Outdoor and boating enthusiasts will find a challenging but lovely playground in Washington State. The Olympic Mountains and the Cascade Range offer a plethora of outdoor activities. In Washington’s large, beautiful backyard, there’s always something fun to do. For boaters, it’s all about spending time on the sea and on the waterways. There are over 3,000 miles of coastline to explore in Washington, including the Pacific Coastline, huge tidal waterways, and the island perimeters. Every style of boater and paddler will find a water venue in Washington. In this article, I will list the best boating destinations in Washington so as to give you some ideas about which ones you should visit. Follow me!

The Salish Sea

The Salish Sea is the term given to the enormous inland sea that runs from the north end of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula to the cities of Olympia and Seattle. It is divided into different locations, each with its own set of popular boating sports. Because it lies between Washington and Vancouver Island in Canada, the Strait serves as the continental United States’ northern border. You should visit Victoria, a tiny, metropolitan city to the north, with beautiful European influences and top-notch cultural offerings. Several communities such as Port Angeles and Port Townsend, provide moorage and a decent dinner to the south.

Strait of Juan de Fuca and San Juan Islands

When it comes to waves, the Strait is almost as rough as the coast, but it’s also a haven for boaters, surfers, and windsurfers. The Juan de Fuca Strait is approximately 100 miles long and 12 miles wide. It might be flat quiet or highly rough depending on the weather. A westerly sea breeze rises around mid-day, increasing to 30 knots or later in the afternoon, according to the regular July pattern. The seas will be unusually high, steep, and close together if this sea breeze confronts an out-flowing ebb current. Occasionally, though, the regular weather pattern is disrupted, and the wind blows nonstop. It may also be serene, even on a hot July afternoon.

There is increased protection as it approaches Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, and moorage and shelter choices expand. The San Juan Islands are known for two things in particular. For starters, they are the sunniest spot in western Washington. Second, they are home to Washington’s famous resident orca population, which is one of the world’s friendliest and most dependable whale-watching groups.

To get there, you’ll need a boat that can manage a few big waves, as swells of up to six feet are common, and tidal currents can be strong, so plan your route appropriately. Scuba divers who have dived in cold water before will like the San Juans because the blue water and vibrantly colorful animals are both stunning and diverse. Friday Harbor, picturesque Snug Harbor, and charming Roche Harbor, as well as a variety of B&Bs, are all located on San Juan Island. The distinct offerings of each island make each one an adventure in and of itself, so take your boat and visit them all, if possible.

>>Also Read: Best Boating Destinations in Florida

Puget Sound

The cities of Bellingham, Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia are located in this inland region, which also has one of the country’s main international shipping ports. Puget Sound is diverse, and it serves as a gateway to a number of small, peaceful bays and gorgeous beaches. When visiting the Pacific Northwest, take your boat to explore Puget Sound and get a taste of everything this region is known for.

In the summer, sailing in Puget Sound can be a lot of fun! If the wind picks up you will have some wonderful sails. However, because of tidal currents and other factors, you’ll probably be motoring a lot because you’ll be traveling against the tide 50 percent of the time. However, the beam going over from Seattle to Bainbridge, among other places, creates fantastic sails. Summer afternoon winds from the Straight can be stronger than you think in the San Juans. However, the situation differs within the islands. For instance, the Narrows, like Case and Carr inlet, get a lot of wind. Henderson Bay is well-known for being one of the top windsurfing and kiteboarding spots in the Sound. The wind is coming from the southwest and is funneling up.

Port Madison on Bainbridge Island is a great spot for anchoring. Hillsides surrounded by stunning residences and landscapes shelter the inner harbor. You can also sail over to Port Madison and take in the views while relaxing in the quiet seas. Don’t omit to visit Kingston which is an important boat hub. Walk up to the restaurants, stores, and art galleries and tie your boat to the guest moorage. Moreover, sail to Blake Island which is a small island off the coast of Vashon Island. The island is a Washington State Park with 475 acres of land and pathways for hiking and riding.

Vashon Island and Dead Man’s Island

Vashon Island, sometimes known as the “Heart of the Sound,” has a lot to offer in terms of sights and activities. It is an artsy island with delectable cuisine, quirky shops, and plenty of outdoor activity, is only accessible by boat. You may either sail or motor to the island or take the ferry from Tacoma’s Point Defiance Ferry Terminal. Note that day mooring is available at Quartermaster Marina. The activities are unlimited once you arrive on the island.

