I am looking for suggestions for a 3 day/2 night cruise (4 days may be possible) in the Puget Sound this summer. The cruise must originate and finish at Shilshole Marina, just north of Seattle.
Puget Sound Cruising Suggestions
- Thread starter MDO
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Lots of choices there
A few of my favorites are Port Ludlow for anchorage or the marina, Mats Mats just north of there if you like a tight little bay with a shallow tricky entrance that is quiet and secluded, Mystery Bay is a great place tucked between Marrowstone and Indian Island and of course spend a night at either of two marinas in Port Townsend before heading back home.
A few of my favorites are Port Ludlow for anchorage or the marina, Mats Mats just north of there if you like a tight little bay with a shallow tricky entrance that is quiet and secluded, Mystery Bay is a great place tucked between Marrowstone and Indian Island and of course spend a night at either of two marinas in Port Townsend before heading back home.
Or,
Come over here. Agate pass is straight across from Shilshole. You'll find my marina with lots of new guest moorage, or head up to Poulsbo. Bremerton has a brand new marina and then follow the occasional ferry out of Rich Passage and over night at Blake Island State Park. (only access is by boat) But watch out for over exuberant summer help rangers. They might search your boat because they can.
Yep, boaters are the only Americans with no 4th Amendment rights.
Come over here. Agate pass is straight across from Shilshole. You'll find my marina with lots of new guest moorage, or head up to Poulsbo. Bremerton has a brand new marina and then follow the occasional ferry out of Rich Passage and over night at Blake Island State Park. (only access is by boat) But watch out for over exuberant summer help rangers. They might search your boat because they can.
Yep, boaters are the only Americans with no 4th Amendment rights. 
Puget Sound
It would help if we knew whether you preferred anchoring or staying at Marinas. First of all get a copy of Wagonners Guide--It has an amazing amount of data on this area. You can order one from Amazon. Here is a suggestion for a 3 night/ 4 day trip: 1. Shilshole to Kingston(Appletree Cove). Keep a close watch when you cross the shipping lanes. If you start on a Saturday you can visit the Saturday Market. Have a meal at one of the great restaurants off the main street. 2. Kingston to Poulsbo. Anchor out or tie up at the Marina. Don't miss Sluy's bakery. An alternative to Poulsbo is Brownsville. Order some brats at Sweeney's Meats and grill on the boat or at the park at the top of the Marina. Less to see than Poulsbo, but a quiet pleasant place to stay for a day or two. 3. Poulsbo to Gig Harbor. Stay at Arabella's landing or tie up at Jerisich Park dock or anchor out. Amazing little town. Lots of places to eat. Great view of Mt. Rainier. If you feel this is too far to go due to time then go to Port Orchard instead. Eat at Amy's. Best to stay at the Marina. 4. Gig Harbor to Shilshole. Cross the Shipping Lanes at Point Robinson on Vashon Island. If you stayed at Port Orchard go back to Seattle through Rich Passage. Check the current tables and make sure the current is with you when transiting Rich Passage. When you get just north of Three Tree Point, be sure to wave to me!
It would help if we knew whether you preferred anchoring or staying at Marinas. First of all get a copy of Wagonners Guide--It has an amazing amount of data on this area. You can order one from Amazon. Here is a suggestion for a 3 night/ 4 day trip: 1. Shilshole to Kingston(Appletree Cove). Keep a close watch when you cross the shipping lanes. If you start on a Saturday you can visit the Saturday Market. Have a meal at one of the great restaurants off the main street. 2. Kingston to Poulsbo. Anchor out or tie up at the Marina. Don't miss Sluy's bakery. An alternative to Poulsbo is Brownsville. Order some brats at Sweeney's Meats and grill on the boat or at the park at the top of the Marina. Less to see than Poulsbo, but a quiet pleasant place to stay for a day or two. 3. Poulsbo to Gig Harbor. Stay at Arabella's landing or tie up at Jerisich Park dock or anchor out. Amazing little town. Lots of places to eat. Great view of Mt. Rainier. If you feel this is too far to go due to time then go to Port Orchard instead. Eat at Amy's. Best to stay at the Marina. 4. Gig Harbor to Shilshole. Cross the Shipping Lanes at Point Robinson on Vashon Island. If you stayed at Port Orchard go back to Seattle through Rich Passage. Check the current tables and make sure the current is with you when transiting Rich Passage. When you get just north of Three Tree Point, be sure to wave to me!
