Puget Sound, Marine inlet in Washington, United States.
Puget Sound is a marine inlet in Washington that stretches 160 kilometers from Deception Pass to Olympia, reaching depths of 283 meters at Point Jefferson between Indianola and Kingston. Numerous islands dot the water while forested hills rise along the shores, often reaching directly to the waterline.
Lieutenant Peter Puget, accompanying George Vancouver in 1792, surveyed these waters and gave the inlet its name. Native tribes had lived along these shores for thousands of years before European explorers arrived in the late 18th century.
Communities around the sound live closely with the water, with fishing boats bringing in daily catches of crab and salmon while residents spend free time kayaking or sailing. At low tide, families search for shellfish along the shore, a pastime passed down through generations here.
The Washington State Ferries system operates regular connections between mainland points and major islands, carrying both vehicles and walk-on passengers. During weekends and summer months, arriving early for ferry crossings helps avoid longer wait times.
The waters hold over 100 million geoduck clams, which form an important commercial resource and are particularly valued in Asian markets. These clams can live over 100 years, making them among the longest-lived animals on earth.
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