I had a nice downwind sail for about 6 miles on my way to Useless Inlet in 13 to 15 kts wind.

I had read the entrance to Useless can be treacherous. Don Douglas discusses his route in in some detail.

The wind being 13 kts with 2+ foot waves coupled with the ocean swell fighting against an ebb current coming out of the inlet created a very confused sea at the entrance. Oh, and did I mention there are major exposed and submerged rocks protecting the entrance. What appear to be the channel that Don Douglas described conflicted with my chart plotter, that along with the crashing waves on the rocks forced my to abort my first attempt heading back out about a quarter mile and reassessing the route, which in hindsight was a prudent decision. My second attempt was successful but scary as I was only feet off the rocks in either side and Fairtide was getting pushed around in the wind, waves, and current.

After a nervous entrance the Inlet opens up to a large bay with quite a few float homes and an aquaculture farm. I was able to anchor in about 35 feet near the head.

Although exceptionally quiet and secluded, this is not a very scenic anchorage since most of the hills surrounding the inlet have been logged leaving a very scarred landscape.

Although I'm glad I explored it I can't recommend Useless Inlet unless you are looking for a really secluded place to go.