Puget Sound Favorite Harbors Map

Got a boat but no place to go? Stretching from wooded shores near Olympia to the distant reaches of British Columbia, Northwest waters offer a wide range of opportunities. Here are 20 favorite Puget Sound destinations. Click the numbers on the map to see more details on the harbor.

State Marine Parks

1. Jarrell's Cove -- Situated on the north side of Hartstene Island, this picturesque, wooded setting offers one of the most attractive of all the state marine parks. The well-protected harbor has float space for about 20 boats and another 14 on mooring buoys. Nearby is a private marina with float space for 15 boats, fuel, a grocery, showers and laundry. (Back to Map)

2. Penrose Point State Park -- This picturesque South Sound destination features about 10,000 feet of shoreline on the west side of Carr Inlet. There's a float, mooring buoys and ample room for anchoring in Mayo Cove. Check tide tables carefully or you could end up on the rocks. (Back to Map)

3. Blake Island -- Within view of the Seattle skyline, deer roam the naturally preserved island. A breakwater on the north side protects a moorage with a capacity for 35 boats, and mooring buoys are spread offshore around the island. A barbecued salmon dinner and Native American dancing are featured at Tillicum Village next to the moorage. (Back to Map)

4. Sucia Island -- The largest marine park in the San Juans, Sucia has a half-dozen coves where boats can tie to mooring buoys or anchor with relatively safe protection. Situated two miles north of Orcas Island, Sucia is actually a cluster of 11 islands totaling 433 acres. Hiking trails connect several harbors. (Back to Map)

5. Stuart Island -- A favorite marine park, Stuart has two large, protected harbors linked by an 82-acre park with campgrounds (19 sites), fresh water, picnic tables and hiking trails. Reid Harbor has 15 buoys and a small dock. Prevost Harbor has seven buoys and ample room for anchoring. Many spend the night here before crossing to Bedwell Harbor to go through customs inspection on the way to Canada. (Back to Map)

6. Matia Island -- Situated off the north shore of Orcas, Matia is smaller (145 acres) and less developed than neighboring Sucia Island and preferred by many boaters. There are several mooring buoys and a small float. Picnic, hike, beachcomb or look for seals sunning on the rocks at nearby tiny Puffin Island. (Back to Map)

Resorts

7. Blakely Island Marina -- Tucked away in a harbor almost hidden near the west end of Peavine Pass, a busy entrance to the San Juans, Blakely is a favorite stopping place for longtime cruising enthusiasts. Numerous boating groups hold annual gatherings here. It lacks some of the posh attractions of more elegant resorts but serious boaters keep returning. (Back to Map)

8. Deer Harbor -- The setting is on a lovely mile-long inlet on the southwest corner of Orcas Island. The resort includes a well-stocked grocery, outdoor pool, a middle-of-the-road restaurant with a comfortable patio area overlooking the harbor, and two dozen cottage units ideal for families (cooking facilities included). (Back to Map)

9. Islander Lopez (Fisherman Bay) -- The narrow, shallow channel into Fisherman Bay can be tricky but it's worth the trouble. The resort has moorage for more than 50 boats, a full range of restaurant services with outdoor seating (sunsets are a specialty). (Back to Map)

10. Roche Harbor -- This is the epitome of cruising elegance, tucked into a protected bay on San Juan Island with a large moorage (a crew of dock hands helps arriving boats find berths). The sunset flag ceremony is memorable. A water taxi serves boats tied to mooring buoys. The restaurant now ranks with the San Juans' best. (Back to Map)

11. Rosario -- The former Robert Moran estate on Orcas Island, situated on a high bank overlooking Cascade Bay on the eastern shore of East Sound, is one of the Northwest's most celebrated resorts. Steeped in tradition, the mansion is heavy with teak and the spacious, well-kept grounds enhance the ambience. (Back to Map)

12. Port Ludlow -- A former sawmill site has become a posh stopover for boats cruising to Hood Canal or northern destinations. There's substantial moorage space, but the demand is heavy in peak cruising months. One of Ludlow's prime attractions is a top-rated golf course. (Back to Map)

City/Town Moorages

13. Olympia -- A well-maintained public moorage, Percival Landing, is only a short walk from downtown shops and a supermarket in the shadow of the state Capitol. A boardwalk park and promenade are favorites of local residents. East Bay Marina, a Port of Olympia project, has more space but is less accessible to downtown. (Back to Map)

14. Gig Harbor -- Despite a sparsity of overnight moorage, this fishing village-turned-tourist-gathering-place, remains a favorite stopping place. Don't hesitate to take the dinghy to shore to check the shops, restaurants and use the courtesy summer public trolley. (Back to Map)

15. Poulsbo -- This Kitsap Peninsula version of Little Norway has a rich history, a first-class marina and a waterfront park with ready access to the downtown area. A wide range of attractive shops line the main street. There are numerous eateries, none of them distinguished in the opinion of gourmet diners. (Back to Map)

16. Port Orchard -- Installation in the mid-`70s of a major marina -- lots of permanent moorage and top facilities for visiting boats -- attracted a steady stream of weekend boat traffic. With a few exceptions, like Tweten's Lighthouse, a quality restaurant overlooking the water, the downtown area has changed little. (Back to Map)

17. Oak Harbor -- Construction of a modern full-service marina about 20 years ago triggered a turnaround for boating to Whidbey Island's largest town. In recent years Oak Harbor has staged one of the West's leading sailing regattas, Whidbey Race Week. The marina is a long walk to town but worth the effort. (Back to Map)

18. LaConner -- The Swinomish Channel, with all the appearance of a river, is the setting for this once-sleepy historic town, now a tourist mecca. Boaters who haven't visited in recent years will be surprised by the new stirrings of life: bustling shops, classy restaurants and crowded transient moorage. Fuel and full marine services are available. (Back to Map)

19. Port Townsend -- Protected by a breakwater, the full-service, port-operated marina is a favorite stop for boats headed to the San Juans. It's a long walk or a short bus ride downtown to shopping and restaurants. Port Townsend's Jazz Festival in late July is a favorite. Smaller but closer to downtown is the Point Hudson yacht basin. (Back to Map)

20. Friday Harbor -- The largest settlement in the San Juans also has the busiest (and most expensive) publicly operated marina facility. During peak season, the moorage is jammed, with overnighters and others stopping to pick up supplies at genuine supermarkets. A movie theater is a special treat for cruise-bored kids. (Back to Map)

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