Out to Launch: Where to Get Your Boat in the Water

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published May 29, 2019. Make sure to verify any details before you go.


One delightful thing about Everett is that you're as likely to see a boat parked next to someone's house as you are an RV. We're surrounded by water and love being on it, and there are many ways to enjoy it. Try kiteboarding at Jetty Island, stand-up paddleboarding at Silver Lake or rowing at Langus Riverfront Park. I've even seen people in SCUBA gear wander into the waves at Edgewater Beach. If you like fishing from a boat or just exploring in one, here are the spots you can launch from.

ROTARY PARK

3505 Lowell Snohomish River Rd

Where the forest meets the farmland // Christopher Bragg

Image via Google Maps (click to enlarge)

At the south end of the Lowell Riverfront Trail, drive through a dense thicket of trees to find Rotary Park's launch. With parking for 35 vehicles with trailers, it's a smaller facility, and the compact plan requires you to leave and re-enter to park after you launch. You'll love the idyllic setting, though. It's a quiet, gorgeous place to start your adventure.


LANGUS RIVERFRONT PARK

400 Smith Island Rd

Your central gateway between the sound and sloughs // Christopher Bragg

Your central gateway between the sound and sloughs // Christopher Bragg

Image via Google Maps (click to enlarge)

I know this one's popular with hunters because I often see them zip by as I walk along the river. They head south from the launch to reach the hunting areas around Spencer Island, but there's a lot more to see around Ebey Island, the sloughs, and of course, the Snohomish River— which you can follow all the way to the sound.

Paved parking for 45 vehicles with trailers is available, with overflow parking for 50 more.

The Rotary and Langus Riverfront launches are managed by Everett Parks and Community Services. Launch your boat for $7 (Visa/MasterCard, cash or check onsite) or buy an annual pass for $89.


DAGMARS MARINA

1870 Ross Ave

Image via Google Maps (click to enlarge)

Don't have space at home for your boat? Check out Dagmars, just up the road from Langus. You can rent a space in their dry dock, and when you want to use your boat, they'll carry it over to the water for you. At the end of the day, just bring it back and they'll put it away. Rack storage gives you better access to wash and maintain your boat, and repairs are much easier, too. Dagmars even has docks on the river that members can use for up to two nights during the summer


10TH STREET BOAT LAUNCH

607 10th St

Popular with boaters and seals alike // Christopher Bragg

Image via Google Maps (click to enlarge)

Washington's largest public boat launch is at the Port of Everett Marina. The 10th Street Boat Launch has 13 lanes and parking for 350 vehicles with trailers, plus a webcam so you can check how busy it is before you go. Launches are $15, or you can buy an annual pass at the Marina office for $225. Both fees include parking.

Being at the marina means lots of amenities are within reach. Gear up and grab some snacks at Harbor Marine or grab a meal and drinks at Bluewater or Scuttlebutt. For a luxurious treat to bring on the boat, check out Proper Picnic. They have grab-and-go picnics, beer, wine and champagne, plus beach kits for kids and toy packs for dogs. They even have snacks, ice cream, bait and ice. The location couldn't be any more convenient, just steps away from the launch.

Treat yo self // Christopher Bragg

Treat yo self // Christopher Bragg

You can also store your boat in luxurious digs nearby. Bayside Marine offers heated, indoor dry rack storage and can carry your boat across the road to the water. Don't have a boat yet? Bayside offers brokerage services and has all types of boats available for sale.

Everett's not the only place to set sail. Once you've worked your way through these local spots, check out the nearby county-run launches at Lake Stevens, Kayak Point, Flowing Lake Park and Lake Goodwin. If you think life's better on a boat, Everett's a great place to live.


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Christopher Bragg works from home in Everett and loves walking, swimming, and cats. You can find him all over town, but only if you keep weird hours and avoid crowds like he does.