Where the Strait meets the Sound — live conditions at the gateway to Puget Sound. Wind, waves, currents, and tides at the most dynamic chokepoint on the inland waters.
Admiralty Inlet funnels enormous volumes of water in and out of Puget Sound with every tidal cycle. Knowing the current state and direction — not just the weather — is essential for safe passage. Helm WX shows both on the same screen.
The Admiralty Inlet buoy (NDBC 46088) sits at the heart of this zone, transmitting real-time wind, wave height, and period data. Helm WX integrates this feed directly — so you see what's actually happening, not a model guess.
Pull up Helm WX from the dock at Port Townsend, on the ferry to Keystone, or anchored off Whidbey Island. No download, no account, no subscription. Just the data you need when you need it.
Admiralty Inlet is the narrow passage where the Strait of Juan de Fuca funnels into northern Puget Sound — a critical transition zone for every vessel entering or leaving the Sound. Flanked by Port Townsend to the west on the Olympic Peninsula and Whidbey Island to the east, this stretch of water sees some of the strongest tidal currents on the inland waterway.
At peak flood and ebb, currents through Admiralty Inlet can reach 3–4 knots through the main channel — and those currents reverse direction with each tidal cycle. When a strong westerly wind from the Strait opposes an outgoing ebb, seas pile up fast and conditions deteriorate quickly. Timing your transit with the tide isn't optional here; it's basic seamanship.
The Keystone ferry crossing — connecting Whidbey Island to Port Townsend — runs through the heart of the Inlet, making it one of the busiest small-boat crossings in the region. Commercial ship traffic from the Port of Seattle and Tacoma transits through here constantly. Situational awareness is high stakes.
NOAA's Admiralty Inlet buoy (Station 46088) provides continuous real-time readings of wind speed and direction, significant wave height, and water temperature from the center of the action. Combined with the Port Townsend tide gauge and area weather stations, Helm WX gives you a complete picture of what to expect before you leave the dock.
Real-time wind, waves, and tides at the gateway to Puget Sound — all in one free tool. No signup, no app, no cost.
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