Poulsbo

This once-thriving fishing village less than 20 miles from Seattle has enthusiastically welcomed pleasure-boaters since the 1960s, when the “Little Norway” theme was adopted by the community and the waterfront improved. You’ll spot Poulsbo’s landmark church spire as soon as you enter Liberty Bay. The first two marinas on the east shore are private. Beyond is Poulsbo Marina, right in the heart of town.

Moorings and Anchorage
The Port of Poulsbo Marina is protected by a timber breakwater open to the north. Slips on floats “A” through “D” are permanent moorage, with “E” and “F” for visitors. As you enter the marina, take care not to drift into the shallow water north of “F” float.

Pull into any open slip and check in with the port office at the head of the ramp; you can pay the next morning if you arrive after working hours. Poulsbo is one of Puget Sound’s most popular boating destinations, so it’s a good idea to call for reservations (360.779.3505). Detailed information, including maps of the marina, is available online. 

If you anchor, set your hook south and west (not north) of the marina, in about 2 fathoms. The sloping bottom is mud, with deepest water in the east half of the bay. Do not anchor beyond the line of F float, as the tide flats extend farther south than charted. Protection is generally good, but strong southerlies often turn into Liberty Bay, making it rougher than expected.

Shops and restaurants are only a few steps from the Poulsbo Marina.

Getting Ashore
Motor or row around the north side of F float to the dinghy dock. The park beach north of the marina is public, but rock and mud make it unpleasant for landing a skiff. The public launching ramp is behind the permanent moorage floats, and approached inside the timber breakwater south of A float.

For the Boat and Crew
Showers and a laundry are near the port office; entry requires a key combination, available from the harbormaster.

The fuel dock is located in front of the old tidal grid. A mud bar is reported just south of the fuel dock; choose a rising tide if your vessel is deep-draft. Enter between D and E floats.

The Port of Poulsbo’s tidal grid is available for surveys and inspections; check with the harbormaster.

For provisions, the Marina Market is located a block away on Front Street and carries produce and dairy items, staples, some marine goods and an impressive selection of European and other import foods. The store is known for its “licorice shrine,” a wall of black licorice carrying some 250 varieties.

A supermarket is located less than a mile away, uphill on 7th Avenue NE.

Sluys is famous for its cinnamon buns and Scandinavian pastries.

Things to Do
Front Street, less than 50 yards from the harbor, is crowded with shops and restaurants. Sluys Poulsbo Bakery is famous for its Scandinavian pastries and is reason enough for most boaters to overnight here. There’s a good selection of dining options as well, from Mexican to Italian food, as well as pubs and coffee shops. Shops, banks and the post office are a short distance north on Jensen Way.

South of the marina is the Poulsbo Marine Science Center, which has touch tanks, saltwater animal displays and movies. The center is open to the public at no charge Thursdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Poulsbo is a walking town. Liberty Bay Park, which borders the shoreline near the guest floats, has walking paths, picnic tables and a stage pavilion. From here you can follow the elevated boardwalk to the arboretum and grassed play area of American Legion Park. For a longer walk, head southeast along the bay toward the playground and tennis courts at the Lions Club Park on Fjord Drive, or up the hill to the cemetery next to the Lutheran Church.

Sailor, writer and teacher Migael Scherer, who divides her time between Seattle and Lopez Island, is the author of “A Cruising Guide to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands,” published by International Marine/McGraw-Hill. The guide can be purchased online through Armchair Sailor Books & Charts, Captain’s Nautical Supplies, Amazon and other retailers.

About Migael Scherer

Sailor, writer and teacher Migael Scherer, who divides her time between Seattle and Lopez Island, is the author of “A Cruising Guide to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands,” published by International Marine/McGraw-Hill. The guide can be purchased online through Armchair Sailor Books & Charts, Captain’s Nautical Supplies, Amazon and other retailers.

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