Ports of Call

BY DEANE HISLOP

A Central Puget Sound City with a Small-Town Feel

DES MOINES, WASHINGTON

The city of Des Moines is located on the eastern shoreline of Puget Sound’s East Passage in the shadow of Mt. Rainier. Despite being just 17 miles south of downtown Seattle and 12 miles north of Tacoma, Des Moines has retained its small-town atmosphere and provides all the services necessary for boaters who pay a visit via the waterways. The entrance channel begins south of a green Buoy #1, located west of the north end of the breakwater, and southwest of the public fishing pier. The 13-foot deep channel at zero tide doglegs to starboard into the marina basin. Immediately on the portside is the fuel float and 1,500-feet of well-maintained guest slips and linear moorage for vessels up to 100 feet. Visiting boaters are asked to check in at the fuel dock for their slip assignment. Des Moines Marina offers some of the most competitive prices on Puget Sound, and therefore, it’s not uncommon for visiting boaters to fill up their fuel tanks during their stay. Visiting yacht club members with reciprocal privileges will find the Des Moines Yacht Club dock in the southern end of the marina. This is a full-service marina with a CSR Marine boatyard onsite that supplies a Travelift for haulouts up to 25 tons. You’ll be in good hands if you need any boat repairs or parts. The marina is a perfect location to relax in the sun on the flybridge or in the cockpit. At high tide, Point Robinson lighthouse and the majestic Olympic Mountains come into view over the breakwater. In the evening, visitors are treated to spectacular sunsets that silhouette the surrounding mountains.

To the Beach

Immediately north of the marina, Des Moines Creek flows through the 20-acre Des Moines Beach Park before emptying into Puget Sound. The park and beach are favorite spots for locals and visitors alike, with community activities and celebrations happening throughout the year. For hundreds of years, Duwamish and Muckleshoot Native American tribes made a permanent camp at this location because of the abundant supply of freshwater, seals, fish, and shellfish. Settlers from Des Moines, Iowa, in the mid-1800s built a sawmill in this location because of the abundance of cedar, hemlock, and fir trees in the area. In the early 1930s, the Swedish Covenant Church converted the old mill site into a summer bible study camp, which operated until 1986. That same year, the 20-acre park valley, the buildings (some dating back to the early days of Des Moines), and 630 feet of beachfront property was sold to the city. In 1988, Covenant Beach Historic District was placed on the Washington State Register of Historic Places. Then in January 2006, Covenant Beach Bible Camp was also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Many of the buildings have been beautifully restored and now serve as a community event center and the site of many of festivals and celebrations. The southern head of the Des Moines Creek Trail is in the park. The 2.1-mile paved trail follows the creek north to 200th street, near SeaTac airport. The trail winds through the forest following the creek, and the soft sounds of flowing water offers soothing comfort. In the summer, ripe Himalayan blackberries line portions of the trail.

The Village

The city has worked hard to retain its early small-town charm and seaside connection. Signs of this can be seen in the names of some of the establishments, such as the Quarterdeck, Lighthouse Lounge, Wally’s Chowder, and Marina Inn. There is also a cool sculpture of a happy angler and larger than life salmon called “Big Catch” located at the northern entrance of town. This quaint beachfront community is home to a variety of unique eateries, artistic sculptures, espresso stands, boutiques, banks, thrift store, glass studio and gift, ice cream and dive shops. Three blocks from the marina is ABC grocery for provisioning. Quilters love Carriage Country Quilts, which features hand-dyed wool, fabrics, patterns, quilt kits, and books. The knitter on board will also enjoy the Yarn Shop. If in need of something for the barbeque, I suggest visiting B&E Meats. It is the next best thing to heaven for grill masters, offering a variety of fresh meats and seafoods, rubs, sauces, and seasonings. I also suggest trying the teriyaki beef tri-tips, Kalbi-marinated beef ribs, award winning beef jerky, or the delicious smoked salmon candy.

Time your Visit

Community festivals and celebrations happen year-round, but a favorite is the Des Moines Farmers Market, which begins in June. In July, visitors can enjoy the Waterland Festival & Parade, the Beach Park Summer Concerts, and the Poverty Bay Blues & Brews festival. Visit www.tothebeachwa.com to learn more.

Gastronomy

With choices from fast food to sit-down dining, Des Moines has something to suit every crew member’s palate. Begin your day with a fresh cup of coffee or espresso from the convenient Quarterdeck, located at the top of the guest dock ramp. Enjoy the day on the deck or in the Quarterdeck courtyard overlooking the marina with a glass of wine or one of the local beers or ciders on tap. For seafood lovers, the two-story Anthony’s Homeport is in the marina’s south parking lot. On the first level is an oyster bar and grill. The second level houses the cocktail lounge and restaurant. Both levels offer outside dining when weather permits. Red Robin is located just two blocks east of the southern entrance of the marina,

and there are Mexican, Thai, Chinese, pizza, and hot dog eateries. If you’re hungry for clam chowder and fish n’ chips, Wally’s Chowder House is a Des Moines landmark. This is a popular spot, so expect a wait— but it’s worth every minute!

Moorage

Contact the City of Des Moines Marina at desmoinesmarina.com or (206) 824-5700. The marina provides gas, diesel, propane, water, 30-amp power, pumpout, restrooms, showers, Wi-Fi, courtesy shuttle, and a 25’ x 80’ canvas covered activity float with drop curtains, grills, picnic tables, and infrared heaters. Reservations are accepted for boats 32 feet and larger, with a minimum of one week in advance.