7 Shocking Facts About Chinook Landing Marina Tacoma: Your Ultimate 2025 Boating Guide
Planning your next voyage on the Puget Sound? As of late 2025, Chinook Landing Marina in Tacoma, Washington, remains one of the premier and most strategically located moorage facilities in the Commencement Bay area, but it's far more than just a place to tie up your boat. Operated by Puyallup Tribal Enterprises, this marina is a central hub for boaters, offering a surprising depth of amenities and sitting at the nexus of major environmental and infrastructure developments that impact its accessibility and future.
The marina's unique position—offering over 200 slips and a dock depth of 14 feet—makes it an essential stop or homeport for enthusiasts navigating the South Puget Sound. However, recent local events, including necessary roadway repairs and ongoing environmental projects, mean that staying informed with the latest details is crucial for any boater or visitor.
The Complete Chinook Landing Marina Profile and Essential Moorage Facts
Chinook Landing Marina is a vital piece of the Tacoma waterfront infrastructure, providing a secure and full-service home for vessels of all sizes. The facility is a key component of the economic development efforts of the Puyallup Tribe, which has been building a diverse portfolio of enterprises for decades.
- Official Name: Chinook Landing Marina
- Operator/Owner: Puyallup Tribal Enterprises (PTE)
- Location: 3702 Marine View Dr., Tacoma, WA 98422
- Phone: 253-627-7676
- VHF Channel: 79
- Total Slips: Over 200
- Dock Depth: Approximately 14 feet
- Key Services: Moorage, Boat Storage, Fuel Dock, Boatyard, Maintenance Services
- Moorage Policy: Permanent moorage only; the marina strictly prohibits temporary moorage or liveaboards.
1. It’s Exclusively Owned and Operated by Puyallup Tribal Enterprises
One of the most defining characteristics of the facility is its ownership. Chinook Landing Marina is proudly presented by Puyallup Tribal Enterprises (PTE), a major economic force in the Tacoma area. This connection ensures the marina is deeply invested in the local community and the health of the Puget Sound. PTE’s diverse business portfolio, which includes everything from convenience stores and a golf course to real estate, highlights the marina's importance as a core tribal asset.
2. The Marina Offers a Surprising Array of Full-Service Amenities
Chinook Landing is designed as a full-service homeport, going far beyond basic dockage. Boaters benefit from a comprehensive list of amenities that enhance comfort and maintenance.
- Essential Utilities: Power and water are included with most slips.
- Vessel Maintenance: A full-service boatyard with a travel lift is available for maintenance and repairs, alongside dedicated oil recycling facilities.
- Security and Access: The facility provides secure access with gated docks and surveillance cameras, offering peace of mind to slip holders.
- Boater Comfort: Clean docks, great showers, restrooms, and on-site laundry facilities are provided.
- Additional Conveniences: Wireless Internet, Cable TV, and Ice are available, with groceries and medical facilities located nearby.
Critical Infrastructure and Environmental Context
The location of Chinook Landing Marina places it directly within a dynamic area of environmental stewardship and ongoing infrastructure work, which are key considerations for current and prospective boaters.
3. It Features a Crucial Fuel Dock and Free Pump-Out Station
For boaters, the availability of fuel and waste services is paramount. Chinook Landing Marina is equipped with a fuel dock that provides Diesel. More importantly, it offers a free waste pump-out station, a service critical for promoting environmental responsibility in Commencement Bay and the wider Puget Sound. This commitment aligns with the City of Tacoma Environmental Services Department's efforts to maintain water quality in the area.
4. Recent Roadway Issues Have Impacted Access on Marine View Drive
Visitors and slip holders should be aware of the marina’s location on Marine View Drive, an area that has recently experienced infrastructure challenges. A landslide near the 4100 block, just down the road from the marina entrance, previously caused overnight closures for cleanup and repairs. Furthermore, a news flash from the City of Fife mentioned a temporary closure near the marina in late 2025 to allow crews to set bridge girders over the roadway, indicating ongoing, necessary infrastructure work in the immediate vicinity. Checking local traffic alerts is highly recommended before traveling to the marina.
5. The Marina is a Gateway to Key Regional Water Activities
Chinook Landing is a launchpad for various recreational and educational activities. It serves as one of the two convenient Tacoma launch points for the Tacoma Sailing School, offering sailing lessons on the Puget Sound. It’s also located near the Dick Gilmur Shoreline Restoration & Kayak Launch, providing easy access for non-motorized watercraft enthusiasts. The marina is a prime starting point for exploring the extensive waterways of Marine Area 11.
Topical Authority and Surrounding Entities
6. The Area is Central to Ongoing Commencement Bay Cleanup Efforts
The marina sits in the Commencement Bay area, which has been the focus of extensive environmental investigations and cleanup actions for years. The City of Tacoma and other agencies are involved in efforts like "Turning the Tide" to address contaminants like PCBs, PBDEs, and Dioxin/Furan, which have been monitored in local fish, including those caught near the marina. This context underscores the environmental sensitivity of the location and the importance of using the on-site pump-out services.
7. It’s a Hub for the Region’s Famous Chinook Salmon Fishing
The name "Chinook" is deeply appropriate for this location. The marina is strategically positioned near Marine Area 11 (the Tacoma and Vashon Island Area), which is a key zone for the region's famous Chinook salmon fishery. Anglers often track the latest catch estimates and regulations for the hatchery Chinook retention seasons. For example, recent seasons, including 2024 and 2025, have seen specific limits and tentative schedules for saltwater fishing, demonstrating the area's importance to the local fishing community and its connection to the iconic fish species.
Conclusion: The Modern Boater’s Tacoma Home
Chinook Landing Marina is a dynamic, full-featured facility essential to the Tacoma waterfront. Its operation by Puyallup Tribal Enterprises ensures a strong commitment to quality service and local economic growth. With its expansive moorage, comprehensive services (including the boatyard and secure access), and position near key infrastructure and environmental projects, it offers a premier, though highly regulated, experience for permanent slip holders. The marina's proximity to recreational opportunities and its central role in the regional salmon fishery solidify its status as a vital Pacific Northwest boating destination.
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