A paddle around Shaw Island usually begins on Lopez Island because there is no beach access for kayakers taking the ferry to Shaw. Cross the usually non-turbulent Upright Channel via Canoe Island to reach Shaw Island. There is camping at Shaw Island County Park in Indian Cove, but it can only be reached at high tide without pulling your boat through mud. There is also camping on tiny Blind Island in Harney Channel and on outlying Jones Island and Turn Island. Shaw Island's shoreline is a mix of rugged cliffs and sandy bays and has plenty of forest cover. In places on the west side of the island where the land protrudes into San Juan Channel, such as Neck Point and Point George, be sure to stay close in to shore, as the current can be very strong there.