Colvos Passage facts for kids

Colvos Passage at Night, as seen from Olalla

The Colvos Passage is a narrow waterway located in Puget Sound, a large inlet of the Pacific Ocean in Washington state. This passage runs along the western side of Vashon Island. It sits between the island and the Kitsap Peninsula.

What is the Colvos Passage?

The Colvos Passage is like a natural channel connecting larger bodies of water. It is a "tidal strait," which means it's a narrow stretch of water where tides flow in and out. This passage is found just north of another waterway called the Dalco Passage.

One interesting thing about Colvos Passage is its current. Unlike most parts of Puget Sound, where the water flow changes with the tides, Colvos Passage usually has a strong current moving north. This steady northbound flow makes it unique among the waterways in the area.

Many small towns and communities are located along the shores of Colvos Passage. These include places like Fragaria, Olalla, Sunrise Beach, Spring Beach, Maplewood, Lisabeula, Paradise Cove, and Sylvan Beach. People living in these areas enjoy views of the passage and its active waters.

How Did Colvos Passage Get Its Name?

The Colvos Passage was named a long time ago by an explorer named Charles Wilkes. He was the leader of the United States Exploring Expedition, a big journey to map and explore new areas. This expedition happened in the 1830s and 1840s.

Wilkes decided to name the passage to honor one of the brave people on his team. This person was George Colvocoresses, who was a midshipman during the expedition. A midshipman is a junior officer in the navy. Wilkes thought Colvocoresses's full last name was a bit too long for a place name on his maps. So, he shortened it to "Colvos." This is how the Colvos Passage got its unique name, remembering a part of early American exploration.