A landlocked-feeling fjord on the east side of West Redonda Island, famous for its all-weather protection and the short walk to warm, swimmable Black Lake just above the head of the bay.
Roscoe Bay cuts deep into the southeast corner of West Redonda Island, a narrow east-west arm walled by steep, forested slopes that give it a snug, almost landlocked feel. Once inside the drying bar at the entrance, the bay opens into a calm basin that is one of the most popular and best-protected anchorages in all of Desolation Sound.
The bay's signature attraction sits just a short walk from the head of the anchorage: Black Lake, a freshwater lake perched only about 10 feet above sea level. Warm enough for comfortable swimming through summer, it draws boaters ashore to a short trail that leads from the dinghy landing to the lakeshore.
Roscoe Bay is part of Roscoe Bay Marine Provincial Park, with shore access, hiking, and backcountry camping. In peak season it can become chockablock with boats, and because tidal flushing is limited, boaters should anchor considerately and follow good waste-handling practice.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
The critical hazard at Roscoe Bay is the drying bar across its entrance. The sill dries at about zero tide, so deeper-keeled vessels must time their entry and exit for a high and rising tide. A useful rule of thumb is that the tide over the bar runs about 3 feet less than the height shown for Prideaux Haven; the typical 4-5 m (12-16 ft) tidal range still gives most boats a reasonable window if they cross near high water.
The entrance channel is narrow and should be run slowly and on a rising tide so that any soft grounding floats off rather than traps you. Favor the deeper side of the channel, watch the depth sounder closely across the bar, and consult current CHS tide tables and charts before committing. Inside the bar there are no significant mid-bay hazards.
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 Roscoe Bay with approach photos, depth notes, and points of interest — written by members who have been here recently.
Real first-hand reports and questions answered by members who have actually been here.
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Cruising-distance picks near this anchorage.
