Puget Sound / San Juan launch points
- Thread starter lannis
- Start date
We launch at Cornet Bay by Deception Pass on the Northern tip of Whidbey Island. It is a state park with good launch ramps and park ranger patrols. We have left the truck and trailer there for days on end many times with no problem at all. It is pricey however, $10 day parking fee. You can also launch at the Keystone ferry terminal at Admiralty Inlet across from Port Townsend. You'd actually be launching at another state park with patrols but no fee for parking. Two ramps and a little tide sensitive but fine overall. Many people launch out of Everett. We've never done that but many brats do it routinely. I don't know of any fresh water launches other than Lake Washington/Lake Union in Seattle and parking the rig there for several days might be a little iffy.
Not sure where you're from but there are some significant distances involved. Launching in Seattle and getting to the San Juans would just about be an all day affair even at about 15Kts. I can launch at Cornet Bay and be at Friday Harbor in just over an hour.
Not sure where you're from but there are some significant distances involved. Launching in Seattle and getting to the San Juans would just about be an all day affair even at about 15Kts. I can launch at Cornet Bay and be at Friday Harbor in just over an hour.
Can launch at John Wayne Marina, Sequim. Great facility, nice ramp and freshwater wash deck. 72 hours no problem, $9 launch fee, no additional parking fee, and no overnight security. Up to a week, if you check in with the marina office. Longer than that, might need arrangements. Send me a PM with dates and I might be able to help out with some details.
Crossing the Juan de Fuca Strait may add some spice to your trip. Doable, and often pleasurable, just need to watch the weather.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Crossing the Juan de Fuca Strait may add some spice to your trip. Doable, and often pleasurable, just need to watch the weather.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
starcrafttom
Active member
depending on where you are going I would suggest Everett or twin bridges. Everett is the biggest and nicest ramp in the sound. 8 lanes and 300 plus parking spots for truck and trailer. $3 a day for parking in the summer. free in the winter.
If you are going to the sj without spending time in the sound then twin bridges ramp near anacortes is good and free over night parking but pay to launch. we have left our truck there for a two weeks before. you do have to watch the tides, don't try to launch on a 0 or less low tide. time your use at a +2 or more for best results.
If you are going to the sj without spending time in the sound then twin bridges ramp near anacortes is good and free over night parking but pay to launch. we have left our truck there for a two weeks before. you do have to watch the tides, don't try to launch on a 0 or less low tide. time your use at a +2 or more for best results.
20dauntless
New member
The Twin Bridges ramp is basically at the same place as Twin Bridges Marina. Their address is 11071 Josh Green Lane Mount Vernon, WA. The boat launch is underneath the two bridges there, maybe 100 yards from the marina. We have had boats at Twin Bridges for the last 8 years or so and have never had a problem with a break in while parked at their parking lot, but other people have reported problems. The public parking is a bit more isolated than the marina parking and probably doesn't have CCTV cameras.
Another option are the slings at Cap Sante and Skyline, although both of those are fairly pricy.
Another option are the slings at Cap Sante and Skyline, although both of those are fairly pricy.
Iannis,
Not sure why you want a fresh water launch other than it essentially flushes the engines with no extra effort. The Everett launch is on the Snohomish river not too far from the salt so the water there is probably a little brackish. (BTW - Tom - doesn't Everett have 14 lanes? 8 for launch and 6 for retrieve?). It's certainly the best launch facility in the Puget Sound but it's not that close to the San Juans. The launches mentioned by others Bellingham, Skyline, Twin Bridges, Deception Pass are all better for rapid access to the islands. Many launches have a fresh water hose available for flushing brakes and engines.
Not sure why you want a fresh water launch other than it essentially flushes the engines with no extra effort. The Everett launch is on the Snohomish river not too far from the salt so the water there is probably a little brackish. (BTW - Tom - doesn't Everett have 14 lanes? 8 for launch and 6 for retrieve?). It's certainly the best launch facility in the Puget Sound but it's not that close to the San Juans. The launches mentioned by others Bellingham, Skyline, Twin Bridges, Deception Pass are all better for rapid access to the islands. Many launches have a fresh water hose available for flushing brakes and engines.
Kingston is good, and is seldom real busy. If you park up the hill about 200 yards from the ramp it is $4/day no limit. I usually use Oak Harbor. Shallow ramp but free parking near the ramp. Launch is also free. I just tell the harbormaster I am there and about when I will return. A couple weeks is never any problem.
Thanks , a lot of good info , I am from Vancouver Wash. I have boated alot in the San Juan area over the years but have just gotten into the trailerable boat world . I love my little C-Dory so far and am looking forward to the first big trip other than the Columbia river.
Any more tips will be appreciated.
Thanks again this seems like a great group of folk (C-Brats).
Any more tips will be appreciated.
Thanks again this seems like a great group of folk (C-Brats).
Save youself the I-5 headache and look into The west side of Puget Sound. One place that is good is the Port of Brownsville
(360.692.5498). It is directly west from Seattle and gives you the
option of going to the SJ's via Admiralty or the inside of Whidbey. Just a thought.
Robbi
(360.692.5498). It is directly west from Seattle and gives you the
option of going to the SJ's via Admiralty or the inside of Whidbey. Just a thought.
