Point Defiance Park & Boathouse

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Point Defiance Boathouse and Park offer some of the most outstanding do-it-yourself Chinook (King) salmon fishing in the Northwest. And the scenery isn't too shabby either.

You can rent small boats and motors and everything else you need to catch the icon of the Pacific Northwest, the King Salmon.

Plenty of other species are available to catch as well. Notably Coho salmon, and in the winter months, Blackmouth, which are resident Chinook salmon. You can also catch bottomfish such as flounder and cod.

Or if you want to go the cheap route, you can fish right from the dock at the boathouse, or hike down to the end of the Clay Banks at the Point and toss your line in there. If you do the latter, keep an eye on the tide, you don't want to be on that beach at high tide, because there isn't any beach left!

You don’t have to boat or fish to have fun at the Boathouse. You can picnic on the deck or dine out with a great view, watch for eagles or whales, shop for gifts, walk to the world class Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, or just soak up the nautical atmosphere.

The Boathouse is open sunrise to sunset 363 days a year (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas). They accept checks, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

• Find more information on great activities around Seattle in our Recreation channel.