Cornet Bay Boat Launch

Big Mac · Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 6:38 pm Post subject: Cornet Bay Boat Launch

We are planning a trip up to Cornet Bay to meet the Brother-in law for a few days of cruising. Has anyone launched here and how would the security of a tow rig be for a few days? Also how long a tow would it be from Seattle? Any comments would be appreciated, Big Mac.

Knotty C · Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 6:54 pm Post subject:

We launched there for a week-long cruise to the San Juans in July. We left our rig at the Cornet Bay Marina right next to the park and didn't have any problems there. It looked like it would be fine to leave a tow rig at the park because there is a park host on site. Sorry I can't tell you how long it takes to tow from Seattle. We towed up from Vancouver, WA and it took us around three hours to make that trip.

Big Mac · Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 7:03 pm Post subject: Cornet Bay Boat Launch

Hello Knotty C, Thanks for the quick response, I should have just said from Chehalis and you would have given me a better time table. You passed right by our town on the way. I was thinking about 2 and 1/2 hours. That sounds about right? I have heard that it is a pretty area so we will soon see. Happy Boating, Big Mac.

Knotty C · Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 7:10 pm Post subject:

We did in fact drive right by your town. Although, we're always late starters and tend to travel when it's dark. Sad

It makes it hard to take in the sights when we do that. It is truly a beautiful area, we liked it so much we're going to be coming back up that way in about 2 weeks. Enjoy your cruise.

gljjr · Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 7:52 pm Post subject:

Big Mac,

It takes me about 2 1/2 hours (streets and trips says 3 1/2 hours from Chehalis) to tow from Fall City to Cornet (I did it twice this summer). The launch is OK but be aware that you need a long bow/stearn rope as the docks are 6' from the edge of the ramp <who's *%$#$ idea was that?>. Other than that the ramp is fine IMHO. If you can park along the bottom you should have little problem leaving the vehicle for multiple days. I don't think I would want to park in the upper lot for extended periods though. The bottom lot is visible by the camp host tent. The upper lot isn't. In that case I would walk the extra distance and park at the marina.

BTW: I would hop off I5 in Tacoma and take 512 to 167 to 405 and then get back on I5 in Lynwood. This will be MUCH more comfortable towing the boat as you will avoid the dreaded Fife section of I5.

Adeline · Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 2:41 pm Post subject:

gljjr · Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 5:17 pm Post subject:

I will do just about anything to avoid the section from Southcenter to the Tacoma Dome. Even if it takes an extra half hour of driving!

Big Mac · Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 1:34 am Post subject: Shortcut around Tacoma

Gary, thanks for the tip on avoiding the Tacoma Dome nightmare. I used to live in Bellevue in the early 70's and go up that way once in a while. Boy has the traffic changed over the years. I also have made several trips back to the Factory and I am always uneasy stopped on the freeway with the Mary Ellen in tow. I think I will try your shortcut. It would even work well when going to the Factory as you go right past the new location. Happy Boating, Big Mac.