Low tide warnings

Learn about when to avoid certain routes during low tides so you do not damage your vehicle from scraping or getting caught on the loading ramps.

At low tides, some of our loading ramps have a steep slope that causes an extreme angle for:

  • Trucks
  • RVs with a low ground clearance
  • Vehicles towing a trailer

People driving these vehicles should wait for a ferry when the tide is higher for safe clearance and to avoid damage to your vehicle. Below are the routes with low tide warnings.

Vashon Island low tide warnings

Trucks with a ground clearance of less than 14 inches should not travel on our Fauntleroy/Vashon, Southworth/Vashon and Point Defiance/Tahlequah routes during the following dates and times:

    November 2023

    • Wednesday, Nov. 1: 12:15 to 2:45 a.m. (-2.2 feet)
    • Thursday, Nov. 2: 1 to 3 a.m. (-1.6 feet)
    • Monday, Nov. 13: 9:30 p.m. to midnight (-1.8 feet)
    • Tuesday, Nov. 14: 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (-2.4 feet)
    • Wednesday, Nov. 15: 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. (-2.6 feet)
    • Thursday, Nov. 16: 11 p.m. to 2:15 a.m. (-2.4 feet)
    • Saturday, Nov. 18: 12:30 to 2:30 a.m. (-2.0 feet)
    • Saturday, Nov. 25: 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. (-1.7 feet)
    • Sunday, Nov. 26: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. (-2.4 feet)
    • Monday, Nov. 27: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (-2.8 feet)
    • Tuesday, Nov. 28: 9:45 p.m. to 12:45 a.m. (-2.7 feet)
    • Wednesday, Nov. 29: 10:30 p.m. to 1:15 a.m. (-2.2 feet)

    December 2023

    • Friday, Dec. 1: midnight to 1:30 a.m. (-1.6 feet)
    • Monday, Dec. 11: 8:30 to 11 p.m. (-2.0 feet)
    • Tuesday, Dec. 12: 9 p.m. to midnight (-2.7 feet)
    • Wednesday, Dec. 13: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. (-3.1 feet)
    • Thursday, Dec. 14: 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. (-3.2 feet)
    • Friday, Dec. 15: 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. (-2.8 feet)
    • Sunday, Dec. 17: midnight to 2:30 a.m. (-2.1 feet)
    • Sunday, Dec. 24: 8 to 10:30 p.m. (-2.0 feet)
    • Monday, Dec. 25: 8:30 to 11 p.m. (-2.3 feet)
    • Tuesday, Dec. 26: 9 p.m. to midnight (-2.4 feet)
    • Wednesday, Dec. 27: 9:45 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. (-2.2 feet)
    • Thursday, Dec. 28: 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (-1.8 feet)

    See the schedule for our Fauntleroy/Vashon, Southworth/Vashon or Point Defiance/Tahlequah route.

    Mukilteo/Clinton low tide warnings

    Trucks with a ground clearance of less than 14 inches should not travel on our Mukilteo/Clinton route during the following dates and times:

      November 2023

      • No restrictions.

      December 2023

      • No restrictions.

      See the schedule for our Mukilteo/Clinton route.

      Port Townsend/Coupeville tidal cancellations

      Our Port Townsend/Coupeville route is subject to scheduled cancellations or adjustments to sailing times due to tidal currents. Visit our Port Townsend/Coupeville tide cancellations page to view dates and times of all upcoming sailing times canceled or adjusted for tidal currents.

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      Winter driving tips

      Slow down on ice and snow.

      It's easier to skid or lose control traveling at higher speeds. Give yourself more time to stop.

      Carry chains, practice installing them.

      Winter conditions could mean chains are required on your route. Practice putting them on your vehicle ahead of time.

      Pack your winter car kit.

      Carry extra supplies like warm clothing, ice scraper and brush, jumper cables and other emergency items.