Gig Harbor

Gig Harbor, Washington, is a city situated on Puget Sound, deeply connected to its maritime heritage. Known as 'the Maritime City,' it offers a charming escape with a historic waterfront, a lively arts scene, and direct access to the Pacific Northwest's natural splendor. The city's scenic bay, which shares its name, invites boating, sailing, and quiet contemplation on the serene waters.

With a population just over 12,000, Gig Harbor preserves a small-town atmosphere while providing a wealth of activities for visitors. From wandering along Harborview Drive, lined with boutiques and dining establishments, to exploring state parks and engaging with local history, Gig Harbor presents a balanced blend of relaxation and adventure. It serves as a popular destination, a portal to the Olympic Peninsula.

## Indigenous Roots and European Arrival Gig Harbor's story begins long before European settlement, as the traditional homeland of the S'Homamish or Homamish people, an ancestral band of the modern-day Puyallup Tribe. They knew the area as txʷaalqəɬ, meaning 'place where game exists,' and maintained a significant settlement at the harbor's mouth, including a large longhouse that stood until 1915.

The first recorded European contact occurred in 1840 when Captain Charles Wilkes, an American naval officer, sought refuge from a heavy storm in the sheltered bay with his captain's gig, a small boat. He subsequently named the bay 'Gig Harbor' on his 1841 map of the Oregon Territory.

## A Fishing and Timber Hub By 1867, fishermen, including Samuel Jerisich, began to settle in the Gig Harbor area, joined by a wave of immigrants from Sweden, Norway, and Croatia. These early settlers established a working fishing village, and the town was formally platted in 1888 by Alfred M. Burnham.

At the turn of the century, Gig Harbor flourished as a hub for both the commercial fishing and timber industries. The abundant waters of Puget Sound provided a bounty of salmon, halibut, and cod, while the surrounding forests fueled a logging industry. Gig Harbor became a vital center for processing and shipping timber, with sawmills and wood processing facilities contributing significantly to its growth.

## The Bridge and Modern Growth Transportation to and from Gig Harbor was initially facilitated by the 'Mosquito fleet' of steamships. For automobiles, the journey to Tacoma was a long, indirect route until the Washington Navigation Company introduced a ferry service in 1927. The first Tacoma Narrows Bridge, completed in July 1940, dramatically improved access but famously collapsed just months later. Ferry service was restored until the modern westbound bridge opened in 1950, transforming Gig Harbor into a bedroom community for Tacoma workers.

Gig Harbor officially incorporated as a town on July 12, 1946, after an earlier attempt failed by a narrow margin. It was re-incorporated as a city in 1981. The construction of a third bridge in 2007 further expanded State Route 16, accommodating eastbound traffic. Today, Gig Harbor, with a population of 12,029 as of the 2020 census, continues to honor its maritime roots while embracing its role as a popular destination.

Begin your exploration along Harborview Drive, the heart of Gig Harbor's waterfront. Here, you can wander past appealing boutiques, art galleries, and waterfront restaurants, many offering decks right over the water. For a deeper dive into the city's past, visit the Harbor History Museum, which displays Gig Harbor's maritime heritage through exhibits, artifacts, and even a historic one-room schoolhouse. You can also see a replica of the longboat Porpoise, built for the Washington Centennial, at the museum.

To truly experience the 'Maritime City,' venture out onto the water. Kayak rentals are available, or you can opt for a seasonal gondola tour to see the harbor from a unique perspective. For scenic views and outdoor activity, head to Kopachuck State Park, about seven miles northwest of downtown. It offers a saltwater beach, hiking trails through lush forests, and views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. The Cushman Trail provides a 6.2-mile path through picturesque woods with views of the city. Do not miss the iconic Gig Harbor Netsheds, historic structures that represent the town's fishing legacy. For a unique culinary experience, the Tides Tavern has been serving seafood on the waterfront since 1946.

The best time to visit Gig Harbor for warm-weather activities is from mid-July to late August, when average temperatures range from 65°F to 80°F. The skies are clearest in July, making it ideal for enjoying the waterfront and outdoor activities. Late May through September also offers pleasant weather, with waterfront restaurants opening their decks and increased harbor activity. While summer weekends can be busy, arriving before 10 AM on Saturdays in July and August can help you find waterfront parking and enjoy a quieter experience.

Gig Harbor is located along State Route 16, approximately 6 miles from Interstate 5, accessible via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The bridge toll is collected electronically (westbound only, leaving Gig Harbor) via a Good To Go pass or mailed invoice. If flying, Seattle/Tacoma Airport (SEA) is about 15 miles away. Street parking along Harborview Drive can fill up quickly on summer weekends; consider the public parking areas off Rosedale Street or free parking in the Uptown Gig Harbor shopping district with a short shuttle ride to the waterfront.

For local provisions, downtown offers The Harbor General Store and Finholm's Market, while larger grocery stores like Costco, Target, Fred Meyer, and Safeway are available in Gig Harbor North and Uptown. While Gig Harbor is a quieter town without extensive nightlife, a few restaurants and bars are open until midnight. For more lively evening options, Tacoma is a short drive away. The Gig Harbor Visitor Information Center is located at 3125 Judson Street.