Adventure with Double D: A Treasure Hunt at Kayak Point State Park

Adventure with Double D: A Treasure Hunt at Kayak Point State Park

There’s something magical about the combination of adventure, nature, and the thrill of discovery. My daughter Tess, and her husband Alex, and I set off on a sunny Saturday for a family treasure hunt at Kayak Point State Park, just outside of Everett, WA. Armed with our trusty Equinox 800 metal detector and the famous Garrett Pinpointer, aka “the Garrett Carrot,” we were ready to see what secrets the ground might reveal.

Although we weren't exactly looking for gold bars (though we wouldn't have turned them down!), the day turned out to be an unforgettable journey into the wild—and not just because of the rusty nails and pull tabs we unearthed.

The Gear: Equinox 800 and Garrett Pinpointer

Before we hit the beach, let’s talk about our tools. The Equinox 800 is a powerful multi-frequency metal detector, perfect for the diverse terrain at Kayak Point. Whether you’re hunting in wet sand, dry dirt, or underwater (which we didn’t attempt today), the Equinox 800 can handle it all. Tess, our expert “detectorist,” has become quite the fan of its versatility. The detector allows you to switch between various modes, from “Park” to “Beach,” and it’s even got a nifty "Gold Mode" for more serious treasure hunters.

The Garrett Pinpointer is the unsung hero of our metal detecting trips. This handy little tool—often referred to as “the Garrett Carrot”—helps us pinpoint the exact location of the treasure after the detector gives us a beep. It’s like a tiny metal detector that fits in your hand and saves you from a shovel-full of dirt to find that elusive penny—or, in our case, a pile of rusty nails.

The Hunt Begins: Kayak Point State Park

The Puget Sound has always been a place of beauty for our family, so there was something extra special about metal detecting here. Surrounded by towering trees, the sounds of waves lapping against the shore, and the distant call of birds, we couldn’t help but marvel at the natural beauty that enveloped us.

We set out at low tide, scanning the beach, our metal detectors chirping like crazy. Beep! Beep! Beep! Tess’s Equinox 800 went wild as she crouched down to dig in the sand. Alex and the trusty Garrett Pinpointer came to the rescue, helping him zero in on the target with pinpoint precision. As we dug, we couldn’t help but laugh at the randomness of what we unearthed.

First came two worn-out pennies, their faces nearly faded beyond recognition. Next, a very rusty nail that looked like it had been buried for at least a century. Oh, and then—two pull tabs from beer cans, likely left behind by the very people who’d taken all the gold we were searching for. The mystery of those missing gold nuggets would remain unsolved, but the fun was just getting started.

The Takeaway: Why Metal Detecting is So Much Fun

Although our treasure hunt didn’t end with gold or ancient relics, the experience was a reminder of why metal detecting is such a rewarding hobby. It’s not just about what you find—it’s about the journey. There’s something deeply satisfying about digging into the earth, finding old coins, rusty nails, and even a few surprises along the way.

And don’t forget the fact that every outing is an opportunity to spend time with family and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re finding pennies, pull tabs, or piles of dog poo, the memories you make along the way are priceless.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking to get into metal detecting, the Equinox 800 is an excellent place to start. With its versatility, depth, and ease of use, it's perfect for beginners and seasoned hunters alike. And while you may not always find gold, every outing promises new discoveries, laughs, and some unforgettable moments. So grab your metal detector, head to Kayak Point or your local park, and start your own adventure today. You never know what treasures you’ll uncover!