First cruise lower Puget Sound

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bshillam

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Heaven To Me
Looking to launch next week and go on a short two or three day cruise with my son in the lower Sound. I'd really like to have access to a dock and a place for my son to hike/explore. Anyone know of any great state parks or moorages in the South Sound? Maybe launch in Olympia or further North and launch Portland Townsend. Suggestions to look up?
 
Swantown Marina in Olympia is a starting point that we have used. Walk to old town or the farmer’s market. I would get a Waggoner’s Guide for suggestions of day trips, etc.
 
bshillam":1uvitoyr said:
Looking to launch next week and go on a short two or three day cruise with my son in the lower Sound. I'd really like to have access to a dock and a place for my son to hike/explore. Anyone know of any great state parks or moorages in the South Sound? Maybe launch in Olympia or further North and launch Portland Townsend. Suggestions to look up?
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Can't help much with the South Sound area, but for Portland Townsend, (some of the locals call it Port Townsend :wink: There is a great launch facility at PT (some of us older locals shorten it a bit :lol: with a good washdown facility, a large parking area and though not gated still is a good place to leave a vehicle for a few days. Its a short run over to Mystery Bay. Plenty of not busy roads to walk there, and even can walk across the island and walk the east beach side. There is a dock at Fort Flagler and lots of trails there.

Farther south, Blake Island has a ton of trails, and park docks with electricity (and racoons), and if you can get in there, its can make a great place for an overnight.

Another place with camping and some trails is Deception Pass St Park, north end of Whidbey Is. Nice dock, and launch and good monitored parking, but I don't know if there is a wash ramp there.

If you are looking for hiking, I'm sure there will be others who do and know a lot more than I do about the south end.

Harvey
SleepyC

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as mentioned, Swantown in Olympia is a good place to start a south sound adventure. They have a nice ramp and good parking facilities.
There's been a few Cbrat gatherings at Jarrell Cove state park which offers a nice, protected, dock with an opportunity to walk about.
Another Cbrat gathering spot was Arabellas Landing in Gig Harbor, an easy cruise from J. Cove. The marina puts you right in Gig Harbor with easy walking access to shops and interesting water front history.
I've always wanted to tie up on the waterfront in Tacoma and hit the museum but have yet to do it.
That's about the extent of my south sound knowledge, I'm sure some folks that live in the area would have more ideas
 
Yes, the City of Tacoma has spruced up the Foss Waterway quite nicely. New condos, shops, restaurants, marinas, museums, and access to downtown.
 
There is also Eagle Island Marine State Park on the north side of Anderson Island, good for a night tied to a buoy in your travel.
 
After looking over the map and various locations I believe I have a game plan. Of course all of it subject to change. Launch from Port Townsend, head up to Deception Pass for a few days, then maybe pick up a good friend and head over to Rasario for a few days then hit Jones or James on the way back.
 
Jarrett Cove Park. Harstine Island.
 
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