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Harbors beckon from Olympia to British Columbia
By BILL KNIGHT
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER
On Peter Puget's travels through the waters of the inland sea that now bears his name, he often spotted native inhabitants on the shore.
In his diary, Puget described their stature ("slenderly made"), hair ("long, quite black and exceedingly dirty") and wearing apparel ("copper ornaments and beads in noses and ears").
That was it, not a stitch else. As Puget recounted in his journal: "The whole party was naked."
Much has changed since Puget's nautical exploration of Northwest waters, including a marked decrease in the number of nude beach parties. But much of the scenic beauty that was described in the records of early explorers remains for the enjoyment of pleasure-boaters who have turned cruising into a way of life.
A quarter of a million boats -- from trailer-pulled runabouts to posh power cruisers and sleek sailboats -- are registered in the state, and many are used to motor or sail to wide-ranging destinations.
Old salts insist the boating season never closes in this corner of the continent.
The major question for cruising enthusiasts is where to go.
Stretching from wooded shores near Olympia to the distant reaches of British Columbia, Northwest waters offer a wide range of opportunities.
Do you prefer isolated, pristine coves with minimal development?
Want to spend a night at a full-service marina-resort where you can dine in style at a classy restaurant, play tennis or golf and splash in the swimming pool?
Or how about a setting where you can gather crab, clams and oysters or catch a salmon?
Most boaters like a mix.
Owning a boat offers more flexibility, but it's not a prerequisite. Numerous charter firms offer power and sail vessels for hire to qualified skippers.
Another alternative is time-share boating, which allows use of a boat for a specific number of days a year for a monthly fee. The leading operation is Seattle-based Elliott Bay Yacht Center.
Most Northwest cruising waters are protected from ocean-size waves and winds. Major storms are rare May through September. Even so, good sense is critical. When marine weather warnings are hoisted, take heed.
The State Parks and Recreation Department, which runs the marine parks system, charges an overnight fee at many of the facilities. For boats under 26 feet, the fee is $8 per night or $50 for an annual pass. Over 26 feet is $11 per night or $80 for the year.
See also: A rundown of some favorite Puget Sound boating destinations.
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