Blakely Harbor

Only a mile south of busy Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island, Blakely is its opposite, with soft, wooded shores lined with houses. A 40-acre park, currently in the design phase, is located at the site of the lumber mill that once packed this harbor with timber schooners. The stone causeway of the old settling pond at the head of the bay.

Though the harbor is flanked by private homes, from old bungalows to new and considerably fancier dwellings, it feels far from the city across the sound. Sunset reflects pink and gold in the glass high-rises. At night, Seattle glitters like a distant fairyland.

Moorings and Anchorage
There’s good depth throughout the middle of Blakely Harbor. The south shore is shoal. All mooring buoys are private. Take care that your swing doesn’t put you aground at low tide. For many boaters, the biggest concern is anchoring where the view of the Seattle skyline is best.

Protection in Blakely Harbor is fairly good from north and south, and the wakes of passing freighters are somewhat broken by Blakeley Rock, located a short distance outside the harbor.

Getting Ashore
Beach your skiff at the head of the bay. The mill pond is a habitat area. Trails fan out through the rest of the park. The Bainbridge Park District has plans for picnic and wildlife viewing areas.

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.