Boating on either Lake Washington or Union to watch fireworks on July 4th

searaypuget

Member
May 21, 2017
84
Seattle
Boat Info
2008 Sundancer 280
Engines
496 Mercruiser w/Bravo III Drive
Hi Seattle folks
I've never been on water on the 4th of July to watch fireworks. Will it be really crowded?
Given fireworks start pretty late and I am not someone who can navigate in dark, what are some good suggestions?
Thank you in advance!
 
I did the Lake Union thing about 4 years ago. We had to get out there pretty early to get a good spot with our club, and the SPD/USCG limited rafting of boats to 5 or 6 max. They broke up rafts that were any larger than that. The fireworks started around 10pm and were over by 11. As soon as they were over, there's a HUGE parade of boats that leave. I stayed put - they allow you to anchor there overnight but will kick you out by 7am the next day. That is the only night they allow overnight anchoring in Lk Union. I highly recommend staying there, it's just too crazy otherwise. The fireworks show is good, though if you are rafted with, or even just close to, another boat that is taller than you, if the wind swings you so you are behind them, you won't have much of a view. That's what happened with us.

I've not done a Lake Washington trip, I have done Roche Harbor and this year am in Kingston.
Kevin
 
I did the Lake Union thing about 4 years ago. We had to get out there pretty early to get a good spot with our club, and the SPD/USCG limited rafting of boats to 5 or 6 max. They broke up rafts that were any larger than that. The fireworks started around 10pm and were over by 11. As soon as they were over, there's a HUGE parade of boats that leave. I stayed put - they allow you to anchor there overnight but will kick you out by 7am the next day. That is the only night they allow overnight anchoring in Lk Union. I highly recommend staying there, it's just too crazy otherwise. The fireworks show is good, though if you are rafted with, or even just close to, another boat that is taller than you, if the wind swings you so you are behind them, you won't have much of a view. That's what happened with us.

I've not done a Lake Washington trip, I have done Roche Harbor and this year am in Kingston.
Kevin

Thanks Kevin for the info. I would try to venture out to the sound this summer. Perhaps I should just stay around the marina tomorrow. I don't like to be surrounded by tons of boats.
 
did you go? We had moorage at Roanoke Reef on Lake Union. Watching the boat go by following the fireworks I would eight stay till morning or at least until the maniacs cleared out as it is a cluster. We moved to Portland so have not been there for a while. It really is awesome to watch on the water.
 

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