What PNW Boaters Need to Know About WA State Parks’ Mooring Buoy Upgrades

By Carie Gordy | August 6, 2026

If you’re planning to tie up at a state park buoy this late summer or early fall, take note of your destination’s schedule before dropping anchor. Washington State Parks is in the middle of a major multi-week project to overhaul and upgrade public recreational mooring buoys across the Sound.

Here is a breakdown of why these upgrades are happening, where work is taking place next, and how to check buoy availability before setting sail.

Why the Upgrades? Many of the buoy systems currently being replaced were installed between 2006 and 2008. Over time, the harsh saltwater environment corrodes anchor eyes and ground chains. Combined with larger modern vessels putting increased stress on the gear, older concrete anchor blocks risk shifting or failing.

Upgrading to heavier, more stable anchors and chains provides two key benefits:

  • Safer Moorage: Stronger tackle ensures boats stay secure in changing conditions.

  • Environmental Protection: Well-maintained mooring buoys prevent boaters from dropping traditional anchors into fragile eelgrass beds and shallow marine habitats.

State Parks maintains 259 public recreational buoys across 40+ state parks in Puget Sound, the Salish Sea, Hood Canal, and the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas. Systems are inspected annually – alternating between full diving inspections one year and surface inspections the next.

2026 Repair Schedule Replacement work occurs Monday through Friday (weather permitting), during which individual buoys will be temporarily out of service.

  • Kitsap Peninsula | August 10 – August 21 Locations include Blake Island and Illahee.

  • North Puget Sound, Hope & Skagit Islands | September 14 – October 2 Locations include Fort Worden, Sequim Bay, Hope Island (Skagit County), and Skagit Island.

Planning Your Trip: To avoid unexpected surprises upon arrival, boaters can track real-time buoy status and availability by downloading the free OnBuoy app and selecting the “public” moorings layer. It’s also suggested to download the PNW Boater’s Guide app on your mobile device.

Here’s to safe boating and clear skies out on the water!

Carie

Photo Cred: www.48north.com

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