A snug, deeply protected pocket off Pickering Passage on the northwest tip of Harstine Island, anchored by a popular Washington State Park with docks, buoys, and miles of trails.
Jarrell Cove cuts an inverted-Y into the northwest corner of Harstine Island, branching into two shallow arms behind a narrow, easily missed entrance off Pickering Passage. Jarrell Cove Marine State Park occupies the north shore with roughly 650 feet of dock space, about a dozen mooring buoys, a pumpout, restrooms, drinking water, and hiking trails through second-growth forest.
It is one of South Sound's most sheltered overnight stops, ringed by trees and high banks that knock down nearly any wind. Most cruisers tie to the state-park dock or pick up a buoy rather than anchor, since the cove shoals quickly and swing room is tight at low water.
A small private marina and store sits across the cove, with one of the few fuel docks in this part of the Sound (seasonal hours).
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
Approach from Pickering Passage and feel your way into the narrow entrance; the cove opens behind it but shoals rapidly into both forking arms, with drying flats at their heads. Boats run aground at low tide if they push too far in, so favor the deeper water near the mouth and the state-park frontage and consult an up-to-date chart and the tide tables before committing.
The inner reaches and the inner state-park dock are too thin for deeper-draft vessels; the only practical anchoring is in the modest depths near the mouth, which is somewhat open to wakes from passing traffic in Pickering Passage. Holding and swing room inside are limited, which is why moorage is the usual choice.
Wind protection summary and tide planning at a glance. Full per-direction and 7-day detail with Plus.
Live readings from the nearest OpenWeather station and WorldTides; refreshed every few minutes.
Source: OpenWeather One Call API + WorldTides.
A curated photo + map walkthrough showing approach, mooring options, and points of interest.
A guided walkthrough of Jarrell Cove with approach photos, depth notes, and points of interest — written by members who have been here recently.
Member-uploaded images of this anchorage.
Real first-hand reports and questions answered by members who have actually been here.
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