Pickering Passage facts for kids
Pickering Passage is a narrow waterway, also called a strait. It's located in the southern part of Puget Sound in the U.S. state of Washington. This passage is completely within Mason County. It separates Harstine Island from the mainland. The passage also links Totten Inlet to the northern part of Case Inlet.
This waterway is very important for local marine life. It flows past the openings of Hammersley Inlet, Totten Inlet, and Eld Inlet. Pickering Passage is full of nutrients, which means it's a great place for oysters to grow. In fact, oysters here grow very quickly!
Exploring Pickering Passage
Pickering Passage is a beautiful and active part of Puget Sound. It's a key waterway for boats and a rich habitat for sea creatures. Many people enjoy fishing and boating in this area.
A Look Back in Time
Pickering Passage got its name from Charles Wilkes. He was a leader of the United States Exploring Expedition, which happened between 1838 and 1842. Wilkes named the passage to honor Charles Pickering (naturalist). Pickering was a naturalist, meaning he studied plants and animals, during the expedition.
For many years, from 1922 to 1969, a special ferry helped people cross Pickering Passage. This ferry was owned and run by Mason County, Washington. It connected Harstine Island to the mainland. But in 1969, a bridge was built to replace the ferry, making it easier to travel to and from the island.
