|
|
Post by Scott on Mar 25, 2007 22:59:07 GMT -8
I've been contemplating a trip to Washington sometime in the next year or so (before the passport regulations come into effect). Officially, it's to take my wife and daughter to the Seattle Zoo, but unofficially it's for me to actually take a couple trips on some Washington State ferries - something I've never done:) But any advice that could be shared would be appreciated and probably helpful to other members on this forum from BC and elsewhere who don't know too much about Puget Sound or WSF.
Which route(s) would you guys recommend a "first timer" to take? For example.. the most scenic routes or the routes with the most "interesting" ferries. Are there routes travellers should probably avoid at certain times of the day if they don't want to be stuck in the middle of rush hour?
Would some routes be accomodating to parking and doing a round-trip as a walk-on?
Are Canadian-lisenced cars subject to more scrutiny at toll booths, or do they even care?
Is getting in and out of downtown Seattle's terminal complicated or straightforward?
Any answers to these questions would be helpful, but what I mainly would like to know is what trips (and what time of day) you guys would recommend if someone was down there for 2 or 3 days.
|
|
|
|
Post by EGfleet on Mar 26, 2007 7:25:58 GMT -8
I've been contemplating a trip to Washington sometime in the next year or so (before the passport regulations come into effect). Officially, it's to take my wife and daughter to the Seattle Zoo, but unofficially it's for me to actually take a couple trips on some Washington State ferries - something I've never done:) But any advice that could be shared would be appreciated and probably helpful to other members on this forum from BC and elsewhere who don't know too much about Puget Sound or WSF. Which route(s) would you guys recommend a "first timer" to take? For example.. the most scenic routes or the routes with the most "interesting" ferries. Are there routes travellers should probably avoid at certain times of the day if they don't want to be stuck in the middle of rush hour? Well, for scenery you can't beat the Anacortes-Sidney route. Any of the San Juan routes, actually, but the Anacortes-Sidney route being the longest you get to see all the islands. After that, I'd have to say Seattle-Bremerton, as the the trip through Rich Passage is very nice. Then Pt. Townsend-Keystone, but that drops you off in the middle of nowhere. Then perhaps Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Mukilteo-Clinton is nice but very short. Kingston-Edmonds is nice too, but also on the short side. Any of the Central Sound routes--Seattle, Fauntleroy, Kingston--are packed during the commuter runs--anything departing around 5 and 6 pm. Seattle parking isn't the best, but on off hours not too terrible, though I admit it has been a few years since I've had to park there. I've never parked on the Edmonds side, but there is some parking available there. Anacortes has a very large pay lot which is currently $5.00 for 24 hours but that goes up soon. Not that I am aware of. They don't even bat an eyelash up here. Be prepared to have your car sniffed at by a bomb sniffing dog, so you might want to leave all those fireworks you carry around with you regularly at home.  If you follow the signs you shouldn't have any problem. Again, that depends on traffic and what road construction might be going on at the time, but it is well marked on how to get there. I hope that helps. The San Juan routes can't be beat, and at this time of year the traffic isn't nearly as busy as in the summer.  |
|
|
|
Post by Northern Exploration on Mar 26, 2007 9:28:09 GMT -8
They don't pay much attention to where you are from at the toll booths.
However reminds me of a story that was so funny at the time. My friend went to Vancouver for a visit and borrowed a Ford Explorer from the family he was staying with to drive to Seattle from Vancouver. His friends have a mothermobile van, the SUV and two work vehicles. So they wouldn't miss the Explorer for a few days. What he didn't know was the week before the husbands work vehicle, a truck, broke down so the Explorer was used for one day. The husband owns a construction company. He was either at the border or the ferry and a bomb sniffing dog went beserk over the Explorer. Turns out that the husband carried some TNT and other materials in the back of the Explorer. They went over every inch of the vehicle and my friend was detained for hours. Thankfully the wife of his friend in Vancouver works for law enforcement and was able to sort it out by a few phone calls before they completely dismantled the Explorer. So much for sight seeing in Seattle but and adventure to tell everyone about.
