Bellingham to South of Tacoma

[drummer3278]

Hello!

The wife and I have finally gotten enough time off together to sail down to visit her Brother in Long Branch Washington (we live in Bellingham). Just wanted to ask opinions on "must see" spots along the way. We are already pretty familiar with the San Juans down to Whidbey Island.

Also, any words of wisdom or advice would be appreciated for areas South of Port Townsend.

We will be leaving on the 22nd of July.

Cheers!

 

[forbin]

Favorite spots...
Langley - fun town and neat harbor

Poulsbo - also a nice Scandinavian sort of town

Eagle Harbor - nice town, good grocery store, likely a view of Seattle, stay in the channel coming and going, it doglegs so if you aren't paying attention you can end up grounded

Blakey Harbor - no facilities, possible view of Seattle

Lynwood Center (south end of Bainbridge Island) - nice ferry views in the anchorage, nice town, grocery store, very gradual swallowing near the shore (watch your dinghy motor), no dock or facilities

Blake Island - lots of deer, anchoring is tricky, if you stay at the marina watch the raccoons, some fun short hikes

Bell Harbor - right at the foot of downtown, cool views

Tips...
- watch the shipping lanes and ferry routes
- tides and currents...same as up there

 

[drummer3278]

Favorite spots...
Langley - fun town and neat harbor

Poulsbo - also a nice Scandinavian sort of town

Eagle Harbor - nice town, good grocery store, likely a view of Seattle, stay in the channel coming and going, it doglegs so if you aren't paying attention you can end up grounded

Blakey Harbor - no facilities, possible view of Seattle

Lynwood Center (south end of Bainbridge Island) - nice ferry views in the anchorage, nice town, grocery store, very gradual swallowing near the shore (watch your dinghy motor), no dock or facilities

Blake Island - lots of deer, anchoring is tricky, if you stay at the marina watch the raccoons, some fun short hikes

Bell Harbor - right at the foot of downtown, cool views

Tips...
- watch the shipping lanes and ferry routes
- tides and currents...same as up there

Thanks so much!

 

[salishmermaid]

I would add to what forbin said:

Port Townsend - Nice town we liked Point Hudson Marina for access to town, but very limited number of slips.

Port Madison - North end of Bainbridge Island has a nice anchorage

Des Moines Marina - Easy access to Fuel and Pumpout, usually cheaper than some of the others too; close access to Restaurants, Anthony's, Red Robin, Mandarin Kitchen

Quarter Master Harbor - Vashon/Maury Island also has a nice anchorage, we usually anchor out from Docton County Park, but watch for crab pots.

Gig Harbor - Also nice anchorage and nice little town. Good spot to wait for the Slack or Flood tide to make it through the Tacoma Narrows

 

[John Nantz]

+1 for Quartermaster Harbor - the inner harbor is a nice anchorage too. A VERY nice anchorage.

Gig Harbor - very crowded with boats on mooring buoys.

As for waiting out the Narrows ebb, an option is to go against it. Hug the western shore, catch the back eddy, and you'll get a good kick (make better speed over ground than if it was slack water). However, coming out on the south west end you'll get hit but at least you've made it through the worst stuff and Longbranch isn't that much further.

 

[drummer3278]

I would add to what forbin said:

Port Townsend - Nice town we liked Point Hudson Marina for access to town, but very limited number of slips.

Port Madison - North end of Bainbridge Island has a nice anchorage

Des Moines Marina - Easy access to Fuel and Pumpout, usually cheaper than some of the others too; close access to Restaurants, Anthony's, Red Robin, Mandarin Kitchen

Quarter Master Harbor - Vashon/Maury Island also has a nice anchorage, we usually anchor out from Docton County Park, but watch for crab pots.

Gig Harbor - Also nice anchorage and nice little town. Good spot to wait for the Slack or Flood tide to make it through the Tacoma Narrows

Excellent! We're looking all the suggestions up on charts, and guide books!

 

[drummer3278]

+1 for Quartermaster Harbor - the inner harbor is a nice anchorage too. A VERY nice anchorage.

Gig Harbor - very crowded with boats on mooring buoys.

As for waiting out the Narrows ebb, an option is to go against it. Hug the western shore, catch the back eddy, and you'll get a good kick (make better speed over ground than if it was slack water). However, coming out on the south west end you'll get hit but at least you've made it through the worst stuff and Longbranch isn't that much further.

Thanks! We were wondering about going through the Narrows.

 

[Les]

My wife and I have done that trip two times--the south sound is wonderful during the summer. Everyone from down there is up here in the San Juans.

Everyone has given you excellent advice--makes me want to do it one more time. One added bit that might be helpful is to go to Olympia on a Saturday, stay at Swantown Marina and visit the farmer's market. It is one of the best in the northwest. Very friendly people.

Enjoy looking at McNeil Island--very scary place. Don't go too close as they don't like for you to come too close.

 

[drummer3278]

My wife and I have done that trip two times--the south sound is wonderful during the summer. Everyone from down there is up here in the San Juans.

Everyone has given you excellent advice--makes me want to do it one more time. One added bit that might be helpful is to go to Olympia on a Saturday, stay at Swantown Marina and visit the farmer's market. It is one of the best in the northwest. Very friendly people.

Enjoy looking at McNeil Island--very scary place. Don't go too close as they don't like for you to come too close.

LOL! I don't plan on getting too close to McNeil Island!

 

[Robby in WA]

I'm looking for advice on places to stop/routes from Bellingham to Seattle/Blake island. Deception Pass or the Slough? Heading down in the next week or two. Is that marina right on the waterfront in Seattle cool to stay at? Places around Everett/South Whidbey

Also a drummer with a Hunter in Bellingham

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