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Pleasant Harbor Access Area
Improving access and preserving heritage
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The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife manages more than 500 water access areas across the state. They increase fishing, boating, and other recreational opportunities for Washington residents.
Scroll down to learn more about the Pleasant Harbor water access area and WDFW land management. Use the bookmark tab at the top of this story map to navigate to specific subjects.
Providing recreational water access is very important to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Each blue dot represents a water access area the department manages for this purpose. Grants and other state funding allow the department to invest in the acquisition and development of properties that increase water access to the public. These areas are managed specifically to support fishing and boating activities.
The Pleasant Harbor Access Area is an excellent example of this goal. Located off of HWY 101 in Jefferson County, Washington on the Olympic Peninsula, Pleasant Harbor Access Area provides fishing and boating opportunities in Hood Canal -- a popular destination for salmon, crab, and shrimp harvesting.
Supporting Recreational Heritage
Anglers and boaters were already familiar with Pleasant Harbor's value when the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife acquired the area in 1997. The sheltered cove was prized for the safety it provided during hazardous conditions. However, the location was under developed...
Pleasant Harbor offered little more than a sloping shoreline to launch recreational water craft, and limited the size of boats that could be put in the water...
... additionally the old static pier was difficult to use during low tides, and its height did not provide access to all Washington residents. The structure had also degraded, and become a safety hazard.
Increasing Usability
After the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife purchased the site and neighboring properties, the agency worked to increase the value of Pleasant Harbor to residents. The department made plans to create a new access road, and redesign the boating structures and area layout.
The new boat launch was poured in the shadow of the old pier in 2006 with funds from the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office.
After the concrete ramp had been laid, a boarding float was installed to make getting in and out of boats safe and easy at any tide level. These improvements increased the speed and ease boats could be launched and retrieved.
Lastly, the old gravel parking area was expanded and paved with asphalt, tripling the availability of space for vehicles and trailers near the upgraded facilities.
These improvements increase capacity and accessibility to Hood Canal for all of Washington boaters and fishers, and helps to preserve the heritage of Washington's marine activities and communities.
All you need to experience and enjoy the Pleasant Harbor water access area for yourself is a Discover Pass, or a vehicle access pass issued with your fishing or hunting license, and an urge to create lasting memories with friends and family.
Please visit our website at wdfw.wa.gov/about/wdfw-lands to learn more about how the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife acquires and manages wildlife and access area lands for the public.