CHINOOK

• USCJC
• Latitude: 46.2707
• Longitude: -123.95
• US West Coast
• Marina in US

Location: Chinook WA 98614 US

Phone number: +1-360-642-2828

Web-site: http://portofchinook.com

Chinook Marine Port Overview

Chinook is a small yet historically significant port located in Pacific County, Washington, near the mouth of the Columbia River, which is one of the largest rivers in the United States. The town of Chinook lies on the Washington side of the Columbia River, close to where it flows into the Pacific Ocean. Being an important part of the regional maritime infrastructure, the port primarily serves commercial fishing vessels, recreational boats, and other smaller marine traffic.

Key Specifications and Features

Location and Accessibility

• Geographical Coordinates: Approximately 46.273° N latitude and -123.945° W longitude.
• Proximity: Close to the border between Washington and Oregon, and a short distance to the large maritime hub of Astoria, Oregon.
• Accessibility: Accessed primarily via the Columbia River, with easy ocean entry through the Columbia Bar, a navigationally significant but challenging river mouth known as the "Graveyard of the Pacific."

Infrastructure

• Docks and Berths: Equipped with several docks and mooring facilities designed to accommodate a variety of vessels, particularly focusing on commercial fishing boats and recreational craft.
• Boat Launches: Public boat launch facilities are available, catering to both local and visiting boaters.
• Storage and Maintenance: Provides limited indoor and outdoor storage as well as basic maintenance services for vessels.

Services

• Fueling Stations: Available, offering both diesel and gasoline to meet the needs of different types of marine engines.
• Fish Processing: Facilities supporting the needs of commercial fishermen, including fish cleaning and processing areas.
• Local Markets: The port supports local commerce, with seafood markets often selling fresh catches directly from fishing vessels.
• Safety and Navigation: Equipped with standard navigation aids, including lights and markers to ensure safe passage and docking.

Economic and Community Context

• Economy: The port significantly contributes to the local economy, particularly through the commercial fishing industry, tourism from recreational boating, and related maritime services.
• Community: The port is a community hub, hosting local events, and has a rich cultural history connected to the region's fishing heritage and Native American history.

Notable Challenges

• Weather and Climate: Often subjected to challenging weather conditions, particularly in the winter months, impacting navigation and port operations.
• Columbia Bar: Known for its hazardous bar crossing, which requires careful navigation and sometimes pilotage services to assist vessels safely.

Future Prospects

• Development Plans: Potential for improvements and modernization of facilities to better cater to increasing recreational boating activities and enhance commercial fishing operations.
• Ecological Considerations: Continuous efforts are being made to balance port activities with environmental and ecological preservation, particularly concerning the Columbia River's ecosystem.

Chinook marine port serves as a vital link in the maritime chain of the Pacific Northwest, balancing its historic roots with modern-day maritime demands.