Seattle → Admiralty Inlet → Saratoga Passage → Seattle
Quaint Towns, Naval History, and Island Escapes
The North Sound offers a diverse mix of classic "Little Norway" charm, bustling maritime hubs, and serene resort-style getaways. Whether you are looking for a quick overnight trip or a multi-day coastal crawl, these destinations offer excellent marina facilities and plenty to do once the sails are furled.
Day 1: Seattle → Kingston (~13 NM)
A perfect "shake-out" leg to get the crew settled as you cross the main channel.
- Stay: Kingston Marina (Port of Kingston). They offer great guest moorage with easy power and water hookups. Walking distance to everything.
- Guide: A welcoming ferry-town vibe. Visit the park adjacent to the marina for the Sunday Farmers Market (in season). The town is compact and very walkable.
- Tip: Grab a celebratory "first night" crêpe or pastry at the local crêperie/bakery just up the hill from the dock. It’s a local legend for a reason.
Day 2: Kingston → Port Townsend (~22 NM)
Head North through Admiralty Inlet. Keep a sharp eye on the tide—timing this with a flood current will save you significant time and fuel.
- Stay: Point Hudson Marina (right in the historic heart) or Boat Haven (further south, near the heavy maritime trades). Point Hudson is highly recommended for easy access to downtown.
- Guide: A world-renowned Victorian seaport. Wander the historic streets filled with independent bookshops, boutiques, and high-end galleries.
- Activity: Walk or bike to Fort Worden State Park to explore the old military bunkers and Point Wilson Lighthouse. Visit the Northwest Maritime Center to soak up the local wooden boat culture.
Day 3: Port Townsend → La Conner (~25 NM)
Cross the mouth of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and enter the Swinomish Channel. Caution: Be sure to check the tide tables for the "Swinomish Slingshot"—the current in the channel is narrow and powerful.
- Stay: La Conner Marina (Port of Skagit). There are two basins (North and South); both offer guest moorage and are a short walk to the boardwalk.
- Guide: A colorful, artisanal town famous for its beauty and the nearby tulip fields. The waterfront boardwalk is lined with unique shops and the Museum of Northwest Art (MoNA).
- Tip: Dining in La Conner is excellent. Try the local seafood while overlooking the channel. If you're there in spring, the surrounding flower fields are a must-see (requires a short taxi/bike ride).
Day 4: La Conner → Langley (~27 NM)
Travel south through the Swinomish Channel and into the Saratoga Passage. This stretch of water is prime territory for spotting Gray Whales and Orcas.
- Stay: Langley Village Marina. This is a small, friendly facility that puts you right at the base of the bluff.
- Guide: Perched on a cliff, Langley is arguably the most picturesque village in the Sound. It’s quiet, upscale, and incredibly romantic.
- Activity: Walk up the "Whale Bell" stairs into town. Explore the numerous art galleries and the Whale Center. Langley is known for its farm-to-table dining—reservations for dinner are a good idea.
- Tip: Use the binoculars provided at the waterfront park overlooking the water; whales are frequently spotted right from the bluff.
Day 5: Langley → Seattle (~28 NM)
A long, scenic reach back down the Sound. Round Possession Point and head south toward the Windworks base.
- Stay: Back at the Windworks Base.
- Tip: As you pass the southern tip of Whidbey Island, keep an eye on the "Convergence Zone"—the winds can shift rapidly here as they wrap around the island.
- Activity: If you have extra time before turning in the boat, drop a hook in Eagle Harbor (Bainbridge) for a final lunch on deck before the final 8 NM crossing back to Seattle.
📝 Expedition Mariner’s Notes
- The Admiralty Current: The water moving through Admiralty Inlet is the "breath" of the Puget Sound. If the wind is blowing from the North and the tide is ebbing (flowing South), the seas can become very steep and "square." Always try to travel with the current.
- Whale Safety: You are in a protected corridor. Maintain at least 200 yards distance from Orcas and Gray Whales. If they approach you, shift into neutral and let them pass.
- Swinomish Channel: Stay strictly between the green and red markers. The edges of the channel silt up significantly and can ground a deep-draft keel quickly.
