Beach-combing on The Narrows
Beach-combing on this part of the sound is possible from two different locations:
Titlow Park
Located on shores of The Narrows in Tacoma, this park was once where the ferry system existed before the bridges were constructed.
Access the beach should be done carefully as the busy train tracks separate the park from the beach. While Amtrak services no longer use this track (they are rerouted through Lakewood) these tracks can be busy with freight trains. There have been a few deaths in the area from those that walk on the tracks. When trains travel along this corridor, they are at high speed.
The spot where the tower construction was taken, is a spot that is accessible by the public. Sections of this part of the shore are considered private property.
Narrows Park
This park is located on the Peninsula side of the bridge. This land was acquired during the construction of Greedy Gertie with beach access to the bridges. If you approaching the park from Tacoma, the return trip back to the City of Destiny will require a toll.
Many of these photos were taken on this side of the sound from Greedy Gertie's construction as well as Galloping Gertie remains.
Many items can be found during low tide periods. Those whom have combed the beach have found tools that were dropped from construction workers as well as coins and other personal items left behind by workers.
This part of the beach does contain the concrete roadbed of Galloping Gertie that had been photographed for Wikipedia as well as used for the Three Bridges video. You may find smaller pieces of Galloping Gertie including re bar and the steel the was used to build the barrier for pedestrian access.
Pieces of Galloping Gertie are protected and should never be removed.
Wading in The Narrows
Wading in these waters on the Puget Sound should be done carefully as the water currents are fast increasing when the tides change.
It is a good idea to know the tides. When the tide comes in, it is a good idea to leave the beach.
Diving in the Narrows
Because of the rapid currents, only experienced divers should attempt to go in.
While the remains of Galloping Gertie make up the largest man man reef in the world, they have been responsible for helping to keep sea life in the part of the sound as the rapid currents make it difficult for sea life to stick around. Even the sand can be removed to expose the bedrock.
There are You Tube videos that show the remains under the Sound.
Boating in The Narrows
Recreational boating is popular all over The Puget Sound. There are marinas near Titlow Park as well at Point Defiance and Gig Harbor.
The currents are quick. Some of the video recorded does show a whirlpool effect from the rapid currents and tidal changes.
In recent years, attention to it's fishing was presented on To Tell the Truth when a fisher placed an octopus on their face.