Decades Long Service Comes To An End

Two Historic Washington State Ferries Set to Sail into Retirement

Decades-Long Service Comes to an End

Two iconic ferries that have been a staple of the Washington State Ferries (WSF) fleet for over 50 years are preparing to embark on their final voyage. The Elwha and Klahowya, which have faithfully transported countless passengers and vehicles across Puget Sound, will be towed out of the Eagle Harbor maintenance facility on Monday.

A Rich History

The Elwha and Klahowya have witnessed countless milestones in Washington State's history. Launched in 1951 and 1967, respectively, these vessels have played a vital role in connecting communities across the region.

The Elwha, a double-ended ferry, was initially built to serve the Hood Canal route. It later became a regular fixture on the Seattle-Bainbridge Island run.

The Klahowya, a larger vessel with a capacity for over 200 vehicles and 1,200 passengers, has operated on various routes throughout the WSF system, including the Seattle-Bremerton, Mukilteo-Clinton, and Bainbridge Island-Seattle runs.

The End of an Era

While the retirement of these beloved ferries marks the end of an era, it also symbolizes the progress and innovation that is continuously shaping WSF.

The department is currently in the process of building five new hybrid-electric ferries that will replace the Elwha and Klahowya. These new vessels will provide increased capacity, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced amenities for passengers.