Totten Inlet facts for kids
Totten Inlet is a long, narrow arm of the sea located in the southern part of Puget Sound. This beautiful inlet is found in the state of Washington, U.S.A.. It stretches about 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) southwest from an area called Squaxin Passage.
A large part of the border between Mason County and Thurston County runs right through the middle of Totten Inlet. Near Steamboat Island, a narrow strip of land, called a spit, extends about 300 feet (91 meters) into the water. The inlet gets shallower as you go south, especially near Burns Point, where the bottom can be seen at low tide.
Contents
Discovering Totten Inlet's Branches
Totten Inlet doesn't end as one body of water. Instead, it splits into two smaller inlets: Oyster Bay and Little Skookum Inlet.
Oyster Bay: A Home for Shellfish
Oyster Bay is located south of Burns Point and is known for its large mudflats. This area is very important for growing oysters. You might see floating structures called log booms here, which are used in the oyster farms.
Totten Inlet is one of the best places in Washington for growing oysters. The water here is full of tiny plant-like organisms called algae, which oysters love to eat. This rich food source helps the oysters grow very quickly.
Taylor Shellfish: A Local Success Story
A company called Taylor Shellfish started in Totten Inlet. Today, it is the largest producer of farmed shellfish in the United States. The company's main office is still located near the waters of Totten Inlet, showing its strong connection to the area.
How Totten Inlet Got Its Name
Totten Inlet was named a long time ago, between 1838 and 1842. This happened during an important journey called the Wilkes Expedition. The leader of the expedition, Charles Wilkes, named the inlet to honor George M. Totten. George Totten was a young officer, called a midshipman, on the expedition.
Interestingly, another famous place, Totten Glacier, which is a huge ice mass in Antarctica, is also named after George Totten.
