Strait Ahead - Juan de Fuca

Street Smart Naturalist · Jul 9, 2026 · 8m

Ever since I started work on my book about Puget Sound, Homewaters, I have wanted to travel in a boat down the length of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Last week I had the opportunity. It was wonderful.

We entered the waterway from the north early morning on Monday, under overcast skies, easterly winds, a 10- to 15-foot swell, and a pleasant temperature. Our ship traveled at about 8 knots, slow enough that it seemed we were not moving until I looked at the land and saw motion. I was alone on deck, my head swiveling as I took in the muted panorama of gray sky, thin band of land, and blue gray…