Kirby Cove

I did a search and people discussed Kirby Cove but has anyone actually attempted a launch from here? It looks doable with the right tide and beach access from parking area looks short.

I have surf fished there for years and have caught perch, rays, greenling and sturgeon from the beach. I have never been there when it wasn't launchable from a kayak except a big south or west swell. Now the bad part, the upper gate is locked except for campers so you would have to make the 1 mile very steep portage down from the highway. At least that is my understanding. Steve S would probably know. Oh and there is a small trail/switchback down to the beach from the campground so you would have to carry or rope drop. Oh and then there is the poison oak and aggressive raccoons and if you did launch there, the the current 300 yards offshore rips. All that said, one of the most spectacular views of the GG bridge and a fishy location. PM me if you want to give it a try when the salmon are in range. What the h**l. 

Its a mile hike to get in there.  The road is strictly for service vehicles.

Great idea - I also surf fish & crab (snares) down there from time to time, however, you'd need (1) to book a campsite to get a key/access to the campground - and then (2) would have to schlep your Yak over a small hill with a big drop/stairs down to the beach. Rumor has it the campsites are dirt-cheap, and there's never anyone down there - we usually have the beach to ourselves (with the occasional tourist making the hike down & back up). I've considered it before, if I had another person to help lift the kayak to the water, it would be way easier. Lot's of great rock crab there, Cabezone, Perch, Greenling - and some cool places worth checking out on the kayak around each corner from the beach. Current is pretty swift depending on the day/tide... good luck!!

AWS

Sounds like I need to scout it out, camp sites are booked for a long time into the future, if WSB show up I may make a dash and look for takers, thx for the info

I camped there with the grateful dads hiking group once. I believe they got the reservations on line just after midnight on new years eve.   

Epic view!

Launch from Ft. Baker/Horseshoe Cove just inside the gate on the Marin side and paddle out, not far at all.  Harbor type launch with beach and launch ramp with parking a few feet away.  I've done it a few times, including when my avatar pic was taken.  Check the tides for when there is a minimal change between high and low in the morning (when the wind is usually down as well).  A quick glance shows July 13 - 15 and Aug 9 - 12 looking pretty good!

You could rope drop the kayaks to the beach. We should have a NCKA event there. Book all the campsites and "occupy Kirby Cove".