Puget Sound Destination: Gig Harbor

The Sneaky Harbor: 

Gig Harbor, I will title it “Lake Gig”

This is the third of my three blogs about Puget Sound destinations: such a great topic to tackle in the summer when the sun is bright and life is dreamy. I hope that you have enjoyed it as a window into life in the Northwest.

The Narrows Bridge

This time we are at the natural and gritty coast around the Puget Sound waters that are north and south of Gig Harbor. The salt-water moves quickly because of the narrow channel to the south, giving it the well deserved name “The Narrows.” Kayakers know that it can be easy to get caught in the current, so beware. As you approach Gig Harbor by boat darling cabins and woodsy cliffs are everywhere. Beautiful! The Narrows Bridge is towering above the crossing and joins Gig Harbor with the “City of Destiny,” Tacoma.

Surprise: A boater could wiz on past the entrance to Gig Harbor without even noticing the inlet that leads to Gig Harbor. I was a bit embarrassed because I told my dad, who took us on this excursion, that I thought that he was going the wrong way. We were just heading straight toward the beach, and fast! Yikes! 

With a straight face, he agreed with me that indeed maybe we were lost. He laughed when the tiny inlet to the harbor was exposed.  So funny… I love being teased by my dad.

Little Lighthouse and Inlet to Gig Harbor

Once the small passage comes into view at the 15 foot lighthouse, boaters go into almost a lake-like environment. The water is calm and wonderfully peaceful. We saw paddle boarders and kayakers a-plenty as we toured the harbor. Awesome! In my opinion, it could almost be re-named, Lake Gig!

Upon Arriving: We didn’t discover the darling shopping community that I noted in my Poulsbo blog (though there are some shops). We didn’t discover the rustic and primitive island noted in my Blake Island blog. What we did discover was unique: lots of fancy-schmancy swanky boats waiting to be taken into the Sound, beautiful big homes perched on the hillside, a busy sailing class for energetic kids, and really fun-looking restaurants with docks. “Lake Gig” has an urban flair for the Sound. It is crisp, clean, fun, and fancy.

I can see why the community has grown so quickly over the years. When we were ready to leave “Lake Gig” and head out to the real world of the Puget Sound, I was happy to get a first hand experience and sneak into the Harbor. This was a small window into the lives that enjoy being near to the big city and being near to the rustic Sound, hand-in-hand. “Lake Gig” is a nautical break from the wind and the waves brewing in the Sound. The presence of of those living "the good life" is all fun to take in as well. 

Given the choice, I prefer the quiet life of Poulsbo and Blake Island, from my other two blogs, because of their quiet contrast to my city life. I am wondering what those that take time to read this will think? Maybe they will be drawn to Lake Gig for their next Puget Sound destination trip? Maybe they will laugh with me and my dad as their boat heads straight for the beach! 

In the end, I consider Puget Sound to be the most beautiful place around. I am so thankful for the history, raw beauty, sneaky surprises, the Narrows, and fancy boats. I also appreciate the opportunity to share a little bit of my dreamy summer adventures with you! Until next time...