We put in up the river trail (it was low tide when we set out). We hiked our packable kayaks up the trail. From there we paddled and saw bald eagles, porpoises, otters, seals and all kind of other sea fowl. It was awesome! If you want to skip the hike/portage, you can make it through "the cut" at high tide. So you could time it in the morning to get out there, and then come back in 12 hours later. Stop and talk to the Rangers at the visitor information station at Bartlett Cove for all of the details!