Right beside the Ferry dock in Seattle is Ivars Acres of Clams. You can get take out from the booth and watch the boats come and go or sit in the restaurant (ask for a window seat) and enjoy the seafood.
|
|
|
|
Post by chokai on Mar 26, 2007 9:30:57 GMT -8
BTW, there is quite a bit of construction on the three east-west streets to the south of the King Street Station due to some reconfiguration work on the BNSF mainline and other transit projects. This is where the ferry signs will direct you. Several of the streets have been periodically closed, detour signs are in place but it confused me this past weekend and I live in the city. So if you get down here before they finish some patience and maybe a good map might be recommended. :-)
At the Fauntleroy ferry dock there is a large city park with lots of parking about 1 block north. I suspect that you could park your car and leave it there for an hour or two if all you were going to do was ride the Vashon ferry across and back. The local neighborhoods are also un-enforced 2+ hour free parking there during the middle of the day, just make sure you are back by 6.
Downtown is of course a whole other story. Most city street parking is 2hrs. This is not really enough to do the Bremerton run and parking enforcement is tight on the waterfront. If you want to try Bremerton either take the car or put it in a garage or lot for at least 2.5+ hours. There are several large surface lots and garages in and around the downtown ferry pier, but they aren't cheap.
Also be aware there is gap in service to Bremerton during the middle of the day where they skip a run. Although if you like Navy stuff being stuck in Bremerton ain't that bad. :-)
|
|
|
|
Post by Scott on Sept 10, 2007 23:12:30 GMT -8
Sorry to bump this thread, but a trip is finally in the planning stages. I'll just have time for a couple ferry trips. Right now, it looks like I might take the Clinton-Mukilteo route and the Seattle-Bremerton trip. If I have time I'd like to stop at or near some of the other terminals like Anacortes, Keystone and Edmonds to get some pics. If anyone knows some good parks or vantage points, it would be appreciated!
How busy does the Bremerton route get at rush hour? Are there usually sailing waits? And what if you're stuck on Pier 52? What is it like compared to Tsawwassen? Do you have to sit in your car or are there things to do?
After a day or two around Seattle I would like to take the Coho from Port Angeles to Victoria. I've heard it's a pretty sparse boat compared to our ferries, but I'd like to take at least one trip on the old girl:) And since I'll need a passport in a year and a half, I'd better do it soon because I'm not getting one (four) just to go down to Washington for a couple days!
|
|
|
|
Post by Political Incorrectness on Sept 11, 2007 5:47:46 GMT -8
You can go up to the passenger terminal at Pier 52 and get something to eat from the vendors or you can see them in the holding area. BTW, if you are going to come to Bremerton, what departure would it be on?
|
|
|
|
Post by northwesterner on Sept 11, 2007 20:32:09 GMT -8
Sorry to bump this thread, but a trip is finally in the planning stages. I'll just have time for a couple ferry trips. Right now, it looks like I might take the Clinton-Mukilteo route and the Seattle-Bremerton trip. If I have time I'd like to stop at or near some of the other terminals like Anacortes, Keystone and Edmonds to get some pics. If anyone knows some good parks or vantage points, it would be appreciated! Skip the Clinton-Mukilteo route unless you're taking it to go to Whidbey island. The ride is short, has little scenery and the ferries boring (the Issaquah class cookie cutters - the most soulless ferries in the fleet - though they're better with the new interiors). Unless its a busy weekend, you can usually get on the ferry you intend to get on (any ferry) - EXCEPT on Seattle-Bremerton if you're on a Sealth sailing - she's there out of desperation for a boat and is much too small for the run. Overall, we do not experience the backups BCF does. Please try and revise your plans to include at minimum a day trip to the San Juan Islands. The ferries up there are great and have lots of character, and the route is the most beautiful in the system. |
|
Koastal Karl
Voyager 
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
|
Post by Koastal Karl on Sept 11, 2007 21:54:24 GMT -8
Yes Sidney to Anacortes is a nice run and if you have nice weather like today it is even better. You need reservations for that run too. Port Townsend to Keystone is neat cause of the old steel electrics. What makes a really nice quick trip from Victoria would be Sidney to Anacortes, Keystone to Port Townsend then back on the Coho from Port Angeles but I dont how you could work that coming from Vancouver. Could just skip Port Townsend I guess. The only run I have been on near Seattle is the Fauntleroy to Southworth route which was neat. Also I have been on Mulkiteo to Clinton which wasent too exciting as mentioned above, lol. But you should get on the Coho if you havent. She is a neat ship and pretty retro looking inside like something from the 50's. But wait I guess, she is from the 50's, lol!
