Visit Vashon

​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...

​I recently had a conversation with my elderly neighbor, a true Vashon native. Her childhood stories paint a picture of a vastly different Vashon—one where she and her friends treated horses like bicycles, traveling the island long before they could get a driver's license, enjoying a level of unsupervised adventure most modern kids can only dream of. ​But one moment in our chat really stood out. ​We were talking about the modern necessity of online shopping, and she declared her strong dislike for Amazon. ​"Why?" I asked. "It feels like a necessary evil these days. We're so limited on what we can get locally. What if you need a specific bulb for your car headlight? Or a niche plumbing part that isn't stocked at the hardware store?" ​Her answer was beautifully simple, and profoundly Vashonian: Growing up here meant learning to live without. ​Separating Wants from Needs ​She explained that island life, historically, forced a different kind of a...

​The ferry line on any given weekday morning tells a story. Amidst the usual commuters, you'll see a steady stream of trucks, vans, and utility vehicles—each one representing an off-island contractor heading over to Vashon. ​But why? ​Recently, a friend building a new home on Vashon had one unwavering stipulation for his project manager: "Absolutely no island contractors!" ​It sounds harsh, and the truth is, it’s a bit muddy. There are, without a doubt, exceptionally talented and reliable tradespeople who live and work right here on Vashon. Yet, the demand for off-island help remains high. ​What would drive an islander to make such a blanket statement about their neighbors? Here’s a look at the core reasons why many Vashon homeowners look across the water for their building and repair needs. ​1. The Low-Supply, High-Demand Pricing Problem ​Simply put, competition is the greatest lever for fair pricing, and on Vashon, competition is scarce. ​Because the...

Vashon Island is famous for its tranquility and natural beauty, but few of its hidden corners hold as much history and charm as Klahanie Beach . Once a bustling waterfront resort destination, it is now a quiet, private neighborhood that offers residents and lucky visitors some of the most spectacular views the Puget Sound has to offer. ​🕰️ From Klepo Beach to Klahanie: A Glimpse Back in Time ​Before it was the serene stretch of waterfront it is today, this area was known as Keplo Beach . Its destiny changed when it transformed into a popular resort destination in the early to mid-1900s. ​Imagine the scene: visitors from the bustling cities of Seattle and Tacoma would board ferries, eager to escape the urban grind. Their destination? This very beach, where they would spend time in nature , enjoying the fresh air and stunning marine environment. It was a classic Pacific Northwest getaway. ​The name "Klahanie" itself has a connection to this history of leisure ...