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Antique & Classic Boat Society

Pacific Northwest Chapter

Seattle area places to launch and to go?

  • Mon, June 30, 2025 7:22 PM
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    Message # 13516029
    Anonymous member

    Just found out the ramp on Vashon will be closed ALL OF AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER for dock replacement!

    Coming off the Island costs me >$100 for the ferry ride back, so my outings these two months will be expensive. If I'm going to pay that much I want to get my money's worth and explore new water, rather than just drive to Point Defiance and launch into my normal place on the Sound. Looking for wisdom from the group:

    1) Where's a good place to launch in Seattle area if I want to day trip Lake WA and Lake Union?

    2) What other locations should I check out nearby? 

    Mostly Saturday or Sunday day trips, but I might do an overnighter or two.

    All suggestions appreciated!
  • Tue, July 01, 2025 1:06 PM
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    Reply # 13516348 on 13516029
    Anonymous member

    Greg, Most of my knowledge is based on the South end of Lake Washington (aka Lake Washingmachine). Almost every ramp is busy on the weekends). Starting in the Southeast side, Coulon Park is in Renton. A large parking. Ivars and Kid Valley are there. Further north, there are 2 boat ramps. Newport Shores and Mercer Island. New Port Shores is nice. Very limited parking. Many people think the Mercer Island boat launch is a hidden secret. Directly under the I90 bridge. The water can get pretty lumpy due to boat traffic under the bridge. Limited dock space. On the Southwest side, Atlantic City boat launch in Rainier Beach. Limited parking. May not be the safest part of Seattle.  

    Things to do on the South end. Andrew's Bay on the North side of Seward Park. Very popular in the summer. Lots of boats anker there. Both big and small boats. Circumnavigate Mercer Island or cruise up the east side of Lake Washington and pull into Meydenbauer Bay or go further north. Wave to Bill Gates as you pass Medina. Head around Yarrow and Hunts Point and up to Kirkland. There is a public ramp in Kirkland. I've never used it. I think parking would be an issue. 

    I rarely cruise the cut at UW, or go west into Lake Union and the Fremont Cut, nor have I spent any time on the north end near Juanita or Kenmore. Maybe other members will add to this post.

    Steve Blanchard
  • Wed, July 02, 2025 9:22 PM
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    Reply # 13517001 on 13516029
    Anonymous member

    Thanks Steve!


    Where are places you (and others) prefer to go?

    Also, if I want to come by boat to the July meeting, where would be the best place to launch somewhat nearby so I can get a little fun in and still be able to load back up that night without running in the dark?

    Last modified: Wed, July 02, 2025 9:24 PM | Anonymous member
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