Used to live in Seattle and miss it
With just 2 nights, the hard part will be narrowing it down. Since our 40.5 used to be in Elliott Bay, which is close to Shilshole, here's a list of my favorite places within a couple of hours. Port Madisson (Bainbridge Island: Shallow (but not too shallow)protected anchorage. Great holding and pretty. Manzanita Bay (Bainbridge Island): You'll anchor in about 25 feet. Another protected area with great holding. Poulsbo: Anchor or use the marina. (You have to make a stop here, as it's unlike anyplace you've ever been). Cool Scandinavian influenced town. Illahee State Park: pick up a mooring, another favorite place, usually not crowded. Port Orchard Marina: Great marina, nice small town with atmosphere. Blake Island: The ultimate in trail hiking. Probably best to pick up a mooring or tie to the linear rope dock on the NW side. Winslow (Bainbridge Island): Use the marina or tie up to the linear rope dock. We loved this place so much, we bought a condo. Cool walking town. Suggestion: Take a longer vacation, LOL.
With just 2 nights, the hard part will be narrowing it down. Since our 40.5 used to be in Elliott Bay, which is close to Shilshole, here's a list of my favorite places within a couple of hours. Port Madisson (Bainbridge Island: Shallow (but not too shallow)protected anchorage. Great holding and pretty. Manzanita Bay (Bainbridge Island): You'll anchor in about 25 feet. Another protected area with great holding. Poulsbo: Anchor or use the marina. (You have to make a stop here, as it's unlike anyplace you've ever been). Cool Scandinavian influenced town. Illahee State Park: pick up a mooring, another favorite place, usually not crowded. Port Orchard Marina: Great marina, nice small town with atmosphere. Blake Island: The ultimate in trail hiking. Probably best to pick up a mooring or tie to the linear rope dock on the NW side. Winslow (Bainbridge Island): Use the marina or tie up to the linear rope dock. We loved this place so much, we bought a condo. Cool walking town. Suggestion: Take a longer vacation, LOL.
Gezzzz.... it's COLD and WET there!
Why do you want to go there? It's nothing but rain, rain, and more rain. When it's not raining it's overcast and grey, or maybe green (moss on the ground). Just had SNOW down to 3,500 feet!!! Arrrrgh.... Can't imagine why anybody would want to actually live there. It's all just a bunch of hype. Others are doing it so it must be good, right?
Why do you want to go there? It's nothing but rain, rain, and more rain. When it's not raining it's overcast and grey, or maybe green (moss on the ground). Just had SNOW down to 3,500 feet!!! Arrrrgh.... Can't imagine why anybody would want to actually live there. It's all just a bunch of hype. Others are doing it so it must be good, right?
John, you're just trying to hog the cruising grounds for yourself eh?
Yeah, it's raining today, tomorrow and part of Wednesday too. But! When the sun comes out.....
Yeah, it's raining today, tomorrow and part of Wednesday too. But! When the sun comes out.....
