When you think of the Pacific Northwest—the king salmon, the halibut, the picturesque inlets where emerald forests give way to snow-topped mountains- the image that likely comes to mind is that of Washington State. A wonderful place, full of beauty and wilderness, Washington boasts an incredible array of boating destinations.
The Evergreen State is home to more than 3,000 miles of tidal shoreline and is traversed by some 70,000 miles of river. There are also more than 8,000 lakes in Washington. With all those choices, it can be difficult to name a top five list for boating destinations, but here’s our best shot.
Puget Sound
Running roughly north to south, the Puget Sound stretches roughly from Olympia in the south, past Tacoma and Metropolitan Seattle before entering the Salish Sea around Port Townsend. The Sound is a vast, interconnected system of rivers, estuaries, and bays.
When it comes to boating in Puget Sound, the world is your oyster. The options are as varied as the scenery is beautiful. From the nightlife and culture of Seattle to isolated coves and anchorages where you can get away for an afternoon, it’s all here.
If you’re after some time in nature, the greater Puget Sound area is home to Mount Rainier, which stands at 14,410 feet, and Mount Rainier National Park. There’s also Blake Island Marine State Park. The island is accessible only by boat and offers plenty of docking and mooring options.
If you’re after a cosmopolitan experience, check out Seattle’s waterfront. There are plenty of boat-up restaurant options or you can cruise the harbor.
Lake Union
Surrounded by the city of Seattle, Lake Union sits between the Puget Sound on the west and Lake Washington on the east. Lake Union is often referred to as Seattle’s “bustling aquatic heart.” To bring your boat here is to take in culture and activity.
Seaplanes land on the lake. It is famous for its communities of floating homes and general showcase of maritime culture. You can even rent a hot tub boat. All about its shores are a variety of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and markets.
If you’re into history, there’s the Museum of History and Industry and the Center for Wooden Boats. The south shore of the lake is a short walk to the Space Needle. With a bit of coordination, you can time your trip to experience all manner of events, concerts, or festivals that take place in downtown Seattle.
Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River serves as Washington’s southern border with Oregon. About 100 miles east of Portland, Oregon, the river carves a canyon through the Cascade Mountains. The result is the Columbia River Gorge.
A stunning landscape, the Gorge is surrounded by temperate rainforests of Douglas fir, western red cedar, and bigleaf maple. The forests give way in places to sheer cliffs and an incredible variety of topography. In terms of natural beauty, the Columbia River Gorge is amply endowed.
The history of this place is written in its geology—you can see the layers of rock as the river carved its way to the current level. Native Americans lived here, harvesting salmon runs on the Columbia River. The Louis and Clark Expedition passed this way in 1805, just before finally reaching the Pacific Ocean (their journey was on foot… it started in Virginia in 1803).
San Juan Islands and the Strait of San Juan de Fuca
If you’re after bottom fish—halibut, ling cod, cabezon, and assorted rockfish, you might want to venture a bit away from the more populated aspects of the Puget Sound. If you’ve got the boat for it, head to the San Juan Islands.
Sitting just northeast of the eastern mouth of the Strait of San Juan de Fuca, the waterway that connects the Salish Sea to the Pacific Ocean, the San Juan Islands sit just east of Victoria, British Columbia.
Chinook run through the islands from about July through September. Coho tend to show up a bit later and stay a bit longer.
The bottom fishing is associated with structure. Find a ledge or reef and you’re in business. One of the great things about cold water bottom fish? They tend to be some of the best tasting fish in the world. Just be sure to abide by state and local harvest regulations.
In addition to the fishing, try your hand at catching Dungeness crab or dropping a prawn trap on the bottom. This is a fun, tasty way to round out your haul of ocean bounty.
Lake Chelan
Located perhaps just northwest of the center point of the state, Lake Chelan stretches some 50.5 miles. Glacial in origin, the lake’s clear waters are stunning. The mountains which surround it add to the appeal.
Chelan County, Washington is home to a variety of small communities, each offering a distinct visitor experience. Planning your trip in the summer not only offers great boating weather, but the chance to experience all manner of festivals and events. From relaxation and a peaceful, natural vibe to wide open on the water recreation, there’s something for everyone.