|
|
|
|
Post by Scott on Sept 11, 2007 22:23:38 GMT -8
Thanks so far for the advice. At this point I'm not sure if I'll take the Seattle - Bremerton route or the Keystone-Port Townsend route. If I did take the Bremerton route I'd probably take something around 6:30PM. Unfortunately, I can't fit in the San Juan route, although I think we'll spend at least part of a day in Anacortes, so maybe I'll be able to watch ferries for a little while. I've never been on WSF before, so even a "cookie cutter" ferry will be new to me:)
|
|
|
|
Post by Political Incorrectness on Sept 11, 2007 22:40:55 GMT -8
I would reccomend taking the Port Townsend to Keystone run if that is the case to get your claim to being on one of the 80 year old relics. Man do I miss those! They have some good old charm in them though it seems like they take forever.
|
|
|
|
Post by BreannaF on Sept 13, 2007 7:48:51 GMT -8
My two cents worth: If the priority is to ride one of the museum exhibits, then the PT - Keystone route is not to be missed. I think if the choice were between that and the Bremerton run, I would pick Bremerton run for the great variety of scenery you will find there. Regular commuters may differ, but if you asked me which one route one should take (other than the SJI routes) as their only WSF ride, I would suggest Bremerton. Bremerton, Rich Passage, open Sound, Elliott Bay, and the Seattle skyline, all in one trip. I find taking one of the ferries to or from Seattle during rush hour to have a comparable feel to being on, say, a Route 1 or 2 ferry that is 100% full. Maybe fewer tourists and more business types. I find off times to be more relaxing, but rush hour is not a deal breaker. A lot of these people are NOT clamoring for the rails for a look, since they have seen it all too many times before. Mukilteo-Clinton is a nice little 20 minute trip, and certainly there is a lot of scenery to see. I have enjoyed my trips on that route -- of course, a trip on that route for me has never meant a trip to work, like a few of the others. And, while I do sort of agree that the Issaquah-class boats remind me of (a very spacious version of) grabbing the #12 bus to work in the morning, I think you would enjoy the trip. Right beside the Ferry dock in Seattle is Ivars Acres of Clams. You can get take out from the booth and watch the boats come and go or sit in the restaurant (ask for a window seat) and enjoy the seafood. For our family, no trip to Seattle is complete without take-out fish and chips out on the pier at Ivars watching the ferries come and go and feeding the seagulls. |
|
|
|
Post by Scott on Sept 15, 2007 22:43:01 GMT -8
I think I've decided to wait until Friday morning to take the ferry from Seattle to Bremerton. I wish I could go on all the routes, but I only have time for a few. Hopefully, though, along the way I can find a few parks or beaches to watch the ferries go by on other runs.
|
|
|
|
Post by Scott on Sept 16, 2007 22:21:07 GMT -8
Sorry for bringing this up again. I probably should have waited to ask my questions since my plans keep changing. I'd love to do everything I've mentioned already, but the more I time things out, my short little holiday seems to be turning into a whirlwind tour of Puget Sound! This trip isn't just about me, so it has to include shopping and a trip to the zoo:) So I'll probably have to forego the Bremerton trip. So I'll either take the Edmonds-Kingston route, or preferrably if I have the time, the Mukilteo - Clinton and Keystone-Port Townsend routes. My only concern with the latter trip is that it seems it has gone on an early fall schedule and could be quite busy at times. Does anyone know what the traffic would be like mid-day Friday? Would I need to arrive an hour early?
