Puget Sound region, Coastal region in Washington, United States.
Puget Sound region is a coastal area in Washington state that consists of numerous saltwater bays, islands and peninsulas stretching between the Cascade Range and the Olympic Mountains. The seawater reaches deep into forested valleys, forming a branching network of channels, passages and quiet inlets that spread across a large portion of the Pacific Northwest.
British Lieutenant Peter Puget explored these waters in 1792 under Captain George Vancouver, charting numerous bays and islands along the way. Later, European-American settlers moved into the valleys and Seattle grew into a major port starting in the mid-19th century.
Many places here carry indigenous names such as Snoqualmie, Duwamish or Puyallup, recalling the Coast Salish peoples who have lived along these shores for thousands of years. Their traditions remain visible today through cedar carvings and ceremonial objects displayed in museums and public spaces.
Ferries link the major cities along the shore to the islands and run year-round, even during rain and wind. The best views of the mountains and coastline come on clear days in late summer and early fall when fog lifts.
The seawater here is divided into four separate basins, each with its own currents and depths reaching up to 930 feet (284 meters). Each basin has a different shape and is separated by underwater sills and narrow passages.
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