Miles Inlet to Pruth Bay: Smooth Seas & Hidden Logs

With a favorable forecast in our favor, we made an early break from Miles Inlet to round Cape Caution and head into the heart of BC’s Central Coast. Winds light, seas down, and current behind us—one of those rare days where everything lined up for an effortless ride.

And it delivered. The ocean laid down to a gentle one-foot ripple, giving us a smooth cruise north. The only downside? A minefield of low-riding logs and driftwood, likely stirred up by recent high tides. Most were nearly invisible until you were right on them, so we stayed sharp at the helm.

We spotted just two pleasure boats making similar time and passed the Alaska Ferry Columbia on her southbound run to Bellingham. Otherwise, the radio was quiet and the traffic light.

Thanks to MarineTraffic, we knew a few boats were already tucked into Pruth Bay—five when we arrived, four flying U.S. flags. No surprise—Pruth is a perennial favorite. With its protected anchorage, access to Hakai Institute’s trails, and world-class beaches on the Pacific side of Calvert Island, it’s a gem.

early season peacful pruth bay

Once anchored, we headed ashore and chatted with Eric from the Tula Foundation, who shared news of a new outreach effort—presentations about the Institute for small visiting groups. One such event was scheduled for tomorrow, when the National Geographic Venture arrives with 90 guests aboard.

We took advantage of the quiet before the crowd, hiking over to West Beach where we had the sweeping shoreline entirely to ourselves. With sun overhead and the drone in the air, it was a perfect afternoon for beachcombing and feeling like we had the coast to ourselves.

the trails to the beach are well maintained

20 minute walk and boom, there’s the beach

a small portion of the massive west beach

a bird’s eye view of west beach looking north

if you don’t mind a bit of a hike, there are more beach to the south

looking back east from west beach, you see the haki institute and pruth bay

Back aboard, the entertainment continued as four sea lions put on a show, hunting in the current at the edge of the bay. A great ending to a Central Coast cruising classic.

a colorful end to the day looking over towrd the north cove of pruth bay

Cordero Islands to Miles Inlet (a.k.a. TBD)

Up at 5:00 a.m. and underway by 5:30—we had two sets of rapids and the notorious Johnstone Strait ahead. Our tentative plan was Lagoon Cove… maybe Blunden Harbour if conditions smiled on us.

an early morning departure has its advantages

First up: Greene Point Rapids, just outside our anchorage. We timed our departure for both first light and a near-slack current—close enough, given the width of the pass. The plan was to ride the current all the way through both rapids and along Johnstone Strait—and for once, the plan actually worked.

a hearty egg scramble breakfast along the way

With a gentle following wind under 5 knots and the current in our favor, we cruised comfortably all morning, hitting a peak speed over ground of 15 knots as we entered Blackfish Sound.

With weather this good, we played our favorite wildcard: “T.B.D.” We kept going and made it all the way to Miles Inlet—just 13 miles shy of Cape Caution, perfectly staged for tomorrow’s crossing.

Miles Inlet remains a favorite stop. Tucked in and tranquil, we had the whole place to ourselves. We wished for more time to explore the two hidden lagoons, but for now, a quiet night in this rare solitude was more than enough.

the lagoon off of miles inlet

tide too low for use to esploare in the dinghy

you can see why miles inlet is so popular. your protected but it’s a quick exit back to queen charlotte strait.

Squirrel Cove to Cordero Islands: Rapids, Tugs & Solitude

We woke to a misty morning in Squirrel Cove, but by the time we weighed anchor, the rain had cleared—perfect timing for a run through the big three: Yuculta, Gillard, and Dent Rapids.

karen giving thechain rode a good bath before stowing in the locker

The sun made a welcome return, lighting up the stunning scenery as we cruised north. Not a pleasure craft in sight—just us, the coastline, and a few hardworking boats. A tug pushing a barge slid past us at Dent Narrows, and another hauled a sprawling log tow as we neared the anchorage. It’s always a show out here.

The wind picked up in the afternoon, but conditions stayed comfortable. We debated pushing through the next set of rapids, but the timing wasn’t right. So instead, we tucked in just outside Greene Point Rapids—an absolutely lovely anchorage. Gusts are topping 20 knots, but OceanFlyer is riding steady, and the late-day sunshine is a welcome contrast to yesterday’s drizzle.

cordero island sunset

Squirrel Cove Lay Day

Thanks to yesterday’s push in good weather, we earned ourselves a proper lay day in Squirrel Cove—and just in time for a full day of forecasted rain. Perfect.

perfect way to start a layday

With OceanFlyer swinging gently at anchor, we leaned into a quiet day of onboard comforts: a bit of meal prep, a custom tool project in the works, and a generous helping of guilt-free loafing. Tomorrow we take on the rapids—but today, it’s all about recharging in one of Desolation Sound’s coziest anchorages.

Squirrel Cove Lay Day

We ran the distance yesterday while the weather held, making it all the way to Squirrel Cove—so today, we earned a lay day.

With steady rain tapping the deck, there’s no better excuse to stay put and enjoy life on the hook. We stayed cozy aboard OceanFlyer, dedicating the day to gourmet meal prep, sketching out a custom tool design for the boat, and embracing the fine art of loafing. Sometimes, recharging is the most productive thing you can do—especially with a full day of rapid-running on the horizon tomorrow.

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