A snug, uncrowded anchorage tucked into the north shore of Shaw Island, sheltered behind tiny Blind Island Marine State Park and just a short hop from the Shaw ferry landing.
Blind Bay indents the north shore of Shaw Island for about half a mile, sitting directly across Harney Channel from the Orcas Island ferry terminal and immediately west of the Shaw Island ferry landing. Little Blind Island, a sub-three-acre marine state park, sits at the mouth of the bay and helps break up the northern fetch, giving the anchorage a tucked-away, protected feel even on busy summer weekends.
The bay is roughly half a mile wide and shoals gently from around 30 feet at the entrance to shallow flats near the head, with good holding in soft mud and seaweed through the central core. Anchorage is best in the middle of the bay; four state-park mooring buoys lie off the southwest shore of Blind Island for those who prefer a buoy.
Blind Island itself offers primitive walk-in camping, picnicking, and shoreline walks but no fresh water. Ashore on Shaw, the historic general store near the ferry landing carries groceries and island crafts, making this a quietly self-sufficient stop.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
The entrance to Blind Bay is guarded by rocks and small islets and must be approached with care. The recommended route is to enter on the EAST side of Blind Island, keeping west of the charted mid-channel rock that is marked by an unlighted privately maintained black-and-white marker. Pass between that marker and Blind Island.
Do NOT approach from the northwest: an extensive reef extends off that side of Blind Island. Both sides of the island are rock-strewn, so favor the marked east channel, proceed at slow speed, and watch the sounder and for current set, especially near low water.
Wind protection summary and tide planning at a glance. Full per-direction and 7-day detail with Plus.
Live readings from the nearest OpenWeather station and WorldTides; refreshed every few minutes.
Source: OpenWeather One Call API + WorldTides.
A curated photo + map walkthrough showing approach, mooring options, and points of interest.
A guided walkthrough of Blind Bay with approach photos, depth notes, and points of interest — written by members who have been here recently.
Member-uploaded images of this anchorage.
Real first-hand reports and questions answered by members who have actually been here.
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