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Waggoner Cruising Guide

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Waggoner Cruising Guide

Welcome to the Waggoner Cruising Guide. To purchase your copy visit https://www.waggonerguidebooks.com Follow us on Twitter

The Waggoner Cruising Guide provides essential cruising information for Northwest waters from Olympia, WA to Skagway, AK, and displays it in an easy-to-use format. We encourage all boaters, regardless of experience, to explore these beautiful Northwest waterways. With the right information, anyone with a boat and the piloting skills can do it.

07/24/2025

U.S. COAST GUARD LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS:

Admiralty Inlet - Hood Canal/General/Marine Events, WA. 7/26/2025 - 7/28/2025 (daytime transit only) 2025 Tribal Canoe Journey departing Skokomish, WA en route to Port Gamble, WA with a stopover at Pleasant Harbor.

Lopez Sound, WA. Cypress Reef Junction Day Beacon MISSING

San Juan Channel, WA. Twin Rocks Day Beacon MISSING

Saratoga Passage, WA - Oak Harbor/General/Hazards to Navigation. Mariners should use caution transiting Oak Harbor channel due to reports of significant shoaling on the west side of the channel between Oak Harbor Shoal Lighted Buoy 5 and Oak Harbor Buoy 7.

Shilshole Bay, WA - Lake Union/General/Bridges/Temp Deviation Bridges. The deviation will accommodate the Lake Union 10K running event. To facilitate this event, the draws of the subject bridges will be authorized to be kept in the closed-to-navigation position from 0730 to 1030 on 10 Aug 2025. Vessels that do not require bridge openings may continue to transit beneath these bridges during the closure periods. For more information contact Kit Loo at (206) 684-3669 or [email protected].

Puget Sound, Admiralty Inlet, WA. Marine Events 7/23/2025 - 7/28/2025 (daytime transit only). 2025 Tribal Canoe Journey departing Shelton, WA en route to Port Gamble, WA with stopovers at Nisqually Reach, Commencement Bay, Alki Beach, and Port Madison, WA; Lummi Bay, Fidalgo Bay, La Connor, and Tulalip, WA.

El Capitan Passage, AK. North Island Day Beacon MISSING

Icy Strait, AK. Pinta Rock Lighted Bell Buoy 2 MISSING

Keku Strait, AK. Buoy 14 MISSING

Peril Strait, AK. Wayanda Ledge Buoy 10 MISSING

07/23/2025

The Northwest Viking Ship Valkyrie - scheduled to transit Deception Pass - July 25

Viking Ship Valkyrie will be making her maiden voyage through Deception Pass on July 25 at 10:45 am during slack tide. You can view the transit from the bridge or at beach parks below the bridge - Viking Horns Welcome.

Valkyrie will be stopping briefly at Coupeville en route to Poulsbo. Plans are to recruit and train local staff in order to begin offering tours and excursions in the near future. Reservations will be handled through their website at northwestvikingship.com and their online schedule will be populated with events.

07/14/2025

SPECIAL BBQ EVENT AT PRINCESS LOUISA

The Princess Louisa International Society is hosting a special barbecue lunch at the picnic shelter at the head of Princess Louisa Inlet on August 13, 2025, for all attendees visiting the park.

Activities will include a cultural program presented by the Shishalh Nation, as well as updates on recent improvements and future plans for the park. A special highlight of the day will be the installation and dedication of a commemorative park bench for the Macdonald Island Landing, honouring Park Ranger Ming Neal for her amazing 24 years of dedicated service, her commitment to preserve the park, and her always warm and welcoming greeting to visitors.

All events take place at the Macdonald Shelter at Chatterbox Falls. The BBQ starts at 11:30am followed by the Cultural Program at 12:45pm. Don’t miss the special recognition for Ming Neal at 3:15pm.

Please send your RSVP via email to [email protected] if you are planning to make this part of your summer plans. Tom can be reached at (206) 465-5622 with questions.

Tom Captain, President
Princess Louisa International Society
Photo: Lorena Landon

NOTE: Boaters can tie-up at the 350-foot dock at the head of the Inlet, or make use of one of the five mooring buoys. Additionally, there are four mooring buoys behind Macdonald Island in the Inlet. Boaters can dinghy between the two sites. See the 2025 Waggoner Cruising Guide, pages 294 and 295, for more details related to visiting Princess Louisa by boat.

07/13/2025

Our Last Day—Summer 2025 Waggoner Flotilla

When you sign up for a flotilla, you expect routes, reservations, some shared meals, and scenic anchorages. What you don’t expect—what can’t be promised—is the community that forms.

Over 22 days and 800+ nautical miles, strangers became companions. We weathered storms, fixed engines, climbed mountains, and laughed over potlucks and coffee runs. We shared boats, dock lines, and pieces of ourselves.

Today, in rainy Petersburg, we hike one last trail together, to Raven’s Lookout. We climb through muskeg and mist to 2,000 feet, taking in one more view before the journey shifts.

