Standing waves like the one in Carey's first photo are often found at the entrances to marinas in the PNW as the water trapped inside the basins roars out with the 20 foot tide fall twice a day. So those of us who have the misfortune to boat up here have to negotiate these waves and associated whirlpools almost every time we enter or leave our marinas.
The third photo is a typical scene in one of our marine parks. This particular one is also accessible by land, hence the trailers and pickup. But the ones that are isolated on islands look pretty much the same way.
Carey's second photo was taken in New Zealand I believe. I think he included it as a wistful look at what PNW boating COULD be but isn't.
