A “must-do” activity for Puget Sound visitors (and residents, too) is riding one of the ferries that cross its waters. Besides serving an important transportation purpose, the state’s ferry fleet offers riders a great way to enjoy the scenic views of the sound and the Cascades and Olympics.

Ever wonder what the state’s ferry fleet looked like many years ago? The State Digital Archives has photo collections that provide an answer.

The photo above shows the ferry boat Olympic as began her service in the state ferry fleet in 1954. The state put the vessel in surplus in 1997 and eventually sold it at auction.

The photo below features the ferry vessel “Enetai” as it approaches the Bremerton dock.

The photos are part of the Digital Archives’ State Library Photograph Collection, 1851-1990. The collection includes many other photos of state ferries and terrific views of Puget Sound.

Today, Washington has the largest ferry system in the United States and its history as a state-run operation dates to 1951. Twenty-two ferries serve Puget Sound and its inland waterways, carrying more than 22 million passengers to 20 different ports of call.