Hood Canal Bridge
Pontoon drawbridgeHood Canal Bridge is a pontoon drawbridge. Closed, its spans are charted from 35 ft to 50 ft of clearance, measured to mean high water. It opens to unrestricted height.
Clearances are from NOAA chart US5SEAJH, measured to mean high water. The clearance shown is the lowest charted for any of its spans. Actual clearance is lower whenever the water stands above that level, as at higher tides and in storm surge. Always confirm against your vessel's air draft and the posted clearance gauge before transiting.
Pathr nautical charts
Hood Canal Bridge on the chart
Find the bridge and its charted vertical clearance in one view. Select a pin to compare nearby bridges, see open and closed clearances where charted, and open its operating details.
How to request an opening
(b) The draw of the Hood Canal Bridge, mile 5.0, need not open for vessel traffic from 3 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. daily from 3 p.m. May 22 to 6:16 p.m. September 30, except for commercial tug and tow vessels and vessels of the U.S. Navy or vessels attending the missions of the U.S. Navy and other public vessels of the United States. At all other times the bridge will operate in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section. (c) Telephone requests for bridge openings may be directed as collect calls to the Toll Office at the bridge site. The call may also be made by direct telephone communication through the Seattle Marine Operator, Station KOH, or through other marine wire or radio telephone service. (d) During unusual or emergency periods, the authorized representative of the owner of or agency controlling the bridge shall open the draw on a demand basis for specified periods of time, normally not exceeding 48 hours, when requested by the Department of the Navy. While on a demand basis, a drawtender shall be in attendance on the bridge with radio communication equipment in operation.
Source: US Coast Guard drawbridge regulations, 33 CFR 117.1045 (Hood Canal). Confirm before transiting.
Frequently asked
What is the clearance under Hood Canal Bridge?+
Hood Canal Bridge is a pontoon drawbridge. Closed, its spans are charted from 35 ft to 50 ft of clearance, measured to mean high water. It opens to unrestricted height. These figures are from NOAA chart data. Real clearance drops whenever the water stands above the level they are measured to, so leave a margin for your air draft.
How do I get Hood Canal Bridge to open?+
Contact the bridge tender on VHF-FM, or sound the required signal. Operating schedule: (b) The draw of the Hood Canal Bridge, mile 5.0, need not open for vessel traffic from 3 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. daily from 3 p.m. May 22 to 6:16 p.m. September 30, except for commercial tug and tow vessels and vessels of the U.S. Navy or vessels
Tides & conditions at this crossing
Clearance under Hood Canal Bridge shrinks as the water rises. Check the water level and marine conditions at the nearest NOAA station, Port Gamble (2 mi away).
