After departing from Salt Creek near Port Angeles, WA around 9AM, it’s about 80 miles to Kingston, WA where we’ll (hopefully) catch the 11:05 ferry to Edmonds, WA. By 10:45 we’ve passed through the ticket booth and are parked in the holding line for the ferry that has just arrived. After unloading the inbound vehicles and passengers, loading happens quickly and by 11:10 we’re upstairs enjoying the view from the open decks as we sail across Puget Sound.
So, how did it all work…
Washington State Ferry
Kingston has implemented a remote parking and ticketing system. This prevents back-ups in town and ensures that no one “cuts” in line as you approach the ticket booths. When we arrived, a staff member was handing out these parking passes, but there’s also a dispenser for use during off hours. You’ll need this pass when arriving at the ticket booth. At the booth, using some type of length sensors, the price is exactly what we expected for our 56’ 5” rig, $157.00, less the senior discount of $5.70. From the ticket booth, we’re directed to lane #2 to wait for boarding.
Nearly all other lanes are full of cars and trucks, and these vehicles are loaded first. Onboard, cars are directed to a 2nd story parking area, while large trucks, 18-wheelers and RV are directed down the tall center lanes. These lanes are narrow, but there no need for any maneuvering, it’s just a straight-on approach. In what seems like only about 15 minutes, all cars, trucks and walk-on passengers are loaded, the boarding ramps are raised and we’ll sailing for Edmonds.
In Edmonds, the procedure is the same in reverse. Boarding ramps are lowered, cars from the 2nd story area are directed out first, and then the trucks, 18-wheelers and RV’s are unloaded. These people that are loading and unloading traffic are pros, it was like clockwork and very simple.
Washington State Ferry, loading ramp
Washington State Ferry, inside parking area
Google maps calls this crossing 6 miles. The alternative is via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (with a east bound axle toll) and over 100 miles! Not only did the ferry save us nearly 2 hours, but also about $60 in fuel. So, not quite a break-even on fuel & tolls, but it was an enjoyable ride and the 2 hours savings was great!
Ferry or not-to-Ferry?
Continuing through Edmonds, we joined highway 2 across the Cascades to Leavenworth, WA. We’re parked at Icicle River RV Park, just south of Leavenworth along the banks of the Icicle River. This is a lovely park. Upon arrival, camp hosts were outside greeting everyone and assisting with logistics around a water pipe break in the middle of the park. The water isn’t the parks – instead it’s a huge old clay pipe that supplies water to the next-door fish hatchery. Construction aside, this is a lovely park offering over 100 sites, clean laundry facilities, nice walking trails, group facilities and even a hot tub pavilion!
Icicle River RV Park, Leavenworth, WA
Icicle River RV Park, Leavenworth, WA
Icicle River RV Park, Leavenworth, WA
Front St, Leavenworth, WA
Gustav’s, Leavenworth, WA
Leavenworth is a lovely Bavarian-styled village of about 3,500 residents. The Alpine-style buildings along Front Street include German beer gardens, wonderful brat houses, wine tasting rooms, an interesting Nutcracker museum and other fun tourist shops. After arrival, we enjoyed a snack and a few cocktails on the rooftop at Rhein Haus overlooking the busy Front Street. Service and the cocktails were excellent, but the food selection of brats, pretzels and other snacks was a bit too “quick” for us.
On Friday after wandering through the shops, we ended up on the rooftop at Gustav’s. The menu was much more complete at Gustav’s, service was excellent and we’d highly recommend it. We’d also recommend the Cheesemonger Shop on Front Street for some of the most unique and delicious cheeses outside of Europe. Along with an enormous selection of German and European beers – you could easily spend hours here tasting and sampling (and buying) everything they offer. After 3 nights in Leavenworth, we’re off to Coeur d’Alene, ID. More from there…
Small Home - Big Yard 