Obscured History and Beach Treasures: A Look at Maury Island's Manzanita Beach

​Nestled on the quiet, southern tip of Maury Island, a dense forest gives way to the charming, sometimes secretive, community of Manzanita Beach. This neighborhood is a fascinating blend of history, quirky beachside living, and a tug-of-war over public access—a true Vashon Island treasure, if you can find it.

​A Past Shaped by Yachts and Sanctuary

​Manzanita’s origins are surprisingly grand for such a remote spot. It was originally developed in the early 20th century by the Tacoma Yacht Club as a dedicated destination for its members. This history is why, even today, if you look at a King County parcel map, you'll see a spiderweb of small public access points and strips of land that hint at a planned, open waterfront resort area.

​But Manzanita’s most profound historical connection is much more somber. The area provided sanctuary for Chinese laborers fleeing the violent anti-Chinese riots in Tacoma in 1885. Its extreme isolation—at the dead end of a long, winding road through thick forest—made it the perfect, quiet refuge. This history gives the neighborhood a depth that belies its small size.

​Today: A Colorful, Complex Community

​If you venture down the long, forested road today, you’ll find a mix of eclectic, often brightly colored, beach houses stacked tightly together. The community's unique topography and historical development mean that access is a patchwork of private and public trails and stairways.

​This is where the story gets complicated. Years of dense plant growth, a lack of clear development planning by King County Parks, and a fiercely private group of long-time homeowners have effectively obscured most of the original public access points. What was intended as a destination with wide-open access has largely become a private enclave. The numerous parcels of King County Parks land in the area currently sit under loved, overgrown, and virtually inaccessible to the public.

​Finding Your Piece of the Beach

​The good news is that not all is lost for the intrepid beach explorer.

​Despite the challenges, there is one key public access point that still provides a perfect access to the Manzanita Beach shoreline. While parking is limited (as is often the case on the islands!), this small public entrance is an ideal spot for a quiet beach picnic or, even better, a low-tide exploration.

​Because of the neighborhood's remote nature and perceived inaccessibility, this beach is often underutilized, making it a fantastic destination if you’re looking to escape the crowds. Head down there, enjoy the quiet, and reflect on the hidden histories washed up on the sands of this beautiful, tucked-away corner of Maury Island.

​Have you ever visited a hidden beach on Vashon or Maury Island? Share your favorite remote spot in the comments!