Center for Wooden Boats, Seattle and Camano Island

The Center for Wooden Boats (CWB) is a non-profit organization that celebrates the rich and varied watercraft heritage that is a vital part of the history of Seattle and the Puget Sound region. At this hands-on maritime museum, the exhibits are on the water and the public is encouraged to use them.

The organization is made up of many different people: local folks, tourists, young people participating in job skills programs, adults and families, and many CWB members and supporters. What they share is a passion or interest for boating, maritime skills, or just a love of the water.

CWB is dedicated to preserving maritime heritage for future generations. The Center preserves and shares both the watercrafts and the time-tested maritime skills of paddling, sailing, and boat handling, as well as boatbuilding and boat maintenance.

About the Center for Wooden Boats activities

There is no admission fee for many CWB activities: you can stroll the docks (Seattle) or beach (Cama), enter the buildings, look at the displays, learn from interpretive materials, and take free boat rides on South Lake Union.

Adult volunteers can earn free boat use by volunteering their time at CWB.

Some programs (such as Field Trips) are pay-what-you-can or pay by suggested donation. Other programs, such as boat rentals and workshops, have associated fees.

Youth scholarships are available for every youth program.

Members at The Center for Wooden Boats enjoy significant discounts on boat rentals, CWB classes, purchases at the CWB gift shop, and with participating local merchants. Membership begins at $50 per individual, with discounts for families, seniors, and students.

Center for Wooden Boats locations

The Center for Wooden Boats has two locations: in the heart of Seattle on Lake Union and at Cama Beach State Park on Camano Island, about 65 miles north of Seattle. Each CWB location is a hub of hands-on learning year-round. Get more information about each location in the sections below.

All of CWB’s programs and events are designed to provide public benefit. Boat rentals, classes and workshops, field trips, lectures, and opportunities for experience on the docks and in the water are just a few of the things you’ll find when you visit.

For more details about the activities available at each location, scroll down. Pay them a visit! Enroll in a workshop. Open your mind to new skills enjoyed by mariners throughout time. Pick up a tool and caulk a seam or fasten a plank. There’s lot to see, do, and enjoy around the docks and in the boats. CWB is a place you can experience maritime history, and add your story to it.

Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle on South Lake Union

The Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle is located at 1010 Valley Street, next to MOHAI on south Lake Union. Here are some of the FREE activities you can enjoy in Seattle:

Free Wooden Boat Festival at CWB Lake Union

CWB at South Lake Union hosts the Wooden Boat Festival, an old-fashioned, down-home waterfront event where everything is fun and most things are free. More info: The Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival — The Center for Wooden Boats (cwb.org)

Free one-hour rowboat rentals

Instead of the usual FREE Sunday Public Sail Program, CWB is offering FREE one-hour row boat rentals through their new Public Peapod Program (PPP). Free 1-hour rentals are available Wednesday-Sunday from 11am-7pm. All are encouraged to reserve one of the peapod rowboats at the South Lake Union Location. These boats can hold up to 5 adults and are perfect for rowers of all experiences. Reserve through the CWB online reservation system. More info: Rent a Boat on Lake Union — The Center for Wooden Boats (cwb.org)

There are also activities for a fee, including classes & workshops, boat rentals, sailing lessons.

For more information, visit the Center for Wooden Boats website.

Center for Wooden Boats south Lake Union photo by Joe Mabel (CC3)

Center for Wooden Boats on Camano Island at Cama Beach State Park

CWB Cama Beach boat house at Cama Beach State Park is set in a spectacular, 433-acre waterfront location against a forested backdrop. Cama Beach State Park is connected by a mile-long trail to Camano Island State Park, a 134-acre camping park. Both parks are open year-round for day use or overnight stays.

Cama Beach State Park offers 33 cabins for rent to the public year-round. The cabins range from rustic to deluxe to bungalows with fireplaces. In addition, CWB Members enjoy exclusive access to the Boatman’s Cabin, a deluxe waterfront cabin that sleeps seven.

Rent boats at Cama Beach by the hour or by the day, including motor boats, sailboats, kayaks, row boats, and canoes. Be sure to call ahead for availability and weather conditions.

Cama Beach Livery CLOSED for the foreseeable future

Unfortunately, the Boathouse, seawall, and boat ramp sustained structural damage during multiple winter storms. This has significantly impacted the ability to safely operate the Cama Beach Livery for the 2022 season. Washington State Parks is working on fixing the structures, but it is looking unlikely that they will be made in time for summer. While this is a huge disappointment, we’re going to make the most of the situation. he break in livery will allow Cama to shift attention to much needed building and vessel maintenance. .

The park is still open with cabin rentals available. Cama Beach is a beautiful oasis and still worth the trip this summer.

Free Summer Saturday Toy Boat Building. They provide the materials, you provide the creativity. Every Saturday in Summer, enjoy free Toy Boat Building from 10am – 4pm thanks to the dedicated Cama Beach Volunteer core. Suggested $5 donation! More info: Cama Things to Do — The Center for Wooden Boats (cwb.org) Toy boatbuilding is happening e

Crabbing is allowed at Cama Beach from July 1 until Labor Day, Thursdays through Mondays each week (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Crab pots are free with a full day row boat or power boat rental. For more information about crabbing in Washington state, contact the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Find out more about CWB at Cama Beach State Park.