Across the Puget Sound: Ferries offer far-out adventures in the great Northwest

Seattle's historic wonders include the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the third floor of Padelford Hall (you'll just have to experience it for yourself) and the hub of the largest ferry system in the United States. From Bainbridge Island to British Columbia, one of Seattle's famous modes of transportation is accessible to even the most money savvy college student.

Washington State Ferries operates an impressive 28 vessels that carry students, workers, tourists and anyone who wonders what life on the other side of a more or less great body of water looks like across Puget Sound and its surrounding passages.

According to the Washington State Ferries' Web site, more than 26 million passengers and 11 million vehicles are transported from one location to another each year.

Riding a ferry may be pricy, but well worth a trip using some college-saved change. Depending on the run and season, one-way ferry rates can be as high as $16 for adult walk-ons. Those who drive onto the ferry can expect to pay more than double the walk-on rate. Carpooling and sharing the added cost of the vehicle is strongly recommended.

Here, we have outlined four popular routes and the more popular destinations beyond the docks. Even if traveling to the other side for a hiking trip, the ferry ride itself is often an equally memorable experience.

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Kingston is the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula. The town itself takes literally two minutes or less to drive through, but beyond it lie the jewels of the Olympic Peninsula, which means hiking, camping, marvelous state parks, lavender festivals and more.

Edmonds, a charming seaside city only 10 miles north of the UW on I-5, is well worth a look too. The place has little of Seattle's bustle, but it's a nice departure from the big city.

The city of Edmonds is the home of travel guru Rick Steves, who chooses to make it his home base despite having the wonders of Europe at his feet several months of the year.

If you go, don't miss the kooky carved wooden figures that stand 10-feet high on the corner of Highway 104 about three miles from the Kingston dock. No touching is allowed, but picture taking and posing beside them is highly encouraged.

[HTML_REMOVED]Seattle-Bainbridge Island[HTML_REMOVED]

The view of the Seattle skyline from 1,000 yards out is breathtaking whether passengers are coming or going. The ferry docks at Pier 50 and Pier 52 are within walking distance of Safeco Field and Pioneer Square.

Once on board, enjoy the breeze and the picturesque skyline. Bainbridge Island boasts an artistic community cloaked in quaint surroundings. Cycling and gardening are favored activities here. Across the Agate Pass, the rest of the Kitsap Peninsula [HTML_REMOVED] read: state parks, golfing ranges and the Emerald Queen Casino [HTML_REMOVED] awaits.

If this is your desired destination, don't forget to check out Bremerton's Aurora Valentinetti Puppet Museum, located south of Bainbridge Island along Highway 3 at 257 Fourth St. It's open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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It's possible to get to Port Townsend, a classic seaport community on the Olympic Peninsula, as well as Keystone, a harbor that lies at the southwest point of Whidbey Island, without taking a ferry. But that's likely to take hours behind the wheel, unless you rent a helicopter.

Because the Keystone Harbor is notoriously shallow and narrow, the ferries that operate it are, well, special. These steel-electric models, crafted in 1927 for the San Francisco Ferry System and refurbished in 1980, aren't just old [HTML_REMOVED] they're historic.

Don't miss Fort Worden State Park, where 1982's An Officer and a Gentleman was filmed. Just a few blocks from the Keystone terminal is Fort Casey, which boasts similar green lawns, old barracks and officers' quarters, though admittedly without the sea views.

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The Anacortes-Sydney run picks people up in America and drops them off in Canada. It may feel like a mini-cruise, but it also has the price of one. A one-way journey with a car costs $53.70, or the price of at least half a day's work at a summer job.

Once in Canada, however, the opportunities are endless. Victoria, home of the Butchart Gardens, is about a 30-minute drive south of Sidney on Highway 17. Attractions there include all types of sailing activities, whale watching and disc golf. According to one travel Web site, in Victoria, "You are more likely to run out of time than things to do."

[Reach reporter Blythe Lawrence at features@thedaily.washington.edu.]