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Ferry me away

Riding Washington waterways never easier thanks to ferry system

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It's a cheap thrill, considering the scenery to be had. Try hopping aboard a ferry for a day of pure Northwest pleasure, for as little as $4.25. Riding a Washington state ferry is both unique, historic, and adds a whole new dimension to the pleasure of living life in the beautiful Northwest.

Oh the places you'll go! There are three ferry systems in the state: the state ferry system, run by the Washington State Department of Transportation; Pierce County Ferries; and a couple of independent systems that are either private, such as the Herron Island ferry in Puget Sound's Case Inlet, or the ferry between Washington and Oregon, leaving Puget Island in Wahkiakum County. A foot-passenger ferry also operates between Westport and Ocean Shores during spring and summer months.

The state ferry system departs from the following ports: Anacortes, Bremerton, Edmonds, Friday Harbor, Kingston, Mukilteo, Point Defiance, Seattle, Sidney B.C., Tahlequah, Bainbridge Island, Clinton, Fauntleroy, Keystone, Lopez Island, Orcas Island, Port Townsend, Shaw Island, Southworth, and Vashon Island.

Fares vary, but a ride from Anacortes to Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands starts at $10.10 per adult passenger, and $35.05 per vehicle under 20 feet. Discounted tickets are available for seniors and disabled passengers. Children, six through 18, also pay less than adults.

Washington state ferries are operated through the Department of Transportation. Visit their Web site at wsdot.wa.gov/ferries to make reservations, find out schedules and fees.

Pierce County also operates several ferries that leave Steilacoom for Anderson and Ketron islands. Walk-on passengers can ride roundtrip for $4.70; $3.40 for kids 5-18, free under age five; seniors and disabled passengers ride for $2.40.

If you bring your car, the fare is higher, starting at $19 for any car up to 20 feet during the peak season, May 15 through Sep. 15.

There are only two ferry runs per day between Steilacoom and Ketron Island. If you want to visit this tiny island in the Sound, make sure to plan accordingly.

Visit www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/pwu/ferry/ferrymain.htm for schedules and fares. Tickets are sold at the ferry dock in Steilacoom, just minutes from Fort Lewis.

Take the ferry to Alaska, leaving from Bellingham and explore the Inside Passage on the Alaska Marine Highway. Alaska state ferries accommodate passengers, cars and RVs.

Call (800) 383-9229 to make reservations or visit the Web site at www.akmhs.com.

Bellingham is the only port in Washington serving year-round weekly ferries to and from Alaska. Ketchikan is the first stop for travelers, and if passengers are heading to Haines, Alaska, the trip takes three days. Reservations need to be made in advance to book passage, get a room, and bring aboard a vehicle.

Fares for the three-day trip start at $353 and are one-way only.

Visit beautiful Victoria via the high-speed passenger-only boat that takes just under three hours. Or take the Clipper through the scenic San Juan's traveling through gorgeous Deception Pass.

Note: If you are traveling to Canada, you will need a valid Passport.

Prices for Clipper trips vary, depending on which way you travel, but make reservations online to receive special offers, packages and discounts. A day trip to Victoria aboard the Clipper starts at $89 from Feb. 12 through May 21. Prices increase during peak summer months. Visit www.clippervacations.com to learn more about fares, packages, and schedules.

If you are visiting Ocean Shores or Westport, ride the El Matador, which runs during spring and summer months. A round-trip ticket costs $10 for an adult passenger, and children under age four ride free. Visit www.oceanshoresguide.com/activities/ferry.htm to see schedules. Call (360) 289-3386 to purchase a ticket.

Take the ferry from Puget Island in Washington's Wahkiakum County across the mighty Columbia River to Oregon. In 10 minutes, you'll be whisked one the last operating ferries to work the Lower Columbia River. Passenger cars and pickups less than 20 feet are charged $5 per trip; foot passengers ride for $1. Visit www.co.wahkiakum.wa.us/depts/pw/idex.htm to learn more.

In Eastern Washington, the "Martha S" connects rural commuters between Wilbur and Keller, crossing the Columbia River. The ferry operates from 6 a.m. to midnight seven days a week. Learn more about riding this historic vessel at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/Eastern/KellerFerry/.

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