The Salish Sea

Seattle, WA

Written by David Rasmussen

Boaters have long delighted in the majesty of the Pacific Northwest, but what many may not yet know is that the area’s waters—the Puget Sound, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Strait of Georgia—have been officially renamed the Salish Sea, in honor of the indigenous Salish tribes in northern Washington and British Columbia. The new designation is part of an effort to raise public consciousness about caring for and protecting the region's waters and ecosystems. Over the next few issues of the magazine we will explore many of the beautiful destinations in this area. First up, Seattle, the gateway to the Pacific Northwest and a vibrant port of call whether you’re aboard your own boat or a charter—or even if you’re a landlubber. With snow-capped Mount Rainier to the south, the Cascade Range to the east, the Olympic Mountains to the west, and a dynamic mix of neighborhoods spreading out around the signature 1962 Space Needle in the center of town, the Emerald City is truly a jewel, nestled along the glistening shores of the Salish Sea.

What to Do

Northwesterner’s live an active lifestyle that is a diverse mix of outdoor activities and urban pursuits. Regardless of the time of year, there’s always plenty going on.

Visit the Seattle Boat Show This major event is staged every January and spreads across two venues: inside Qwest Field and n the waters of Lake Union. Visiting the show is one of the best ways to become acquainted with the character of Pacific Northwest boating. Among other things the show affords a rare chance to compare designs and features among the world’s top trawler builders. (www.seattleboatshow.com)

Embark upon Your Alaska Dream Cruise Whether aboard a 120-foot private yacht or one of the larger cruise-company vessels, Seattle is a great place to start an Alaskan voyage. At least six different companies begin their Inside Passage cruises here.

Snack Your Way Through Pike Place Market Internationally recognized as America's premier farmers’ market and home to nearly 200 year-round commercial businesses, ”the Market," as the locals affectionately call it, attracts 10 million visitors a year. Artisanal food purveyors and specialty shops sit side by side, and you can spend the afternoon noshing as you wander from one end to the other, checking out goods from the area’s farmers and crafts from local artisans. (85 Pike St., 206-622-6198, www.pikeplacemarket.org)

Shop the Racks at Nordstrom The legendary department store, known for its excellent selections of clothing and shoes, originated in downtown Seattle in 1901. The flagship is still a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, and now includes a spa. (500 Pine St., 206-628-2111, www.nordstrom.com)

Catch a Game! The NFL’s Seattle Seahawks play at Qwest Field, and baseball’s Seattle Mariners play at Safeco Field, both only about a mile or so from downtown. (Qwest Field, 800 Occidental Ave. S., www.seahawks.com; Safeco Field, 1250 First Ave. S., www.seattle.mariners.mlb.com)

Experience Blake Island’s Tillicum Village Only 8 miles from downtown Seattle, Blake Island State Park, the site of Tillicum Village, is the area’s premier native cultural experience and home of the famous salmon bake. You can overnight at their docks or board the Argosy Cruise Company’s vessel, which will take you there and back. Upon your arrival you’ll be treated to steamed clams, and, once inside the long house, a wonderful salmon feast. After dinner the lights dim and you’ll learn much about the coastal tribes’ way of life and beliefs through traditional dances and music. (206-622-8687, www.tillicumvillage.com)

Where to Dine

Seattle has an extraordinary bounty of fresh Pacific Northwest seafood on offer, including Dungeness crab, king crab, salmon, halibut, oysters, clams, and mussels. Below are some of our favorite places for feasting on these catches.

The Brooklyn One of the city’s leading steak and seafood houses for twenty years, conveniently located downtown. The extensive oyster selection changes daily, the steaks are dry-aged, and local ingredients are featured throughout the menu, from the Dungeness-crab salad to the Penn Cove mussels. (1212 2nd Avenue, 206-224-7000, www.thebrooklyn.com)

FX McRory’s A Seattle classic, in the heart of Pioneer Square. Slow-roasted box beef (prime rib), Northwest salmon, fresh fish and chips, and a standout selection of drinks that includes Washington-state wines, 30 draft beers, and one of the country’s biggest bourbon collections. (419 Occidental Ave. S., 206-623-4800, www.fxmcrorys.com)

Palisade Restaurant A personal favorite on the water near downtown, at Elliott Bay Marina. House specialties include made-to-order clam chowder and Dungeness-crab cakes. (2601 W. Marina Pl., 206-285-1000, www.palisaderestaurant.com)

Ray’s Boathouse The quintessential Northwest seafood experience, located near the Shilshole Bay Marina. The menu changes weekly depending upon the fresh catch, and the dining room has stunning views of the Olympics over the Salish Sea.

(6049 Seaview Ave. NW, 206-789-3770, www.rays.com)

Steelhead Diner Inventive food made with local ingredients and served in a stylish but low-key Pike Place Market space. (95 Pine St., 206-625-0129, www.steelheaddiner.com).

Where to Dock

There are more than a dozen marinas within a few miles of downtown Seattle, each with its own attractions and specialties. Here are three favorites, all just a short walk, cab ride, or public transportation connection to the city center.

Bell HarborMarina Seattle's only downtown recreational marina, situated at the Bell Street Pier/Pier 66, where you'll tie up amid the city's attractions. Guest moorage is available year-round for approximately 70 boats from 30 to 150 feet. (2203 Alaskan Way, 206-787-3952, www. portseattle.org/seaport/marinas/bellharbor/)

Elliott Bay Marina Located about five minutes from downtown, and recognized as a world-class facility since it opened in 1991. The 900 slips range in size from 32 to 63 feet (60 slips available for transient boats). (2601 W. Marina Pl., 206-285-4817, www.elliottbaymarina.net)

Shilshole Bay Marina Just a few blocks from the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and the lively Ballard neighborhood, and only 20 minutes from downtown. The marina features a public fishing pier and a mile-long public promenade with breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. They accommodate guest boats up to 250 feet. (7001 Seaview Ave. NW, 206-787-3006, www.portseattle.org/seaport/marinas/shilshole/)