Pruth Bay to Codville Lagoon

Today's destination was Codville Lagoon, one of those places that looks modest on the chart but feels much larger once you're inside. When most cruisers hear the word lagoon, they picture a small basin tucked behind a narrow entrance. Codville certainly has a narrow entrance, but the lagoon itself unfolds into a surprisingly spacious anchorage with several distinct arms to explore.

We settled into the east cove near the trailhead leading up to Sagar Lake. The lake is the featured attraction for many visitors, but the trail is known for being muddy and steep in sections. Karen made the hike on a previous visit, so this time we were content to admire the surroundings from sea level.

Beyond providing a convenient stopping point along the Inside Passage, Codville had another attraction on our agenda: prawning. Stories of excellent catches circulate regularly among cruisers, so we set our expectations accordingly. Unfortunately, the prawns had other plans. Our entire effort yielded exactly one spot prawn—and a very small one at that. It won't be remembered as a banner day for the freezer inventory.

codville lagoon with sagar lake in the backgound

The afternoon was spent exploring by dinghy, circling the entire perimeter of the lagoon and scouting future anchoring options. By the end of our tour, we had already selected where we would anchor on our next visit. The south arm, particularly the southeast corner, caught our attention. About 75 feet of water provides plenty of swinging room while keeping clear of the rapidly shoaling shoreline that dries well offshore.

oceanflyer and her dinghy sit peacefully awaiting the next adventure

We also took note of a substantial landslide that has left a noticeable scar on the hillside. Bright green alder growth now highlights the slide path, making it easy to spot from across the lagoon. Its debris field is another reason we'll choose the southeast corner next time, comfortably removed from the slide area while still enjoying the protection and solitude that make Codville Lagoon such a popular stop.

why does the latest floating debris always find your boat, even in a massively large anchorage

Some anchorages impress immediately. Others reveal their appeal gradually as you explore them. Codville Lagoon falls firmly into the second category, a place that rewards curiosity and leaves you planning your next visit before you've even weighed anchor.