Visit Vashon

Did you know Washington state’s biggest tourist attraction isn't Mount Rainier or the Olympic Coast? It’s actually our humble ferry system. In fact, more tourists list riding a ferry as their top experience—even above visiting Pike Place Market. ​This is a double-edged sword for Vashon Island. Not only do we rely heavily on tourism, but as a ferry-dependent community, we’re a package deal. Visitors get to explore a charming island using Washington's most iconic form of transit. Like it or not, the ferry provides both the first and last impression visitors have of Vashon. That’s why it’s especially frustrating when things go sideways. ​Last week, a local community leader was dropping off two out-of-town visitors when a completely avoidable conflict unfolded. The driver pulled up to the handicap loading area, only to find all the designated spaces full (despite having a valid handicap placard displayed on their rearview mirror). Knowing local traffic patterns well—a...

​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...

​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 ...

​Vashon Island is home to many unique communities, but few are as captivating—or as private—as Spring Beach . Unlike many of the neighborhoods we've explored, Spring Beach is on a private road, making it largely inaccessible to the general public today. To truly understand its charm, you have to look back at its fascinating origins as a bustling vacation resort. ​A Destination Only Reachable by Steamer ​Imagine a time when the only way to reach this spot was by water. Spring Beach was initially developed as a summer vacation destination. Its centerpiece was the magnificent Miramar Lodge , a grand log structure built in 1905. Though it’s a private home now, this building once served as the resort's dining hall, general store, and even the local post office for this planned getaway. ​Back then, the only visitors making the trek were arriving on the wooden steamer Tourist , which would leave from Point Defiance. In the height of the summer s...

​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 ...

​ Nestled on the picturesque northern tip of Vashon Island lies Dolphin Point, a neighborhood that encapsulates the unique blend of rustic beauty and tight-knit community spirit that defines Vashon island living.  This neighborhoods is conveniently close to the ferry terminal but features tall trees and forested trails, and the type of tight knit community one might expect from a rural community. ​A Community with Literary Roots and Unbeatable Views ​Dolphin Point boasts some of the island's most stunning vistas, offering expansive views of Puget Sound, Seattle and Mountains, and the bustling marine traffic heading to and from. It’s a place where bald eagles soar, seals play in the currents, and — as its name suggests — dolphins sometimes make an appearance, arcing gracefully through the waves. ​Beyond its natural beauty, Dolphin Point has a charming claim to fame: it was once home to beloved author Betty MacDonald . Famous for her delightful children...

Imagine a woman with a life as rich and varied as her real estate portfolio. Let’s call her Sarah. She had a lovely primary home in Seattle, a hip apartment in Berlin, a sunny condo in Mexico, and — her cherished escape — a modest but perfectly positioned beach cottage on Vashon Island. This Vashon cottage was her summer weekend sanctuary, a place where the ferry ride felt like shedding the weight of the world. Her Mexico condo already operated on an Airbnb model, a seamless way to offset expenses when she wasn’t enjoying the sunshine herself. So, when a Vashon short-term rental operator approached her about listing her island cottage, she thought, "Why not?" It was a familiar arrangement, and the extra income could certainly help. The first spring season on Vashon was largely hassle-free, with only a few minor bumps in the road. The added income was a welcome bonus. Then came summer. Sarah was enjoying a relaxed island picnic, soaking in the community vibe, when ...

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...