Rich Passage facts for kids
Rich Passage is a narrow waterway, like a river, that connects different parts of Puget Sound in Washington State. It's a busy water highway that lets boats reach cities like Bremerton, Washington, and other areas like Sinclair Inlet and Dyes Inlet. This passage acts as a natural border, separating Bainbridge Island from the Manchester area, which is part of the Kitsap Peninsula. Because of the important work happening at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Rich Passage sees a lot of boats and ships every day. The Seattle-Bremerton ferry, which is part of the Washington State Ferries system, travels through Rich Passage on its way to and from Seattle.
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What is a Tidal Strait?
A tidal strait is a narrow channel of water that connects two larger bodies of water. The water in a strait is often affected by the tides, meaning the water level and currents can change a lot throughout the day. Rich Passage is a great example of a tidal strait because it has strong currents that are influenced by the ocean's tides.
Rich Passage is a very active waterway. Every day, many different kinds of boats use it:
- Ferries: The Washington State Ferries make many trips back and forth, carrying people and cars.
- Tugs: Large tugboats often pull big ships or barges through the passage.
- Naval Ships: Because of the nearby naval shipyard, you might see various Navy vessels.
- Recreational Boats: People also enjoy boating for fun, so you'll see sailboats, motorboats, and kayaks.
All this traffic, especially combined with the strong tidal currents, means that captains need to be very careful. There's a sharp turn near a spot called Point Glover where it can be tricky for large ships to navigate, especially when the tides are strong. The currents can push boats around, so pilots must be skilled to keep everyone safe.
Parks Along the Passage
If you want to enjoy the views of Rich Passage from land, there are two great state parks right on its waterfront:
- Fort Ward State Park
- Manchester State Park
These parks offer beautiful spots to watch the ferries and other boats go by, or just to enjoy nature.
How Rich Passage Got Its Name
Rich Passage was named a long time ago, between 1838 and 1842. It was named by Charles Wilkes, who was leading an important journey called the United States Exploring Expedition. He named the passage to honor William Rich, who was the botanist (a scientist who studies plants) on his expedition.
