Eld Inlet
# Eld Inlet

Eld Inlet is an inlet located at the southern end of Puget Sound in Thurston County, Washington. It is the second southernmost arm of Puget Sound after neighboring Budd Inlet.

## Etymology

Eld Inlet was given its present name by Charles Wilkes during the United States Exploring Expedition, to honor one of the expedition's officers, Midshipman Henry Eld.

## History

In May 1792 Peter Puget and Joseph Whidbey of the Vancouver Expedition explored Eld Inlet. At the southern end they found a native village of about 60 inhabitants. Due to the friendly reception Puget called the place Friendly Inlet.

## Geography

Eld Inlet is about 6 mi (9.7 km) long and has a maximum breadth of 1.24 mi (2.00 km). McLane Creek drains into the southern end of Eld Inlet, forming a large mudflat known as Mud Bay.

