Visit Vashon

As the crisp autumn air begins to settle over Vashon Island, anticipation brews for one of the island's most beloved annual events: the Vashon Island Cider Fest! Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 4th, 2025, because this is a day you won't want to miss. Whether you're a seasoned cider aficionado or just looking for a fun family outing, Cider Fest offers something for everyone. This vibrant festival celebrates the rich tradition of cider making, a craft deeply rooted in American history and particularly thriving in the Pacific Northwest. Vashon Island, with its fertile land and abundance of apple and pear trees, is home to several talented cider producers, making it the perfect location for such a festive occasion. For the Grown-Ups: A Taste of Vashon's Best For those 21 and over, the Cider Fest features a dedicated adult cider section where you can sample a diverse array of handcrafted ciders from award-winning regional producers, includin...

​Tonight, as the sun dips below the horizon and paints the Puget Sound in hues of orange and purple, something truly weird (and utterly ridiculous) is about to unfold on Vashon Island. It's the first Friday of September, which can only mean one thing: Stupid Bike Night is here! ​For those unfamiliar, imagine a parade where practicality takes a permanent vacation, common sense is left at the ferry terminal, and the only rule is to be as gloriously, outrageously stupid as humanly (or cyclingly) possible. This isn't your average bike ride; it's a vibrant, glowing, slightly unhinged spectacle that perfectly embodies the quirky spirit of Vashon. Riders, adorned in costumes that defy description – from glittering sea creatures to intergalactic explorers to... well, whatever struck their fancy that afternoon – will begin to gather. Their steeds? Bikes transformed into moving art installations. Some are years in the making, elaborate contraptions that might include ...

​For many visitors to Washington, a trip on one of the state's iconic ferries is a must-do. The experience promises breathtaking views of the Puget Sound, the majestic Olympic Mountains, and the Seattle skyline from a unique vantage point. It’s no surprise that the Washington State Ferries system is often cited as one of the state's most popular tourist activities. ​But for those who have experienced this journey, particularly during peak season, there's a less-photographed side to the experience: the often-tense interaction with ferry workers. The image of a frustrated, bossy, or even outright angry ferry employee yelling at drivers is, unfortunately, almost a cliché. It’s a moment that can sour an otherwise beautiful experience and leave a lasting, negative impression on visitors to our region. ​It's easy to be a tourist and judge these interactions, but it’s also important to step back and consider the immense pressures these workers face. Ima...

Got friends visiting? Want to hide away from reality for a bit? Feeling nostalgic?You've got to check out Den of Pin. This isn't your average arcade. Stepping inside feels like you've been transported to a vintage circus, with a dark, flashy interior and the familiar, satisfying ping of flipper coils and bells echoing through the air. ​Den of Pin is a museum dedicated to the art and history of pinball, but with a twist—you can play all the exhibits! They have a wide variety of lovingly restored pinball machines, all of them "pre-digital" electromechanical models from the 60s and 70s and earlier. You'll find yourself lost in a world of chimes, bells, and colorful light bulbs, a stark and refreshing contrast to the modern video game era. ​It's a fantastic spot for all ages, but the fact that they serve beer makes it an ideal destination for a fun night out with friends or a casual date. You can enjoy a cold one while you let the ...

​Stepping onto Vashon Island feels like a journey back in time, a deliberate slowing down of pace. As the ferry pulls away from the mainland, the distant hum of city life fades, replaced by the gentle lapping of waves and the cries of gulls. And nowhere is this sense of stepping into a different world more pronounced than in the island's unique and enduring symbol: the walk-in cabins. ​To understand the walk-in cabins, you have to understand Vashon's history. Before the network of paved roads we utilize today, Vashon was a collection of small communities, each centered around a ferry landing. This was the "Mosquito Fleet" era, a time when a swarm of small steamboats acted as the lifeblood of Puget Sound, connecting islanders and their goods to the mainland. These landings weren't just transit points; they were the heart of the community and their long abandoned piers can still be seen at various points around the island. ​It was around thes...

Step off the ferry onto Vashon Island, and you might feel like you’ve entered a different world. Rolling hills dotted with farms, dense forests whispering in the breeze, and a general air of unhurried tranquility paint a picture of classic rural life. Yet, scratch beneath the surface of this idyllic landscape, and you’ll find a vibrant, deeply engaged, and decidedly progressive political culture that often stands in stark contrast to the stereotypical image of rural America. This unique blend creates a fascinating paradox: how can an island so deeply rooted in its rural character be a bastion of progressive values? The answer, it seems, lies in a combination of the island’s history, its self-selected population, and the very nature of island living. One striking indicator of Vashon's progressive leanings can be found in its political donations. While precise, publicly available data can fluctuate, a general trend shows a strong inclination towards Democratic candidates ...