Double Cove to Magoun Islands

We let our neighbors slip out of Double Cove early, then followed a couple hours later, carefully threading back through the kelp beds. We saw a minimum depth of 13 feet (zero tide corrected, using Elbow Passage/Klag Bay as our reference).

The marine forecast continued its winning streak: calm seas and light winds. With no need to dodge swell, we skipped the intricate twists of Piehle Passage and ran the outside route south toward Salisbury Sound. A smooth ride—no boats in sight until we entered the Sound.

As we turned south into Neva Strait, the sun finally broke through. A perfect welcome to the Magoun Islands.

We arrived to find a pocket cruiser already anchored and our friends from the night before—Empress and Escapade—rafted up nearby. We dropped the hook in about 55 feet and made ourselves at home. A beach party was in full swing near the pocket cruiser, so we opted for a dinghy recon mission instead, hoping to check out the lagoon anchorage around the corner.

magoun islands anchorage

On a +3 tide, the lagoon entrance was rocky and tight, with hazards just beneath the surface. We called it off—discretion won out over curiosity.

As the sun dipped lower, the party crew packed up and cleared out. They were quickly replaced by a 60-foot sailboat and two longliners wrapping up their day nearby. Plenty of room for everyone, and the anchorage stayed blissfully quiet.

nothing beats a beautiful day in southeast. Although this year they a far too scarce.

After so many nights alone or with just one neighbor, it felt downright social. Magoun Islands is a perfect staging spot before Sitka—just over an hour away at trawler speed—and clearly a local favorite with its easy beach access and protected waters.