Robbi
http://www.skagitparksfoundation.org/swinomish.htm
there is info on the twin bridges launch. I would recommend this launch for quick access to the islands.
there is info on the twin bridges launch. I would recommend this launch for quick access to the islands.
I too much prefer launching from the west side. Hate towing through seattle and points north. I would do it again in september but I have an appointment to pick up the new trailer from Les at Coronet Bay so don't have any choice. I can just feel getting rear-ended in that mess. I have been to Brownsville but have never launched there. I know the folks there are really friendly and helpful.
Towing north to the San Juans is not bad. You can avoid Seattle altogether by using I-405 except you still have to go through Bellevue. North from Everett is usually smooth sailing. If you travel through Bellevue mid-morning to midday, you should miss major traffic. Unfortunately, Seattle bottlenecks into downtown all through the day and you always run into traffic from around Boeing Field through the 520 turnoff. That being said, I'm a city driver so I don't mind traffic, it's just a way of life here in Seattle.
As for the Twin Bridges ramp, like Tom said, you cannot use it on low tide, especially a negative tide, even with our shallow draft C-Dories. Tried it last year. Couldn't get the boat on the trailer so took a nice little 4 hour trip to Seattle by water. Plus, the current runs through there pretty quickly and the space is tight for manuevering. The few times I've used it, I pretty much let the current whip me around rather than fight it. This is one of my least favorite ramps.
If you're willing to pay for a $35 sling fee, Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes has a nice sling lift. They also have good facilities for parking your trailer. You set that up with the Marina as well. Plus it's pretty safe. I made the mistake of leaving my window down over a 3-day weekend a couple of years ago and my truck was completely undisturbed.
As for the Twin Bridges ramp, like Tom said, you cannot use it on low tide, especially a negative tide, even with our shallow draft C-Dories. Tried it last year. Couldn't get the boat on the trailer so took a nice little 4 hour trip to Seattle by water. Plus, the current runs through there pretty quickly and the space is tight for manuevering. The few times I've used it, I pretty much let the current whip me around rather than fight it. This is one of my least favorite ramps.
If you're willing to pay for a $35 sling fee, Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes has a nice sling lift. They also have good facilities for parking your trailer. You set that up with the Marina as well. Plus it's pretty safe. I made the mistake of leaving my window down over a 3-day weekend a couple of years ago and my truck was completely undisturbed.
Pat Anderson
New member
OK, just my $0.02. Can't speak to the west side launches, if convenient, go for it!
Would not launch at the Twin Bridges ramp on a bet any more, especially if crabbing is open. The influence of the current and the bridge obstructions right out in front make this a nightmare if you have to try to hang waiting for the ramp to clear out. BTDT, YMMV.
Two best options on the east side: Everett and Bellingham. Both have great launches and ample parking. Everett has the best arrangement of ramps and approaches. Bellingham gets a nod for the free parking, and always has overflow on Hilton, which many people are not aware of. If you are out for more than a couple of days, you have to get a free permit at the port office.
A sleeper option is Blaine, which is also a Port of Bellingham facility, right on the Canadian border on I-5. It is very convenient to the northern SJs like Sucia and Matia (and Stuart), and the Southern Gulf Islands in B.C. Most convenient for clearing Canadian customs at White Rock going out and Point Roberts coming back in.
Would not launch at the Twin Bridges ramp on a bet any more, especially if crabbing is open. The influence of the current and the bridge obstructions right out in front make this a nightmare if you have to try to hang waiting for the ramp to clear out. BTDT, YMMV.
Two best options on the east side: Everett and Bellingham. Both have great launches and ample parking. Everett has the best arrangement of ramps and approaches. Bellingham gets a nod for the free parking, and always has overflow on Hilton, which many people are not aware of. If you are out for more than a couple of days, you have to get a free permit at the port office.
A sleeper option is Blaine, which is also a Port of Bellingham facility, right on the Canadian border on I-5. It is very convenient to the northern SJs like Sucia and Matia (and Stuart), and the Southern Gulf Islands in B.C. Most convenient for clearing Canadian customs at White Rock going out and Point Roberts coming back in.
Pat Anderson":1bjha8vs said:
I am 100% in agreement with Pat regarding the above statements! All it took was one unhappy experience at Twin Bridges and decided no more!
There are folks that like that launch area, but all it takes is one rude fellow boater to clog the ramp, coupled with the current and it is a nice cruise ruined.
When we cruise the San Juans or Canada we use Bellingham. Everett is superb for reaching most of our other destinations.
Another point to consider is that both Everett and Bellingham have washdown available so you can rinse your trailer after launching and rinse your trailer and boat after retrieval.
starcrafttom
Active member
too each there own. i have always had a good time at the twin bridges ramp. never any trouble leaving the truck. its out of the wind or at least you use the up wind or current side of the ramp. never seen the lot full, ever! you just have to watch the tide and go when you have enough water. It also really easy to tow to. just go up 5 get off at the anacortes exit and drive right to the bridge, go under the bridge and there you are. I hate going to bellingham because you have to tow further, tow threw town, and then when you get there you have to cross belling ham bay to get any where and it always bumpy as hell. it takes longer to get there and you are further away from most of the islands with fewer choices. yeah its closer to the north end and Canada but if the wind is up you cant go Thu the islands with out going south first. going north another 30 miles to go south 10 makes no since to me. so farther , more traffic, more ware on the truck climbing hills, bumpy water, more gas for the boat and the truck??? why???