Seattle to Friday Harbor: A Long Weekend
A perfect shakedown cruise to shake the winter cobwebs off or prep for a longer adventure north
Seattle to Friday Harbor: A Long Weekend
A perfect introduction to PNW cruising. Cross Admiralty Inlet on a flood, ride the current up Rosario Strait, and be tied up in Friday Harbor in time for happy hour at Downriggers. This guide assumes a Friday afternoon departure and Sunday evening return, with weather-dependent flexibility built into the middle day.
As you push further north, past places like Bella Bella and Prince Rupert, the route becomes more remote and deeply Alaskan in character. Entering Southeast Alaska, the landscape sharpens—snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and glacial waters guiding you toward Petersburg, a working fishing town with strong Norwegian roots. It’s a destination that feels both rugged and welcoming, where the docks are alive with stories and the journey itself becomes part of your logbook lore. This run isn’t just a passage—it’s a rite of passage for anyone drawn to life along the coast.
Approaches & known hazards
Cattle passLeg by leg
Every stop on Seattle to Friday Harbor: A Long Weekend, in order — with distances and notes for each leg.
The route
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DAY 0 ANCHORAGE · 1 NIGHT
Eagle Harbor
Leave early to transit the locks from Lake Union or plan an evening at Shilshole Marina View anchorage
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DAY 1 – 2 ANCHORAGE · 2 NIGHTS LAY DAY
Port Townsend
Be aware of fery traffic when leaving Port Townsent. If you enter the San Juans at Cattle Pass or Rosario Straight, consult your tidal and current charts and time your entrance carefully
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DAY 3 – 4 MARINA · 2 NIGHTS LAY DAY
Port of Friday Harbor
Check wind and sea conditions to cross the Straight of Juan de Fuca often. Plan for a nearly departure and avoid the Traffic Seperation Zones) Call ahead for reservations as Port of Friday Harbor can get quite full in season.
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DAY 5 MARINA · FINAL
Deer Harbor
Enjoy a stay at Deer Harbor on Orcas Island. Dingy dock access is inside of teh fuel/pump out dock (one of teh best pump out docks in the San Juans) and there is a general store with food as well as several restaurants within walking distance.
Who mapped this
- Type
- Editor's Choice
- Name
- WalkTheDock Editor
- Region
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Member reviews
TripFit for Your Vessel
The route map
The full track for Seattle to Friday Harbor: A Long Weekend. Pan and zoom to scout the passage and each stop.
Along the way
Photos from the editors who mapped Seattle to Friday Harbor: A Long Weekend.
From members
Shared by cruisers in their reviews and posts.
Reviews & questions
First-hand reports and real questions from members who have run Seattle to Friday Harbor: A Long Weekend. Switch between reviews and the community Q&A below.