Elliott Bay

For the past couple years I've been launching along Harbor avenue in West Seattle, first at the Don Armeni Boat Ramp, then at the pocket beaches on the way to the ramps as it cut some paddle time off when going to the mouth of East Waterway.  I was searching around and found this:

Jack Perry Memorial Viewpoint/Alaskan Way Public Access: This access allows launching near the middle of the East Waterway and is also a launch point for exploration of Harbor Island and Elliott Bay. Located about 0.65 mile south of the Coast Guard facility, just south of South Massachusetts Street, it is at the point where Alaskan Way South becomes East Marginal Way South. Look for the Jack Perry Memorial Viewpoint sign only visible when traveling south. Access to the water is across rock riprap, which can be difficult at higher tides as you must launch from it.

This is in the East Waterway itself and a much shorter paddle to the king salmon fishing spots.  It's also close to the pink salmon spot in the waterway itself at the Spokane Street Bridge.  With this being a pink salmon year, I'm excited about the prospects.

-Allen

very cool allen!  I'll have to remember that spot for after I get my yak!

I usually launch right next to Salty's, but like you, have noticed the same access.  It does have the benefit of being a lot closer to the fishing.  The down side is that there won't be a guy there selling fresh herring, like there usually is by the Armeni ramp.  It's #11 in this map:  http://www.portseattle.org/downloads/seaport/shoreline.pdf .  I haven't used it yet, but did stop by there one day last summer to check it out.  It's a paved parking lot with a fairly steep climb down to the water.  It looked tricky, but doable, in the dark. 

Not long until the Elliott Bay king season opens up!  It's a great spot to hit for an hour or two before work on Fridays.