And I'm still curious about customs on the Coho run. Should I arrive early in Port Angeles to clear customs or is the "border" on the Victoria end?
|
|
FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,948
|
Post by FNS on Sept 16, 2007 22:42:07 GMT -8
Sorry for bringing this up again. I probably should have waited to ask my questions since my plans keep changing. I'd love to do everything I've mentioned already, but the more I time things out, my short little holiday seems to be turning into a whirlwind tour of Puget Sound! This trip isn't just about me, so it has to include shopping and a trip to the zoo:) So I'll probably have to forego the Bremerton trip. So I'll either take the Edmonds-Kingston route, or preferrably if I have the time, the Mukilteo - Clinton and Keystone-Port Townsend routes. My only concern with the latter trip is that it seems it has gone on an early fall schedule and could be quite busy at times. Does anyone know what the traffic would be like mid-day Friday? Would I need to arrive an hour early? And I'm still curious about customs on the Coho run. Should I arrive early in Port Angeles to clear customs or is the "border" on the Victoria end? You need to be rather early for any sailing aboard the MV COHO. She does have a reservation system: www.cohoferry.com/reservations_terms_conditions.htmBased on my experience in the 1980s, you clear Canada Customs in Victoria. Going the other direction, I think you clear US Immigration in Victoria and US Customs in Port Angeles. |
|
|
|
Post by BreannaF on Sept 17, 2007 1:23:24 GMT -8
I haven't been on the Coho for a while, but have been on the Victoria Express a few times recently, and going to the states from Canada I have also found that the Immigration check was in Victoria and a quick Customs check happened in Port Angeles. Going back into Canada, it all happens on the Victoria side.
You might want to look through some of the recent postings about the one-boat service we now have on the PT-Keystone run. Lineups have been in the 1 to 2 hour range most days, and was around 3 hours over this weekend at times. And, of course, no reservations are available.
If you really are coming South on the Coho, you could make a quick stop in Port Townsend to check out the ferry line (and the Western-themed town). If it works out, then great! If the line's too long, it's just a hop back to the highway to get to Kingston via the Hood Canal Bridge. If you're going the other way, you'll have to commit early, so Edmonds-Kingston would be a safer choice at the moment. Unless a second steel-electric magically reappears this week to save the schedule.
And......... as a parent who now gets to spoil his grandchild, don't try to do too much. You'll just end up miserable. Seattle will be there for next time, and it's only a couple of hours from home. Enjoy the zoo, it's a great place!
|
|
|
|
Post by Scott on Sept 17, 2007 16:23:35 GMT -8
It looks like they're recommending that traffic arrive 3 hours early at Keystone, so I'll probably be avoiding that.
Are there any good public places on Seattle's waterfront to watch the ferries?
|
|
|
|
Post by chokai on Sept 18, 2007 19:27:14 GMT -8
You can walk a fair ways out on the pier by the Ivar's one pier north of the ferry dock and get a decent view. Plus you can look at the fireboats and grab lunch. I routinely sneak down that way in the afternoon to stretch my legs. You can also walk out to the end of the pier just north of the Argosy docks (two piers north of the ferry dock) which might get you some good pictures of the inbound boats. The pier on the south side of Colman Dock is inaccessible now, or was last I checked. I suspect zman may have some ideas too.
|
|
|
|
Post by Scott on Sept 22, 2007 21:11:10 GMT -8
I finally took my trip! Unfortunately, I only got on the Edmonds - Kingston ferry, but I had a pretty good time in Washington! Although I only got on one WSF ferry, I was able to stop at Mukilteo, downtown Seattle (for supper at Ivar's), and Port Townsend for ferry pics:) I'll go into more detail in another thread in a day or two. Thanks for the advice and help! I might go again someday:)
|
|
|
|
Post by Scott on Sept 24, 2007 16:24:01 GMT -8
|
|