If you’ve ever visited Kopachuck State Park near Gig Harbor, Washington, you’ve probably seen Dead Man’s Island, a little wooded and sandy island. Dead Man’s Island, a local favorite, offers spectacular views of the Puget Sound and is bordered by sandy beaches ideal for summer sunbathing. Boaters can anchor directly on the beach because the island’s shoreline is so sandy. This little, sandy island is a popular spot for summer picnics and water fun in the summer. It’s worth exploring the little cluster of trees in the island’s center and relaxing on the island’s long, sandy spit.

Ross Lake

Ross Lake is a 23-mile-long body of water that serves as the focal point of the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. It’s also part of the North Cascades National Park Complex, which is significantly larger. From the Ross Lake Overlook, the waters of this vast reservoir easily catch the eye. Nearby, the equally spectacular Diablo Lake views compete for attention. One of the most popular ways to enjoy the environment is to stand above these two lakes and admire the dramatic mountain backdrops.

Note that Ross Lake features a limited number of boating access spots. Boaters who want to access the south end of Ross Lake must first launch into Diablo Lake, which is one of the nicest campgrounds in the North Cascades. It’s a five-mile paddle and a mile-long portage to get reach Ross Lake from there. Ross Lake Resort is only accessible by boat or hiking trail and is located on the southwest side. There are additional boat-in camping areas throughout the lake that require permits. Many of these overnight camping spots are connected by a hiking trail that runs the length of Ross Lake’s east bank.

>>Also Read: Best Boating Lakes in the US

Columbia River

Columbia River is a major international port and the historical site of the first European arrival to the west coast. Oregon and Washington are separated by the Columbia River. Many enjoy boating on the Columbia because it’s a thrilling and enjoyable experience. The first section of the route has a lot of wind, which is perfect for sailors and windsurfers. The nearby region is an excellent opportunity to explore this island city by boat when the winds calm near Portland. As you travel north, the towering evergreens are replaced by sheer bluffs with fossilized trees and sagebrush plateaus. In addition, there are massive dam and lock systems that transport boaters to greater heights. The Snake River joins the Columbia, making for a fun side trip for whitewater fans. This river’s Hell’s Canyon part is deeper than the Grand Canyon and definitely worth seeing.

Lake Chelan

Lake Chelan is a beautiful 50.5-mile-long lake that stretches into the North Cascades’ eastern flank. Visitors and boaters come from all across the state to see this glacier-fed body of water. Chelan, the lake’s southernmost city, is a popular tourist destination. It’s a great place to start if you want to get out on the water.

From stand-up paddleboards to powerboats, the lake can accommodate all forms of floating vessels. On the water, waterskiing and wakeboarding are popular activities. The southern end of the lake is surrounded by several watercraft and boat charters. This section of the lake is also lined with marinas, public boat launches, and day-use parks. On the northern end of the lake, the tiny alpine village of Stehekin serves as a gateway to the North Cascades National Park Complex. Stehekin has no roads, and the only way to get there is via boat or aircraft. Between May and October, the beautiful Lady of the Lake ferry provides daily service across the lake.

>>Also Read: Best Boating Lakes Near Los Angeles

The Inside Passage

This is the safest and most recommended route for boaters traveling north to Alaska. Off the coast of British Columbia, the Inside Passage begins to the north of the San Juan Islands and ends to the east of Vancouver Island. The Gulf Islands are included in this area, which extends into southeast Alaska. A boat trip through the Inside Passage may be epic and gorgeous, but it takes preparation and experience. Your boat must be enclosed enough to protect passengers from storms, and shallow enough to navigate narrower waterways. Also, summer is the best season to do this because there are favorable weather conditions.

Furthermore, note that if you pick the wrong side of a waterway or island during a flood tide, severe tidal currents can completely stall your engine. Fuel stops are few and far between, thus a thorough understanding of a boat’s capabilities is essential. Finally, numerous marine hazards are poorly identified or unknown in this area, so boaters must use extreme caution. There are extreme views and endemic species in the area, and it’s not uncommon to feel like you’re the only boat on the sea. For many people, this is the best boating excursion they’ve ever taken.