Cypress Island - Again
09 September 2021 | Secret Harbor, Cypress Island
Jan Norman
We have a few days between work being finished on Wayward Wind so we go back to yet another anchorage on Cypress Island. Secret Harbor is a protected spot in Deepwater Bay. There had been a fish farm here several years ago but when the fish escaped the nets the farm closed up and moved out. Several decades ago this is where the home for unruly boys was located. The buildings have been torn down and much of the land is closed to the public due to restoration of the land by DNR. There is a trailhead at the head of the bay which leads to Reef Point and South Beach. It is a beautiful hike to the point. We enjoy the view while eating our lunch. Reef Point is the area that was mined up until the 1970's.
In 1891 prospectors staked claims on the island to iron ore. Early reports were exaggerated and hopes were dashed. Then after WWI chromite mines were worked and 75 tons were extracted . The mine at Reef Point produces olivine-a magnesium silicate which yields phosphorus for fertilizer. Olivine was mined sporadically from the 1920's until 1973. The quality of the ore, the expense of transporting it off the island, and better mainland sources insured that Cypress prospectors never struck it rich.
After our stop at Reef Point we took the loop rail to South Beach which is a delightful beach with views across Guemes Channel to Anacortes.
We always find something new when we stop at Cypress and this short stay did not disappoint us. But we must go back to Anacortes for more boat projects to be finished.