Back in town, we gather at Inga’s Galley for lunch—awarding certificates, sharing stories, and recognizing the moments that made this trip unforgettable. Not just for the miles, but for the growth, grit, and heart everyone brought.

We raised glasses to:
🌊 “Best Hostess,” who fed our souls
🎣 “Hali-best Fisherman,” who shared their catch
🗺️ “Beacon in the Fog,” who guided others
⚓ “Aspiring Captain,” who soaked up every skill

And so many more. Laughter and tears came easily.

Tonight, we circle around one last potluck table. The goodbye hugs are longer. The connections are lasting. Just a few weeks ago, we were names on a list. Tonight, we are friends. Family, even.
This is what makes a flotilla more than a boat trip. This is the part that stays.

– Whirl Wind, standing by 1-6, 6-9

07/12/2025

WAGGONER SUMMER FLOTILLA
Wrangell to Petersburg and Le Conte Tour

Not everything goes as planned—and this morning, "Celebrate" got an early knock from the slip’s permanent moorage owner. Departure moved from 8 a.m. to 7, and just like that, we were off with the others.

By mid-morning, all our little white boats converged at the mouth of Wrangell Narrows, slipping through in perfect formation—current on our side, timing just right.

Docking in Petersburg felt like a polished performance. Weeks of tricky tie-ups had paid off. A couple hours later, we were back on the water—this time as passengers for a tour to Le Conte Glacier.

Captain Dan of Seek Alaska took the helm and swept us away into LeConte Bay. Sea lions barked, waterfalls splashed, ancient petroglyphs emerged—and then came the ice.

Massive blue bergs appeared, then thick sheets of ice, a frozen labyrinth. Dan read the field like a story and found a path forward.
We crept deeper into the bay. Silence. Seal pups on frozen rafts. Light bouncing off the water like magic.

And then—the glacier. Just a glimpse at first. We edged closer… and just in time. Cracks. A crumble. Then an entire corner dropped.
Time stopped. An iceberg erupted from the depths, rolling and crashing. A wave charged toward us. We laughed, cheered, gasped—utterly alive.

On the ride back, some of us dozed off, still floating somewhere between awe and dreams. Now in Petersburg, we’re ready to rest. Tomorrow, we celebrate becoming Inside Passage Navigators.
But tonight—we let the glacier echo in our bones.

-Whirl Wind

07/11/2025

Waggoner Summer Flotilla
July 7, A Day of Rest in Wrangell
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One of the best things about small towns? Sleepy mornings. Wrangell greeted us with fog, a soft drizzle, and that cozy kind of quiet where even the birds take their time.

I joined the captain of Sentindo Bem for a stroll in search of coffee. On our way, we stopped by Etolin Harbor to send off Betsy Bee’s crew. It was one of those tender goodbyes, full of hugs and promises to visit again. Lady Driver Taxi swept them away into the mist, and we stood there for a moment—damp with drizzle and emotion—before continuing on to Java, the only café open on this peaceful, cruise-ship-free Monday.

The town was still dressed in red, white, and blue—stars and stripes waving from the 4th of July celebration. The rest of the day unfolded gently: boats went on tours, some wandered with no plans, others departed for the next port. Ice cream was enjoyed, Thai food devoured, and fries shared.

That evening, we regrouped aboard Sentindo Bem for Captain’s Hour. We looked back on how far we’ve come, and dreamed about what still lies ahead. The journey may be winding down—but these friendships are just getting started.

-Whirl Wind

07/08/2025

WAGGONER FLOTILLA
Meyers Chuck to Wrangell

An early morning shuffle in Meyers Chuck (perks of rafting!), but Cassie’s warm cinnamon rolls made it all better. Still one of my favorite parts of these trips—tasting the sweet treats along the way.

We set out on a 50nm run through Clarence Strait, greeted by 3–4 foot swells until we rounded Lemesurier Point. Once inside Ernest Sound, the current pushed us along, and we could practically hear Wrangell calling us.

Fast boats made it to the Hungry Beaver for lunch. Us slow ones? We cruised into Heritage Harbor, where the docks felt like a hug from an old friend.

Tied up, plugged in, and relaxing into two nights here. No cruise ship tomorrow, just us and the quiet charm of Wrangell. The perfect setting to connect, reflect, and savor these final days together.

—Whirl Wind

07/07/2025

We say goodbye to Ketchikan this morning—cozy as it is, the real adventure waits beyond the dock. A 9:00 a.m. departure gives us a slow start, then we’re off into Clarence Strait, heading north until Meyers Chuck welcomes us in.

The wind, of course, shows up just as we all try to moor. Some dock, some raft, one anchors. It’s full tonight—but cozy.

Cinnamon rolls are pre-ordered (yes, we got both walnut and regular), and "Sound Investment" throws together an impromptu potluck. Fish tacos made from the catch aboard "Unfinished Business!" 🐟🌮

We squeeze in a beach walk before dinner—low tide reveals a hidden shoreline path. We beachcomb, explore, and find a boat washed up on the rocks.