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The Evergreen State is home to more than 3,000 miles of tidal shoreline and is traversed by some 70,000 miles of river. There are also more than 8,000 lakes in Washington. With all those choices, it can be difficult to name a top five list for boating destinations, but here’s our best shot.
Puget Sound
Running roughly north to south, the Puget Sound stretches roughly from Olympia in the south, past Tacoma and Metropolitan Seattle before entering the Salish Sea around Port Townsend. The Sound is a vast, interconnected system of rivers, estuaries, and bays.
When it comes to boating in Puget Sound, the world is your oyster. The options are as varied as the scenery is beautiful. From the nightlife and culture of Seattle to isolated coves and anchorages where you can get away for an afternoon, it’s all here.
If you’re after some time in nature, the greater Puget Sound area is home to Mount Rainier, which stands at 14,410 feet, and Mount Rainier National Park. There’s also Blake Island Marine State Park. The island is accessible only by boat and offers plenty of docking and mooring options.
If you’re after a cosmopolitan experience, check out Seattle’s waterfront. There are plenty of boat-up restaurant options or you can cruise the harbor.
Lake Union
Surrounded by the city of Seattle, Lake Union sits between the Puget Sound on the west and Lake Washington on the east. Lake Union is often referred to as Seattle’s “bustling aquatic heart.” To bring your boat here is to take in culture and activity.
Seaplanes land on the lake. It is famous for its communities of floating homes and general showcase of maritime culture. You can even rent a hot tub boat. All about its shores are a variety of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and markets.
If you’re into history, there’s the Museum of History and Industry and the Center for Wooden Boats. The south shore of the lake is a short walk to the Space Needle. With a bit of coordination, you can time your trip to experience all manner of events, concerts, or festivals that take place in downtown Seattle.
Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River serves as Washington’s southern border with Oregon. About 100 miles east of Portland, Oregon, the river carves a canyon through the Cascade Mountains. The result is the Columbia River Gorge.
A stunning landscape, the Gorge is surrounded by temperate rainforests of Douglas fir, western red cedar, and bigleaf maple. The forests give way in places to sheer cliffs and an incredible variety of topography. In terms of natural beauty, the Columbia River Gorge is amply endowed.
The history of this place is written in its geology—you can see the layers of rock as the river carved its way to the current level. Native Americans lived here, harvesting salmon runs on the Columbia River. The Louis and Clark Expedition passed this way in 1805, just before finally reaching the Pacific Ocean (their journey was on foot… it started in Virginia in 1803).
San Juan Islands and the Strait of San Juan de Fuca
If you’re after bottom fish—halibut, ling cod, cabezon, and assorted rockfish, you might want to venture a bit away from the more populated aspects of the Puget Sound. If you’ve got the boat for it, head to the San Juan Islands.
Sitting just northeast of the eastern mouth of the Strait of San Juan de Fuca, the waterway that connects the Salish Sea to the Pacific Ocean, the San Juan Islands sit just east of Victoria, British Columbia.
Chinook run through the islands from about July through September. Coho tend to show up a bit later and stay a bit longer.
The bottom fishing is associated with structure. Find a ledge or reef and you’re in business. One of the great things about cold water bottom fish? They tend to be some of the best tasting fish in the world. Just be sure to abide by state and local harvest regulations.
In addition to the fishing, try your hand at catching Dungeness crab or dropping a prawn trap on the bottom. This is a fun, tasty way to round out your haul of ocean bounty.
Lake Chelan
Located perhaps just northwest of the center point of the state, Lake Chelan stretches some 50.5 miles. Glacial in origin, the lake’s clear waters are stunning. The mountains which surround it add to the appeal.
Chelan County, Washington is home to a variety of small communities, each offering a distinct visitor experience. Planning your trip in the summer not only offers great boating weather, but the chance to experience all manner of festivals and events. From relaxation and a peaceful, natural vibe to wide open on the water recreation, there’s something for everyone.
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