Do not plan to cruise above 3500 ft
Sea level may not be much better... Subject: Winter Weather Warning Headline Winter Weather Warning Description A Heavy Snow Warning Remains in Effect for the Cascades Above 3500 Feet from 6pm This Evening Until 8am Tuesday. A Strong, Late Season Storm System Will Dump 6 to 12 Inches Of Wet Snow on the West Slopes of Cascades Above the 3500 Foot Level Tonight. The Snow Levels Will Start Off Near 5500 Feet But Will Plummet to About 2500 Feet Overnight As A Colder Air Mass Invades the Region. Lesser Snowfall Amounts Will Occur Below The 3500 Foot Level, and It Was Doubtful Whether the Snow Will Stick to the Roads Below This Level. Expect the Snow to Taper Off or Become Light Tuesday Morning. People Planning on Traveling or Engaging in Outdoor Recreational Activities in the Cascades Should be Prepared for Winter - Like Weather Conditions. Expires 6/9/08 6:30 PM County/Area West Slopes Northern Cascades and Passes, WA (latitude: 48.8206, longitude: -121.874)
Sea level may not be much better... Subject: Winter Weather Warning Headline Winter Weather Warning Description A Heavy Snow Warning Remains in Effect for the Cascades Above 3500 Feet from 6pm This Evening Until 8am Tuesday. A Strong, Late Season Storm System Will Dump 6 to 12 Inches Of Wet Snow on the West Slopes of Cascades Above the 3500 Foot Level Tonight. The Snow Levels Will Start Off Near 5500 Feet But Will Plummet to About 2500 Feet Overnight As A Colder Air Mass Invades the Region. Lesser Snowfall Amounts Will Occur Below The 3500 Foot Level, and It Was Doubtful Whether the Snow Will Stick to the Roads Below This Level. Expect the Snow to Taper Off or Become Light Tuesday Morning. People Planning on Traveling or Engaging in Outdoor Recreational Activities in the Cascades Should be Prepared for Winter - Like Weather Conditions. Expires 6/9/08 6:30 PM County/Area West Slopes Northern Cascades and Passes, WA (latitude: 48.8206, longitude: -121.874)
My Avitar picture is PROOF of * * * * stuff
By the way, those are intended to be snowflakes in the title ... Anyway, if you look at my new avitar picture with the mountains in the background you can see snow down fairly low. This was taken about a week ago when there was a hole in the clouds and one could actually see something BLUE. Had to have dark sunglasses on to help keep my retinas from being damaged by that bright thing up there. The snow level in the picture is probably a tad higher than 3,500 because there were a few days of warming when it got up into the high 50s. Actually, we get about one month of unusual weather here and it usually comes around August. Oh, and that dark thing in the picture is a, ummmm..... , a nuclear sub. Sort of my answer to those guys running around in boats with 16-inch guns. ;D
By the way, those are intended to be snowflakes in the title ... Anyway, if you look at my new avitar picture with the mountains in the background you can see snow down fairly low. This was taken about a week ago when there was a hole in the clouds and one could actually see something BLUE. Had to have dark sunglasses on to help keep my retinas from being damaged by that bright thing up there. The snow level in the picture is probably a tad higher than 3,500 because there were a few days of warming when it got up into the high 50s. Actually, we get about one month of unusual weather here and it usually comes around August. Oh, and that dark thing in the picture is a, ummmm..... , a nuclear sub. Sort of my answer to those guys running around in boats with 16-inch guns. ;D
Head East
Go the other way. For such a short trip (you need 2 weeks or more to really get going in the Puget Sound) go up the shipping canal and lock system, into Lake Union and then into Lake Washington. Lots of great views and the lock system is very interesting. Both Lake Union and Lake Washington have lots to do with marinas, restaurants, access to the Space Needle and downtown, etc. A great way to spend a few days.
Go the other way. For such a short trip (you need 2 weeks or more to really get going in the Puget Sound) go up the shipping canal and lock system, into Lake Union and then into Lake Washington. Lots of great views and the lock system is very interesting. Both Lake Union and Lake Washington have lots to do with marinas, restaurants, access to the Space Needle and downtown, etc. A great way to spend a few days.
Head East?
If you like driving around in a big city in your boat otherwise don't go above 10ft msl. I used to keep my boat on Lake Washington for about 6 years. If you go east you will share the water with wakeboarders and jet skiis. There are a lot of great places that are within an easy days sail of Shilshole Marina on salt water. Also, you did not mention your experience level but the locks can be a challenge for the inexperienced. When I kept my boat on Lake Washington and wanted to get to the saltwater there were 5 bridges that I had to wait for openings and the locks which can be quite crowded and of course commercial vessels go to the front of the line. Many of the boaters are stressed out and inexperienced. Someone suggested a Wagoner's Guide and that is an excellent idea. Hope you also have charts and tide tables. There are too many options to let us make the choice for you. Check out the locations on Google Earth for great satellite photos.
