of the places that we have never visited is Lucky Creek near the mouth of Pipestem Inlet. It is written up as a favorite stop by boaters and worth a visit. So off we go.

If you read the write-ups and even comments on ActiveCaptain, anchoring nearby can be sketchy. But we had no problem finding a secure and attractive anchorage behind Refuge Island. It’s true, there isn’t a ton of room in front of the oyster floats, but there was enough. The bottom was rocky, but the Ultra held well.

overview of refuge island anchorage

We timed our arrival so that we could dinghy up Lucky Creek at high tide. The approach was silted, shallow — we saw 5 feet in places on a 11-foot tide — and somewhat tricky, but the rest was reasonably easy to navigate. It’s a wide and pretty creek, though not as breathtaking as the Marble River.

We wanted to stop at the head and scamper up the rocks to see the various pools and rope swing, but two kayaks were beached exactly where we wanted to tie off, and we didn’t want to crowd them. One our way out of the creek, we came across a large black bear swimming.

no place to beach the dinghy. kayaks got there first.

We then decided to explore the anchorages behind Bazett Island and the anchorages at Cataract Creek. Though all the write ups imply you need to stern tie, there are clearly opportunities to swing at anchor if you are careful (and if it’s not crowded).  We actually dinghied up Cataract Creek a fair ways, which was a surprise as no one really talks about it.

We then headed up Pipestem just a bit further to the “lagoon”. Entry was easy, and there was a “structure” at the entrance where two people were relaxing. They had set up tents on the structure, and there was a mooring ball for a small boat. Don’t know if it’s owned by one person or is a community thing, but it was cool. The lagoon was very pretty, especially the island in the middle.

surprise structure on the island as you return from visiting the lagoon

It was peaceful and quiet back at our anchorage. We noticed that the smoke building from the BC wildfires was becoming more noticeable. At least it results in colorful sunsets!

Refuge Island sunset

refurge island anchorage not for navigation