Many find it strange, non Pacific North Westerners that is, that Washington could have such a vibrant boating community since the weather is not as conducive as some other parts of the nation. With the many waterways from the Cascade Mountain watershed, boating has become second nature to families that enjoy sailing, fishing, crabbing, shrimping and cruising through Puget Sound. On a nice day it is not uncommon to see hundreds of boats leaving their slips and making haste across the water. Everett, Mukilteo and Edmonds have marinas for the public to keep and launch their boats and personal water craft.

Puget Sound Ferry System

There are two major ferry terminals on Snohomish County’s western border; Mukilteo and Edmonds. Washington’s ferry system is the largest in the United States and third largest in the world with 28 vessels running 24/7/365. The ferry system enables people to live on Whidbey Island (as well as others) and work in Snohomish and King County. For more information and ferry schedules visit the Washington State Ferry website, get schedules.

Wildlife

The Puget Sound is home to three different Orca Pods, J, K and L pods totally 86 whales. They are some of the most beautiful and endangered whales in the world and various times of the year they can be found swimming, jumping and playing in the summer waters of the Puget Sound. The Center for Whale Research has just reported on July 4, 2007 that the “Superpod” has returned from Alaska, read more.

Fishing and shellfishing are popular past-times in the Puget Sound. Through out the year sportsmen can fish for Salmon, toss out a pot for crab and shrimp or comb the beaches for clams. But as the Puget Sound serves up World Class seafood it is important for everyone to respect the licenses and codes in order to protect the many species that call Puget Sound home.

Informational Links and Resources
– Go Northwest
– Whale Watching Tours
– Official Washington Tourism website
– Dungenous Crabbing on the Puget Sound