By dinner, fourteen of us crowd aboard for tacos, dips, halibut, tea sandwiches, and dessert. Spoiled doesn’t even begin to cover it. It’s the kind of evening that reminds you why we do this.

Later, we hold a little captain’s hour and walk through tomorrow’s route together—turning it into a learning moment. And then we award the very first #1 Fisherman award—for the fish that fed us all.

We end the night full—stories, laughter, and gratitude. Alaska, we’re yours.

—Whirl Wind

07/06/2025

WAGGONER SUMMER FLOTILLA
July 3 and 4, Celebrating the 4th in Ketchikan 🇺🇸

Two full days in Ketchikan gave our flotilla time to explore, recharge, and celebrate—flotilla style.

On the 3rd:
Some of the "Sound Investment" crew took on the epic Deer Mountain hike—over 2,500 feet of elevation gain in just 3 miles!

Meanwhile, "Sentindo Bem" made a smooth trip to the fuel dock, and I joined along with Kyle to practice some fun line handling and communication techniques. This all-women crew continues to impress with how much they’ve grown and worked together on this trip.

Back in town, king crab legs were sampled 🦀, laundry was conquered, showers were savored, and resupply runs were made.

That evening, we all gathered aboard Whirl Wind for a dual birthday celebration with crew from Sound Investment and Betsy Bee. I had baked cakes the night before (yes, plural!), and we picked up a backup cake from Safeway for good measure. Spoiled doesn’t even begin to cover it. We gave gifts, signed cards, and yes—we ate a LOT of cake. I had three slices. 🎂

We also did our briefing for the next leg to Myers Chuck and welcomed Pacific Crest—a familiar boat from our very first flotilla, now rejoining the crew. It’s starting to feel like the trip is winding down, and we’re holding on tight to these sweet moments together.

On the 4th:
The town was full of red, white, and blue.

"Unfinished Business" snuck out early for some fishing, borrowing a couple of crewmates from "Sound Investment." Kyle and I walked to the parade and watched candy fly, music blast, and float after float roll by—including a giant duck and local grads from the classes of ’65 through ’26!

We had the best corn dog we’ve had in years, wandered through vendor stalls, and grabbed an afternoon coffee with "Celebrate."
The evening was mellow: Some had fresh fish tacos, others halibut. We had homemade meatballs. Puzzles, books, games, and even a baked coffee cake filled the hours until the fireworks began.

The sky lit up like falling stars. 🌟 It was a sweet ending to our 4th of July in Alaska.

— Whirl Wind

07/05/2025

WAGGONER JUNE FLOTILLA
July - We made it to Alaska.

After months of boat work, planning, long passages, and a whole lot of heart, today we crossed Dixon Entrance and arrived in Ketchikan.

This final stretch from Prince Rupert is 82 nautical miles—our longest day yet. And somehow, the sea gave us a gift: calm winds, gentle swells, and sunshine that stayed with us the whole way across.

We timed our tide perfectly, cruised through glassy waters, and reached Ketchikan by late afternoon. The joy, the relief, the pride—it’s hard to put into words.

Tonight, we rest. Tomorrow, we celebrate. We are officially Inside Passage goers.

07/03/2025

WAGGONER JUNE FLOTILLA
Day 14, Prince Rupert Arrival 🇨🇦

Happy Canada Day from Cow Bay!

We left Kumealon Inlet this morning and cruised through light fog with a helpful ebb tide. Even on a short day—just 34 nautical miles—time stretches when the destination is exciting. Prince Rupert felt close... but never quite close enough!

Docking in current was a bit of a dance (isn’t it always?), but we made it in safely and took time to debrief, reflect, and keep sharpening our team rhythm. We believe moments of discomfort are often where the growth happens.

Now that we’re settled in, folks are tackling laundry, boat projects, and sneaking in well-earned naps. We wrapped the day with dinner at Opa Sushi and fireworks over the harbor.

Tomorrow, we cross into Alaska. The final frontier is just a day away.

-Whirl Wind

07/01/2025

Help Save Vendovi Island Access

After decades of exposure to tides and storms, the breakwater is now in need of repair. The San Juan Preservation Trust has launched a campaign to raise $280,000 in private contributions over the next 14 months to help ensure continued public access. The total cost to repair the breakwater is estimated to be $660,000.

Requested donations begin at $25 and up. Please select your specified amount and make your donation. Go to https://sjpt.org/ to learn more about the non-profit San Juan Preservation Trust and to make your donation. Go to www.waggonerguide.com to read the full story about the campaign.

Address

Anacortes, WA

Opening Hours

Monday	10:30am - 2:30pm
Tuesday	10:30am - 2:30pm
Wednesday	10:30am - 2:30pm
Thursday	10:30am - 2:30pm
Friday	12pm - 2pm

Telephone

+13602998500

Website

http://www.waggonerguide.com/, http://www.waggonerbooks.com/

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