Mooring a boat in the Puget Sound area looks to be so easy. After all, over 3,000 miles of waterfront - just look at all the places you could keep your boat! If you're read my Waterfront Reporter story about Mooring a Boat, you'll know that there are many ways to moor a boat, but the obvious idea of a dock on your own lot in a little private cove is not one of the easy ways. In this report, I'd like to acquaint you with some of the neighborhoods that are happy to have you aboard!
If you really must have a dock in a cove on your own waterfront, there are basically three good neighborhoods for that, plus a few spots in the San Juans that work. Let's look at Puget Sound first. On Marrowstone Island, a small island connected by bridge and just 25 minutes from that quaint and wonderful Victorian town of Port Townsend, there is a great spot for a dock or mooring buoy that is perfectly protected. It's called Mystery Bay and right now there is a fabulous lot with a house on it looking Southwest for just $355,000. It comes with a mooring buoy and is a great value!
The next area where you can have a dock is on Quartermaster Harbor. This little protected harbor is on Vashon Island between Vashon Island and land-connected Maury Island and access to West Seattle is by ferry. You have to be quick to find something here, but it is a great spot for boaters.
Holmes Harbor near Langley on Whidbey Island also sports a few docks in its protected harbor. Madison Bay on Bainbridge Island has a few docks, but you pay dearly in this area. If you want to be close to Seattle, though, this is the place. Check with me frequently on dock availability here.
If you are looking for a getaway, or can retire pretty much anywhere, I'd go up to British Columbia's Sunshine Coast. From my home in Port Townsend, I can be there in 5 hours. What's so great about it? Lots and lots of houses with docks, good prices, and you are less than an hour and a half from Desolation Sound - and if you a boater you know Desolation Sound. Be sure to e-mail especially about properties in this area at waves@olympus.net - and ask for info on the Sunshine Coast!
If you'd like to be 'down the Canal' near Brinnon, Pleasant Harbor is another protected moorage with docks. It's quiet, peaceful, and for those who like to fish and dig clams, it's a great area.
The next best thing to having a dock in a cove is to simply have a dock with your lot. These so-called 'canal' communities were created in the 60's by dredging out estuaries and using the dredged material to create lots. There are nine or ten such communities (one is a natural area). In the area of Hansville in Kitsap County is the community of Driftwood Keys. Lots here run between $100,000-$175,000 for a lot with a dock. There are always homes available, here, too, and they usually start at around $275,000. Driftwood Keys also has a swimming pool and great walking beaches.
Across the Hood Canal Bridge is the small community of Bridgehaven. Lots here run $100,000-$125,000. The beach is great here, too, and it's always fun to boat up and down Hood Canal.
On Whidbey Island there are three communities: Sandy Hook, Lagoon Point and Mariners Cove. I like Lagoon Point because it has great views of the Olympics and faces west; it's windy there, though, and access into 'canal' can sometimes be dicey. Mariners Cove, on the other hand, faces the inside passage and is perfect for the boater who wants to buzz up through the slough at LaConner and up into the San Juans without venturing out into the Straits of Juan de Fuca which can be daunting. The views here are of Mount Baker and Cascades and the community is small and intimate.
On Fidalgo Island, there are two neighborhoods. My favorite is Skyline with the opportunity to have a dock at your feet or to moor in the community dock and have a stunning view of the San Juans from a view lot. On the east side near LaConner is Shelter Bay. Interesting homes, but look into the lease with great care.
North of Bellingham you'll find Sandy Point. At present, it is best to buy homes with docks only - if you look at a lot, make darn sure you can build on it. Continued problems with Lummi tribe have made investment in this neighborhood problematic. The best thing about it is its proximity to San Juans, though Skyline is almost as close.
Birch Bay Village north of Bellingham also has a few docks with lots. It is a gated, guarded community of mostly snowbirds, but worth taking a look at.
In the San Juans is a natural inlet with lots with docks called Cape San Juan. I like it - gnarly trees, lots of madronas, a combination of funky and fine.
The last best choice (and if views are what you really want as well as having your boat nearby) I'd say a neighborhood with its own marina is a great choice. But, amazingly, there aren't very many.
Again, north of Bellingham near Blaine is the resort/golf community of Semiahmoo. It's marina is okay - needs frequent dredging - but the community is A-l. Lovely homes, great view lots, fabulous golf course, and so close to Vancouver, B.C. , which is such a fun place! Next are a few community moorage spots at Sandy Point, mentioned above and at Birch Bay Village.
Perhaps the nicest community with its own marina is Port Ludlow - it is a resort and golf course community between the Hood Canal Bridge and Port Townsend. Located close to the Olympic Peninsula's famous Banana Belt, it features waterfront, water view and golf course lots with several types of communities located within its borders, from condos to detached villas, to huge waterfront homes. The marina is the draw for many who live at Port Ludlow. And being near the dining delights of Port Townsend and just a hour from Seattle - it's a great choice.
Closer to Port Townsend is the community of Cape George. Westerly views of the Olympics, Discovery Bay, the Straits of Juan de Fuca make this a wonderful place to buy or build. View lots start at $45,000. The marina is very reasonable and boaters are active in this area. The community also has a year-round full-sized swimming pool and recreation facility.
So, boaters, let me know what you would like and I'll find it for you. Just send me an e-mail and we can get started.
