AfarAug 12, 2026
This Local Commuter Routine Is Also the Best Way for Visitors to See the Seattle Area
Washington’s green-and-white ferries have carried commuters across Puget Sound for 75 years. To a former resident of the region, their slow journeys are still one of the great pleasures of the Pacific ...
21 things in this story
- Mukilteo ferry terminalFerry terminalconnects mainland to Whidbey Island
- Whidbey IslandSightlargest island in Washington State, offers forest hikes
- Deception Pass State ParkTrailhike along cliffs and across bridges on Whidbey Island
- Fort Casey Historical State ParkSightfeatures lighthouse and coastal military buildings
- CoupevilleSighttown on Whidbey Island, ferry to Port Townsend
- Deception Pass BridgeSightbridge connecting Whidbey Island to mainland
- Elsewhere
- Mount RainierSightSeattle, United Statessnow-capped mountain visible from ferry
- Bainbridge IslandSightSeattle, United Statespedestrian-friendly island with beaches and wineries
- Washington State FerriesPlaceSeattle, United Stateslargest ferry fleet in America, celebrated 75th anniversary
- San Juan IslandsSightAnacortes, United Statesdestination accessible by ferry from Anacortes
- Colman DockSightSeattle, United Statesferry terminal in Seattle
- Olympic PeninsulaSightSeattle, United Statesdestination accessible by ferry from Seattle
- Ivar’s Acres of ClamsRestaurantSeattle, United Stateslegendary clam chowder on the downtown waterfront
- MV TillikumPlaceSeattle, United Statesoldest ferry in the system, entered service in 1959
- MV YakimaPlaceSeattle, United StatesThe Yakima was built in 1967 for the Seattle–Bremerton run and remained there until the early 1980s when she was moved…
- Amtrak’s Empire BuilderPlaceSeattle, United Statestrain from Chicago to Seattle
- Bloedel ReserveSightSeattle, United Statesgardens on Bainbridge Island
- FauntleroyNeighborhoodSeattle, United StatesWest Seattle neighborhood, ferry to Vashon
- VashonSightSeattle, United Statesno-stoplight island community with artists and galleries
- Island Center ForestTrailSeattle, United Statesnature preserve on Vashon Island
- MV KaleetanPlaceSeattle, United States