For the Touch of Gray crew, Gig Harbor ticks most boxes. We enjoy the desolation of British Columbia Canada and the solitude of the San Juan Islands, but when sticking closer to home and still wanting to get away from it all, we motor to Gig Harbor and drop the anchor.

Earlier this season when cruising north and visiting Telegraph Harbour and Chatterbox Falls, among many other gorgeous spots, there were several conversations with Canadian boaters who have never ventured south of the San Juan Islands. They were eager to hear about our “go to” places in Puget Sound, and we always mentioned our favorite South Sound destinations, notably Gig Harbor.

Myriad information is available regarding this beautiful boating destination in the Waggoner Cruising Guide and other publications, as well as online sources. What follows is a list of what makes it special.

  • Access and Anchoring: This bay is accessible in most conditions. At low tide the entrance channel narrows significantly and may prove tricky with high watercraft traffic, but there is enough water for most vessels to transit safely. The bay is large with a lot of space for anchoring but does get crowded during the peak season. The harbor is protected and is typically calm and peaceful, especially toward the back of the bay. Coordinated efforts between the Gig Harbor police, DNR, and the Pierce County Sherriff’s Department have effectively removed derelict vessels and illegal buoys, leaving the entire bay open for anchoring. We have not experienced any problems with anchoring. The bottom seems near perfect and is typically around 30 feet deep. We did witness a large vessel (60-70 feet?) drag anchor. They were located near the entrance to the channel. It is requested that boaters navigate the bay around the perimeter in a counter-clockwise direction to help manage flow and eliminate crossing traffic.
  • Natural Beauty & Wildlife: Gig Harbor is quite picturesque and charming, almost cliché in its maritime village-focused way. In addition to the allure of this historic fishing village, there is plenty of wildlife including a variety of sea birds (bald eagles, osprey, guillemotts, geese), seals, otters, and jumping fish. Returning chum salmon can be found at Donkey Creek in the fall at the north end of the bay. Depending on where you are in the harbor, you will see fine views of Mt. Rainier and the Gig Harbor spit and light station. The spit offers a wonderful shore walk for anyone with beachable watercraft.
  • Walking and Cycling: We’ve visited many places with our boat that were enjoyable – the anchorage was good, the marina was nice etc. But if we can’t get off the boat for a good walk, it’s just not as enticing. Gig Harbor has some of the best waterfront walking opportunities around. You can walk the perimeter of the harbor, hike up the steps of the Finholm View Climb, or amble out to the old ferry landing at the mouth of the harbor. It’s also a great place to explore with bicycles. The Cushman Trail offers over six miles of paved pedestrian and biking paths. Traveling this way easily gets you to the Harbor Hill area with Albertsons, Target, Costco, and lots of other shopping and dining options.
  • Maritime Activities, current and historical: Another favorite is motoring the dinghy around the harbor perimeter to look at boats and houses with beautiful gardens. The bay is home to a significant modern fishing fleet as well as several, very full, marinas. And don’t miss the Gig Harbor BoatShop (historic Eddon Boatyard) and the Harbor History Museum, where you can view the old purse seiner Shenandoah, currently undergoing restoration. Gig Harbor is also home to seventeen remaining historic net sheds located along the western shoreline. If you kayak, this bay makes for some very nice paddling. On a nice day there are often dozens of people in kayaks and on paddle boards. The local Canoe and Kayak Club, GHYC Junior Sailing Club, and the Gig Harbor Dragons (dragon boats) ply these waters regularly in all weather and are exciting to watch. Gig Harbor is also home to the only Venetian gondola operation in the Pacific Northwest. There are currently two gondolas in action and they are a joy to behold…sometimes there is singing!Sailing school practicing in Gig Harbor
  • Shopping and restaurants: There is a wide range of shops along the waterfront in Gig Harbor, including Ship to Shore Marine. West Marine is located nearby. Restaurants range from the super low key like “The Trolley @ the Boatyard” to the longtime favorite Tides Tavern. We have a tradition of meeting our boating friends at The Harbor General Store to purchase sandwiches and then walking up to have lunch at 7 Seas Brewing. Unfortunately, the General Store has closed permanently and 7 Seas is redeveloping their waterfront location, so this tradition is on hold. This does put a wrench in the works for boaters needing provisions. Finholm’s Market & Grocery is still in operation but is a longer walk around the north end of the harbor from the downtown area. 7 Seas is scheduled to reopen this fall. The docks at their location (3207 57th St. Ct.) are private but the perimeter will be available for dinghies while patrons visit the taproom. Tides Tavern and Anthony’s have dinghy docks for customers, with Tides offering dockside service. Heritage Distillery is centrally located and a fun venue. Morso Bistro and Wine Market is a walk from downtown toward the north end of the bay.
  • Amenities: Visitors have their pick of many local parks in the area. Skansie Brothers Park, a major waterfront attraction, is located in the heart of downtown. This park hosts the seasonal Farmer’s Market, as well as activities during the Maritime Gig Festival each June. Shore access is available both at Jerisich Dock, adjacent to Skansie Brothers Park, and at the Maritime Pier, next to the Tides Tavern. There are pump-out stations located at each of these docks, and a pump-out boat is often on the prowl for boaters in need (Hail Ch. 68). Jerisich Dock is the public dock in the harbor open for transient boaters. Rafting is allowed on one side of the dock. For smaller boats 32 ft. and under, a buoy is maintained as part of the moorage here. This pier is a popular spot for everyone both visiting and local, to come for a stroll, look at the harbor, and admire boats. You will see teenagers swimming here and at play, jostling each other and daring one another to take the leap. Watch out for them! Two marinas offer guest moorage, Arabella’s Landing Marina and the Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard, each with an online reservation system.

Gig Harbor has a lot to offer visiting boaters. Even when the harbor is busy during the summer months, anchoring in the bay can be quiet and serene, with beautiful views. If fun and activity are more your style, this destination can keep you occupied. For those of you yet to wend your way south from more northern locations, come and check it out! For us locals, we’ll keep returning to this stunning South Puget Sound destination.

Article & Photos by Janine & Nick Mott
Waggoner Field Correspondents