Hammersley Inlet facts for kids
Hammersley Inlet is a narrow arm of water in southwestern Puget Sound in the state of Washington. It leads to the cities of Shelton, Washington and Oakland Bay. Many people also call Hammersley Inlet by its nickname, Big Skookum.
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About Hammersley Inlet
Hammersley Inlet acts like a natural hallway connecting Oakland Bay and the city of Shelton, Washington to the larger Puget Sound. This waterway is about 8 nautical miles (15 kilometers) long. It is quite winding and the water can flow very quickly.
Water Flow and Tides
When the tides change in the southern Puget Sound, all the water moving between Oakland Bay and the main Puget Sound must pass through Hammersley Inlet. This means a lot of water gets pushed through the narrow, winding, and shallow inlet. This creates strong and unpredictable currents. These currents can reach speeds of up to 5 knots (9 kilometers per hour).
Because of the strong currents and winding path, some boaters avoid Hammersley Inlet. However, with careful planning, it can be navigated safely. Boaters should use a depth sounder to check how deep the water is. It is also important to study navigation charts. The official chart for the inlet is NOAA chart #18457. Many local boaters also use special placemats from the Shelton Yacht Club for guidance.
There are not many navigation markers in Hammersley Inlet. This is because many log booms, which are large rafts of logs, have been towed through the inlet over the years. These log booms have often damaged or destroyed the markers. So, boaters are advised to plan their route carefully and stick to it.
Shellfish and Location
Hammersley Inlet meets Oakland Bay near the historic city of Shelton. Shelton is sometimes called "Christmas Town USA." The inlet is also famous for its large amounts of shellfish. Many delicious clams and oysters are found here.
How Hammersley Inlet Got Its Name
Hammersley Inlet was named by Charles Wilkes. He was the leader of the United States Exploring Expedition. This expedition explored different parts of the world between 1838 and 1842. Wilkes named the inlet to honor George W. Hammersley. George Hammersley was one of the midshipmen, or junior officers, on the expedition.
