Coon Bay facts for kids

Coon Bay, also known as Sheltered Bay, is a small, calm harbor located in Washington State. It's almost completely surrounded by land, making it a very safe spot for boats. This quiet bay opens up to the larger Hood Canal, which is a natural waterway connected to Puget Sound. You can find Coon Bay about 2.5 miles south of a place called Foulweather Bluff.

Even though space for visitors is limited, Coon Bay offers excellent protection for small boats, especially when the weather outside is rough. The entrance to the bay is narrow and was dug out privately. It's about 3 feet deep, so it's best for smaller boats. Inside the bay, you'll see several private docks where boats can tie up.

Coon Bay is located close to the town of Hansville, Washington. It's right next to a group of neighborhoods often called "Driftwood Key" or "Driftwood Keys."

What is Coon Bay?

Coon Bay is a special type of harbor that acts like a natural shelter for boats. It's almost entirely enclosed by land, which helps protect it from strong winds and waves. This makes it a great place for small boats to stay safe and calm. The bay connects to the Hood Canal, which is a long, narrow arm of the sea.

How Was Coon Bay Formed?

Coon Bay wasn't always a harbor for boats. Back in 1963, it was a marshy area, like a wetland where fresh water mixes with salt water. This type of area is called an estuary. To make it useful for boating and homes, the area was "dredged." This means a special machine dug out the mud and dirt from the bottom to make the water deeper and create the harbor we see today.

Why Was Coon Bay Developed?

The main reason Coon Bay was dredged was to create a fun place for people to enjoy boating and to build new homes. Before it was developed, the area was a private spot used for hunting ducks and a type of bird called black brant. After the dredging, many neighborhoods were planned and built around the bay, offering homes both right on the water and a little further inland.

The Driftwood Key Community

The area around Coon Bay is home to a community known as "Driftwood Key." This community has a special club called the "Driftwood Key Club." Members of this club get to use some great facilities.

What Does the Driftwood Key Club Offer?

The Driftwood Key Club provides several cool things for its members:

• A private marina where boats can be docked.
• A boat launch to easily put boats into the water.
• A swimming pool for members to enjoy.
• A clubhouse, which is a building for social gatherings and events.

These facilities make Coon Bay a popular spot for people who love being on the water and living in a community with special amenities.