Ducks in flight overhead? That is just a common sight over Andrews Bay. It separates Bailey Peninsula from the rest of southeast Seattle. Andrews Bay is more than just a scenic body of water. It is a haven for wildlife and a place steeped in history.
Let’s delve into the story of Andrews Bay. The native people living on the shores of Lake Washington likely hunted ducks here. They gathered wapato for food and cattails for mats. These resources sustained them for generations.
With the arrival of Euro-American settlers, the bay received a new name. It was named after Lyman B. Andrews. He was an early pioneer of Issaquah and Seattle. Andrews was a chainman on the crew of the cadastral survey of 1861. This survey first used the names Andrews Bay and Andrews Peninsula. The peninsula’s name changed later. But Andrews’ name remains attached to the bay.
The Olmsted Brothers firm played a role in shaping Andrews Bay’s destiny. In their 1912 Preliminary Plan for Seward Park, they envisioned it for small pleasure boats. They did not want steamers and commercial boats. As early as 1905, the Seattle Boat Club held boat races here. This was before Bailey Peninsula became a city park. In 1918, a public swimming beach was created. It has been popular ever since.
During the Great Depression, neighborhood groups opposed a permanent race course in Andrews Bay. They disliked the roar of motorized boats. Rowing races were still popular in the 1940s. Today, the Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center still uses the old race route for training.
Andrews Bay is now enjoyed by swimmers and rowers. Canoeists, kayakers, and paddleboarders also frequent the bay. Motorized boats are most visible during the summer.
In 1996, a temporary ordinance allowed overnight anchorage of boats for up to 72 hours. This was made permanent in 1997. The eastern portion of Andrews Bay became a designated anchorage location. Seattle Parks and Recreation suggested a capacity of 80 boats. On summer weekends, it is common to find 150 to 300 boats.
Despite a persistent myth, Andrews Bay is not the only place to anchor on Lake Washington. Overnight anchorage is also available at Kenmore and Juanita Bay. However, anchorage sites are unequally distributed. Most lake communities ban anchorage outright. Union Bay Natural Area, a reclaimed landfill, is protected and prohibits motorized boats. Andrews Bay, a natural bay with old-growth forest and salmon habitat, receives many motorized boats. It lacks active protection.
Growing noise from boat sound systems led to local activism. In 2012, a noise ordinance was passed for Juanita Bay. In 2013, Seattle city council passed one for Andrews Bay. The Seattle Harbor Patrol did not enforce the noise ordinance on Andrews Bay. Noisy boaters from Juanita Bay relocated here.
In 2018, the State Department of Natural Resources granted a 30-year lease of Andrews Bay to Seattle Parks and Recreation. This was ostensibly to clarify jurisdiction. It is unclear why this was necessary. The 1909 law already gave the city jurisdiction. This clarification did not result in enforcement of noise or anchorage ordinances.
During the 2020 pandemic, the situation worsened. Summer weekend noise and overcrowded floating parties increased. There were two drownings. The Save Andrews Bay neighborhood group formed. They lobbied for ordinance enforcement. They are concerned about noise, safety, fuel and sewage spillage, and the impact on wildlife.
Commercial cruises advertise “waking up on quiet Andrews Bay.” These cruises may not be permitted by Seattle Parks and Recreation.
In 2022, Save Andrews Bay and the Friends of Seward Park raised funds to hire the Harbor Patrol. This reduced noise levels. There were no drownings. However, private funding for a public park is unsustainable. The city has budgeted funds for better signs marking the anchorage area.
Andrews Bay faces challenges. But it remains a beautiful and important part of Seattle. Its history, wildlife, and recreational opportunities make it a unique place. Efforts to protect it will ensure its future.
As you leave Andrews Bay, consider its past and present. Think about the native people, the early pioneers, and the ongoing efforts to balance recreation and conservation. Andrews Bay is a reminder of the complex relationship between people and nature.