An early Snohomish tribal village once stood here. Gazing out over the Salish Sea (specifically Possession Sound) bathed in the orange sunset, you’re hit with the salt water spray and serenaded by the gulls scavenging for food. And if you stand real still, you can feel the spirits of a proud people in the home where they lived and flourished 600 years before the arrival of explorers in the 19th century.
Mukilteo (Lushootseed word meaning “narrow neck”) accurately describes this picturesque seascape. For thousands of years its deep-water harbor (only 6.5 miles to Whidbey Island from the mainland) was an important crossing point first navigated by canoe and eventually by small craft, steamboat, and finally ferry by 1919.
Today, the Mukilteo/Clinton route transports more than 2 million vehicles (more than any other in the state) and 4 million riders annually. Walking through this new multimodal ferry terminal (dedicated in 2020) evokes a sense of honor and respect, as if entering a sacred space.
Its design is an homage to the waterfront’s entire evolution of overseeing reliable sea travel, from the elegant tribal canoes to the 3,405 long ton ferries. The traditions of the Coast Salish communal cedar longhouse history and culture are present.
As are the spirits of the Snohomish and even Chief Seattle himself still keeping loving watch, ensuring all people a safe voyage.