Suggetions for Waterway Guide Book - Washington State Waters

Byrdman

Having been up in the Oak Harbor/Seattle area on a few differant trips,, I'd like some local input or input from folks who have traveled the waters up there for a good, or couple of good waterguide books on the waters. Lake Washington, San Juan Islands, and on up a bit possbily to the Gulf Islands.

I will be up in the water areas in the Jun-Jul time frame this summer. My plans are to boat a while, and have a couple family members/friends fly out in couples as to enjoy some of the area.

In my minds eye, I would like to stay on the hook some, stay at some marinas in the boat some, get a bed & breakfast from the docks via a cab or shuttle some.... just a general mix of things.

Recommendations please.

Byrdman

tom&shan · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 316 Photos: Dakota

What little I've been out on the water so far I've found Waggoner's to be an excellent resource. Had a nice description on going into fishermans bay on Lopez about avoiding the sandbars with an illustration of where boats get stuck.

Here's their web site : http://www.waggonerguide.com/

Tom

Cutty Sark · Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 2:25 pm Post subject:

I will echo the Waggoner is a very good book for a good price, lots of info in it, and it covers alot of area. I aslo like this one which I bought a copy of,
http://www.thirdplacebooks.com/NASApp/store/Product?s=showproduct&isbn=9780071420396

a little more detailed in some respects, doesn't cover as broad of an area but what it covers it covers well. And the author did all the research for the revised addition in a 16 foot Cdory!! There are a couple Cdory shots in it, and lots of helpful maps etc. Both books are fun reading.

Sark

Old Dog · Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 5:07 pm Post subject:

Here's another vote for the Wagonner guide book. If I was only carrying one, it would be the one. Bob and Marilynn Hale, the publishers, spend a lot of time every summer checking out the various areas they write about and have some great contributing editors that add a lot. Have met Bob and Marilynn a couple times while cruising north of Vancouver, BC and they are nice people. Also - their website provides updated info. As you know, a lot of information changes rapidly and they at least make an attempt to stay current.

oldgrowth · Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 5:31 pm Post subject:

Sark – thanks for the link to the book. I don’t have that one. Will have to take a look at it.

_________
Dave

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 7:58 pm Post subject:

Patrick,
The books put out by Don Douglass are excellent, The one you want for the PNW area takes in from Olympia up through the So Gulf Islands. I have the next two also. 2nd one takes you up to the northern tip of Vancouver Is and the 3rd from there to Sitka. I found them extremely helpful on lst years trip to Ketchikan and back.
Exploring the San Juan and Gulf Islands: Cruising Paradise of the Pacific Northwest (Paperback)

Pat Anderson · Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 9:44 pm Post subject:

Byrdman - sorry, did not get your PM in time to reply, I agree with the above - you should get two. Waggoners, for sure. That could be all you need for cruising PNW waters. But get the Douglass book too, Exploring the San Juans and Gulf Islands. It has more depth on the various spots. This is all you really need. Let us know when you are launching, and we are so there!!!!

Byrdman · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 12:15 pm Post subject:

Thanks... Have the Waggoner's in bound now... and going to steal a few hub caps and pick up some beer cans to sell in order to get the $70 Douglas book. ....but then... my birthday is in Jun....so that aint to far off for me to leave an order form on Sherryl's bathroom counter...accidently... Mr. Green

colobear · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 1:12 pm Post subject:

Sorry to be late getting an answer to you. We use the Waggoner's but we also like "Afoot and Afloat: The San Juan Islands" by Marge and Ted Mueller, Mountaineer books 4th ed. It gives interesting history, hiking, and sightseeing information on the SJ's but is not what I'd call a cruising book. Let us know when you are on the way here and we'd enjoy showing you some first hand.