If you like driving around in a big city in your boat otherwise don't go above 10ft msl. I used to keep my boat on Lake Washington for about 6 years. If you go east you will share the water with wakeboarders and jet skiis. There are a lot of great places that are within an easy days sail of Shilshole Marina on salt water. Also, you did not mention your experience level but the locks can be a challenge for the inexperienced. When I kept my boat on Lake Washington and wanted to get to the saltwater there were 5 bridges that I had to wait for openings and the locks which can be quite crowded and of course commercial vessels go to the front of the line. Many of the boaters are stressed out and inexperienced. Someone suggested a Wagoner's Guide and that is an excellent idea. Hope you also have charts and tide tables. There are too many options to let us make the choice for you. Check out the locations on Google Earth for great satellite photos.
Did anyone mention Bell Harbor Marina?
I almost forgot a good one if you want to experience the Seattle scene. It's right on the waterfront next to where the cruise ships tie up. Lots of food, drink and culture within walking distance. It is also a nice new marina with large fairways and easy docking and free wireless internet.
I almost forgot a good one if you want to experience the Seattle scene. It's right on the waterfront next to where the cruise ships tie up. Lots of food, drink and culture within walking distance. It is also a nice new marina with large fairways and easy docking and free wireless internet.
Active Pass is quite a ride,
& great sailing beneath those cliffs, with the current whirlpools. Anacortes is a nice little harbor, and there are many like it, Friday, Sydney, Port Townsend, and a thousand anchorages with fantastic views, but being a weird guy with good taste, I know exactly where I would cruise to with a small amount of time in the fickle hand of fate.... I would do the upwind beat across the roundabout to Victoria, love that town. Easy check in at the red telephone, and slips are right downtown where one can get a beer at the Stickey Wicket, play volly ball on the roof (insand), have a fantastic meal, and gaze at some of the most gorgeous ladies on earth. Next day its normally a downhill run back to Shilshoal Seattle. I would not spend a few days on the hook! I would spend weeks anchored in different anchorages if I had a month to play with.
& great sailing beneath those cliffs, with the current whirlpools. Anacortes is a nice little harbor, and there are many like it, Friday, Sydney, Port Townsend, and a thousand anchorages with fantastic views, but being a weird guy with good taste, I know exactly where I would cruise to with a small amount of time in the fickle hand of fate.... I would do the upwind beat across the roundabout to Victoria, love that town. Easy check in at the red telephone, and slips are right downtown where one can get a beer at the Stickey Wicket, play volly ball on the roof (insand), have a fantastic meal, and gaze at some of the most gorgeous ladies on earth. Next day its normally a downhill run back to Shilshoal Seattle. I would not spend a few days on the hook! I would spend weeks anchored in different anchorages if I had a month to play with.
Swantown
We just spent a long weekend at Swantown marina in Olympia. The Facilities are great and super clean...they have about 50 guest slips, all with power, water, even cable (for the powerboaters). Olympia has a great farmers market on saturdays and good food...especiall the Olympia Oyster House. Best halibut tacos i've ever had. All within a 5 min walk. Had a great time. -Steve in Gig Harbor PS: at the end of the Jerisich park dock in gig harbor is a GREAT mexican restaurant called El Pueblito
We just spent a long weekend at Swantown marina in Olympia. The Facilities are great and super clean...they have about 50 guest slips, all with power, water, even cable (for the powerboaters). Olympia has a great farmers market on saturdays and good food...especiall the Olympia Oyster House. Best halibut tacos i've ever had. All within a 5 min walk. Had a great time. -Steve in Gig Harbor PS: at the end of the Jerisich park dock in gig harbor is a GREAT mexican restaurant called El Pueblito
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