Visit Vashon

​On Vashon, the mere mention of "Airbnb" can spark a heated debate. With our local housing crisis reaching a boiling point, short-term rentals (STRs) often wear the villain’s cape. But if you look closer, the STR market isn't a monolith. In reality, it breaks down into three distinct categories—each with a vastly different impact on our community and our housing stock. ​1. The Investor-Owned Rental ​This is the "classic" Airbnb model that people fear most: an outside investor buys a residential home specifically to run it as a full-time hotel. ​While this model thrives in high-demand hubs like Paris or Rome, it’s a tougher sell on "sleepy" Vashon. With our modest seasonal tourism and a "C+" rental rating, the math doesn't always work for those carrying a heavy mortgage. While these do exist on the island, they are often inherited properties or owned by folks without high financial expectations. ​2. The "E...

​If you look at a map of Vashon and Maury Islands, your eyes are naturally drawn to the calm, horseshoe embrace of Quartermaster Harbor. Historically, these protected waters were the heart of our local shipbuilding industry. Today, they remain a haven for rowers, sailors, and some of the island’s most coveted real estate. ​But look closer, and a persistent problem emerges. Because of its unique shape and currents, the harbor acts like a giant vacuum, sucking up marine debris and abandoned vessels drifting in from the greater Puget Sound. It’s a common—and heartbreaking—sight: smashed powerboats tangled in driftwood or beached sailboats with their contents spilling onto the shore. ​For locals, the frustration lies in the red tape. Under current state regulations, getting help with a drifting, abandoned boat often feels impossible until it’s too late. The system seems designed to wait until a vessel is already aground, spewing fuel, and littering the beach with...

Riding a Washington State ferry is consistently rated as a top-tier tourist activity. For those visiting Vashon, the ferry isn't just a commute; it’s the grand entrance. Between the "pickle deck" selfies, Mount Rainier emerging from the mist, and the occasional whale sighting, the journey is usually magic. ​However, I have one persistent grievance that should be an easy fix, yet remains sadly ignored: the state of our onboard public art. ​While these art programs likely began with the best of intentions—showcasing local history and scenery—the execution has fallen into disrepair. Instead of highlighting our vibrant culture, many vessels display artwork so neglected it’s actually embarrassing. Yesterday, I sat near a series of Western-themed photos so sun-bleached they had faded entirely to a ghostly blue. They were in such poor condition they would’ve been rejected from a Goodwill donation bin, yet they are being presented as "the best of Wa...

​If you look at a topographic map of Vashon Island, the reality of our landscape is striking. Between the steep coastal bluffs and our interior wetlands, roughly 30% to 35% of the island is geographically "unbuildable". ​However, the map tells only half the story. ​The "Setback" Trap ​What many homeowners don't realize is that King County doesn't just prohibit building on a slope or in a wetland; they also enforce significant "buffers" or setbacks. Depending on the classification of the critical area, these setbacks can reach 200 feet or more . When you add these regulated buffer zones to the actual hazards, it effectively means nearly half of Vashon Island is now considered non-buildable by the county. ​A False Sense of Security ​This shift in regulation has created a precarious situation for long-time residents. ​ Legacy Homes: Vashon’s iconic beach houses and forest cabins were almost all built long before th...

We think of November as just being cloudy and gray.  But we have actually had some fantastic sunsets recently so thought I should share the view from Vashon.

  ​You’ve pictured it: waking up to the sound of silence, driving down a winding road with no stoplights, and grabbing coffee from a local shop where everyone knows your name. That’s Vashon Island. But there’s an elephant in the room, or perhaps, a very large, steel ferry in the Puget Sound. ​For those considering the move, the single biggest obstacle—and the topic of countless debates—is The Commute Conundrum. ​On one hand, you have a slower pace of life, a tight-knit community, and a sanctuary away from the mainland grind. On the other, you have the tyranny of the ferry schedule, the cost of the ticket, and the mandatory wait time. Is the island life worth the undeniable "hassle" of the boat? ​The common mistake is to compare the time spent waiting for the ferry to time sitting in traffic on I-5. But for Vashonites who thrive here, the secret is this: Ferry time is not lost time—it is reclaimed time. It’s a mandatory pause, an opportunity to decompress, co...