Burton, Quartermaster Hbr. (inside), Vashon I., Puget Sound, Washington

Discover the essential tidal schedules and navigational insights for Vashon Island, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience by the water for both residents and visitors.
Explore today’s tidal phases at Burton, Quartermaster Harbor on Vashon Island, Puget Sound. Plan your activities by checking real-time low and high tide timings and heights to ensure safe and optimal water engagement.
Understanding and respecting the local tide schedules is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience when visiting Vashon Island’s beaches. Always check the current tide charts before planning your beach activities, as the tides can greatly affect accessibility and safety. Low tides are ideal for exploring tidal pools and wider beach areas, but be cautious of rapidly changing tides that can quickly alter the landscape.
High tides might limit beach space and bring stronger currents, so it’s wise to stay alert. Additionally, consider local wildlife regulations, especially during sensitive breeding seasons. Equip yourself with this tidal knowledge to enhance your visit and ensure you can safely enjoy the natural beauty of Vashon Island’s coastal environments.
The lowest daylight tide in 2025 is on Tuesday, March 24, with a tide of -3.7 feet at 10:32 AM
The lowest daylight tide in 2025 is on Tuesday, March 24, reaching -3.7 feet at 10:32 AM.
The Rule of 12 divides the total range between high and low tide into 12 equal parts to estimate the water level at each hour between tides. The first hour after low tide sees the water level rise by one part, two parts in the second hour, three parts in the third, and so forth.
Tides are primarily categorized into three types based on their occurrence patterns: diurnal, featuring one high and one low tide per day; semidiurnal, with two high and two low tides each day that are approximately equal in height; and mixed semidiurnal, characterized by two high and two low tides each day, differing in height.
The 50/90 rule describes the behavior of tidal currents, stating that after slack water (zero flow speed when the tide changes direction), the current reaches 50% of its maximum speed one hour later and 90% two hours later.
Coastal areas typically experience four tides a day—two high and two low—because the Earth rotates through two tidal bulges created by the moon’s gravitational pull every lunar day, which lasts approximately 24 hours and 50 minutes.
Tides in 2025 show extreme variability, with the lowest tide at -4.1 feet and the highest low tide still reaching down to -0.2 feet.
June is the best month for harvesting geoduck clams, with multiple tides below -3 feet providing ideal conditions.
In 2025, tides are generally lower in the afternoon, providing a predictable pattern for various coastal activities.
Yes, low tides in late evenings, especially during warmer months, may expose marine bioluminescence on tidal flats.
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