Outdoor Adventures

Gardiner Boat Launch is the Port of Port Townsend’s public ramp on the western shore of Discovery Bay. It serves a narrow, practical purpose: launching and retrieving smaller trailer boats where the bay otherwise has no public ramp access. The site has no dock, limited gravel parking and a route that requires care with a heavy trailer. This guide covers the official approach, 2026 fees, ramp limitations and saltwater safety.

Gardiner Boat Launch quick facts

• Official facility: Gardiner Launch Ramp, operated by the Port of Port Townsend
• Water: Discovery Bay
• Navigation: Gardiner Boat Launch, Gardiner Beach Road, Sequim, WA 98382
• Approach: U.S. 101 to Gardiner Beach Road, with an alternate Old Gardiner Road approach for heavier trailers
• Ramp: Exposed, single-lane concrete ramp
• Dock: None
• Best fit: Smaller trailer boats; the Port’s facility plan warns the grade is unsuitable for larger boats in the 16-foot-and-up range
• 2026 daily fee: $15, including one day of boat-trailer parking
• 2026 annual pass: $105 on a rolling-calendar basis
• Adjacent shoreline: Private; obey no-trespassing signs east and west of the ramp

Confirm current access and fees on the Port’s official boat-launch directory and 2026 rates page before towing to the site.

Follow the signed route from U.S. 101

The Port directs drivers north from U.S. 101 onto Gardiner Beach Road. That direct route descends a short, fairly steep section to a stop at Old Gardiner Road. Drivers with heavier boats or limited confidence on the grade can continue east on U.S. 101, branch onto Old Gardiner Road and then turn right onto Gardiner Beach Road. The road makes a sharp left at the Discovery Bay shoreline before reaching the ramp.

After retrieving the boat, follow the marked return route toward U.S. 101. The Port specifically asks ramp users not to use the road marked for local access only. Slow down through the residential approach, allow room for oncoming traffic and do not block private driveways.

A no-dock ramp for smaller boats

The Port’s comprehensive facility plan describes Gardiner as an exposed, single-lane concrete ramp without a handling float, temporary dock, utilities or other in-water facilities. It also says the ramp is not steep enough for larger trailer boats in the 16-foot-and-greater range. That planning document is current through November 2020, so treat its dimensions and condition notes as conservative guidance rather than a same-day inspection.

Before backing down, walk the visible portion of the ramp and assess tide height, debris, surface condition and the retrieval angle. A boat that launches at high water may be difficult to recover after the tide falls. Bring enough crew and lines to manage the boat without a dock, and do not attempt a launch that exceeds the tow vehicle, trailer or crew’s safe limits.

Parking and staging etiquette

The older Port facility plan lists gravel parking for five cars and 12 trailers. The current launch directory tells boaters to park as far east in the lot as possible so later arrivals retain room to maneuver. Follow posted striping and signs if they differ from the older capacity figures.

• Prepare plugs, straps, lines and safety gear before occupying the ramp.
• Keep the turning area open while parking the tow vehicle.
• Park toward the east side as directed by the Port.
• Do not stage on private beach property beside the easement.
• Use the marked outbound route after retrieval.

2026 launch fees

The Port of Port Townsend’s 2026 miscellaneous rate card, effective January 1, lists a $15 daily launch-ramp pass for Gardiner, Hadlock, Mats-Mats and Quilcene. The daily pass includes one day of boat-trailer parking. The annual rolling-calendar launch pass is $105. Credit-card transactions are subject to the Port’s listed 3% processing fee.

Fees are set annually. Use the current rate sheet rather than an older receipt or third-party listing, and display or retain proof of payment as directed onsite.

Facilities and accessibility

The 2020 facility description lists a portable restroom and no utilities. The current launch directory does not guarantee that the restroom is present or serviced on a particular day. Bring drinking water, plan for limited amenities and use another stop if accessible restroom facilities are essential.

The Port does not publish an accessibility designation for this ramp. The gravel staging area, exposed concrete grade and lack of a dock may create barriers for some users. Evaluate the site before unloading and do not assume assistance equipment is available.

Fishing and shellfishing rules

Discovery Bay lies within Washington’s Marine Area 6, East Juan de Fuca Strait, but individual salmon, bottomfish, crab, shrimp and shellfish opportunities follow separate seasons and rules. Public ramp access does not mean a target species is open.

Before leaving home, check the current WDFW Marine Area 6 page, emergency rules, licensing requirements and health advisories. Carry the rules that apply to the exact water and species, and confirm whether gear, depth, retention or reporting restrictions have changed.

Discovery Bay boating safety

• Check tide height for both launch and planned retrieval times.
• Review the marine forecast and expect wind to make the exposed ramp harder to use.
• Wear a properly fitted life jacket and dress for cold saltwater.
• Carry navigation, communication and emergency equipment appropriate for Marine Area 6.
• Use a lookout for shallow water, floating debris and traffic near the ramp.
• Leave a float plan with someone ashore and update it if the route changes.
• Abort the launch if ramp condition, tide, weather or trailer angle is unsafe.

Nearby Olympic Peninsula launch options

The Sequim Bay State Park guide covers a separate ramp with a 15-minute launch dock and six buoy moorings. The Dungeness Landing guide explains a tide-dependent county ramp north of Sequim, while the Freshwater Bay guide describes another small-boat option farther west.

Choose among them based on destination, vessel size, tide, parking and dock needs. Gardiner is most useful when direct Discovery Bay access matters and the boat, trailer and crew fit a compact no-dock facility.

Make the safe version of the launch

Approach through Old Gardiner Road if the direct downhill stop is a poor match for the tow rig. Inspect the ramp before backing down, stage efficiently, park east as directed and stay inside the public access easement. Most importantly, treat the Port’s small-boat warning, the absence of a dock and the day’s tide as real launch constraints.