Islands of Seattle

The Whidbey island is one of the most beautiful and happening islands in Washington. Located to the north of Seattle in Puget Sound, Whidbey Island encompasses a beach, hills and farmland that is super fun. The cliff top views from this island are to die for.

To complement its natural beauty, towards the north western tip of Whidbey island is the Deception Pass State Park and towards the south it is the Fort Casey Historical State Park which supports a towering lighthouse and Gun battery. With forest trails and clean freshwater lakes this island is a must visit.

How to reach: Take a ferry from Mukilteo or drive through Deception Pass State Park.

Best time to visit:  May and June.

Timings: Subject to change.

Activities to do: Boating, fishing, whale watching tour.

Must try: Enjoy mussels, visit Chocolate Flower Farm and Oak Harbor.

Tips:
1. Check the tide height and timings.
2. Keep a track of sunset and sunrise.
3. Know the moon phase.
4. Acquaint yourself with the latest nautical charts for clear directions.
5. Make sure to take effective tools and parts.
6. Understand your vessel and know how to row the boat.
7. Carry necessary first-aid and medicines.
8. Keep emergency numbers handy.
9. Safety gear is a must.
10. Keep a track of the water temperature.
11. Go fishing with an expert for a better experience.

Another gem of Puget Sound, Blake Island is better known as Blake Island Marine State Park. This island near Seattle is sandwiched between Vashon Island and Bainbridge Island. Of spectacular beach scenes, biking/hiking trails and picturesque view of Mt Rainier, this island is accessible only by ferries. Apart from the natural hideouts, Blake Island witnesses the most spectacular sunset in the area.

Here, you are likely to find forest animals and chirpy birds to coexist in perfect harmony. Approximately 15 miles away from Seattle, Blake Island is a good idea for a quick getaway.

Address: 1101 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA
How to reach: Book an excursion with Argosy cruises.
Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Time required: Four hours.
Best time to visit: Any time of the year.
Not wheelchair friendly.
Daily mooring fee to be paid for private boats.

Camping fee applicable for overnight stay: USD 15 to USD 45.

Camp capacity: Not more than 8 people in a camp.
No entry fee.

Activities to do: Sightseeing, scuba diving, diving, Kayaking, crabbing, claiming, camping, biking and hiking trails.

Must do: Watch the sunset, fishing, bird watching, visit Tillicum and undertake Cascadia Marine Trail.

Restrooms: Available.

Picnics and day trips: Allowed.
Fire circles available for maximum 100 people.

Barbeque grills: Available.

Tips:
1. Rent your Kayak through Vashon Adventures.
2. Firewood gathering - Not allowed.
3. Do not litter.
4. Amateurs should avoid expert level water sports.

Built in the early 1900s, Harbour Island is Seattle’s only artificial island. Located towards the south of downtown Seattle on the Duwamish River, this island covers 350 acres in area and used to be the largest artificial island in the world during its time. However, it continues to be the largest artificial island in the United States.

Now-a-days, Harbor Island is a mechanised marvel of mega machines and is being used for industrial activities. This island in Seattle is a must visit for those who wish to know the harbour’s history and evolution of industrialisation in the area.

Address: Seattle, WA 98134, USA

How to reach: Fly to Nassau from the United States. From this point, fly to North Eleuthera (ELH) airport. Alight on the dock and take a water taxi to the island.

Timings: Monday to Friday - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Activities to do: Sightseeing.

Must do: Explore the machines and docks.

Best time to visit: December to April.

No entry fee.
Wheelchair friendly.

A fragment of USA’s Union Bay, Foster Island forms a part of Washington Park Arboretum. This island in Seattle was earlier a Duwamish burial ground that eventually got transformed into a conducive habitat for various life forms owing to its geographical composition.

If you visit this island in Seattle, American coots, Bitterns, Blue Herons, pied bill grebes, Canadian geese and an army of insects will keep you company. Foster Island is attached to Marsh Island through a trail that is interconnected to Seattle’s mainland.

Address: 2700 24th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112-2031

How to reach: Drive from Lake Washington Boulevard from the Arboretum and continue along the Forest Island Road.

Best time to visit: Round the year.

Timings: Subject to change.

Paid parking available.
Negligible entry fee applicable.
No wheelchair access.

Must do: Do look for Goldfinches, sparrows and herons.

No boat launching allowed.
Canoe landing allowed at certain places.
Restaurants and cafes available.

If you are in Seattle, you just can’t miss San Juan Islands. This island in Seattle is an enticing mix of adventure, learning and enriching experiences. Located at a drive of 90 minutes from Seattle, San Juan Islands has the best local wineries and tap rooms.

The USP of this place is wildlife and whale watching. Here you will find Magnificent Orca, Grey whales and sea lions. For adrenaline junkies, the island has great options of kayaking, paddling, hiking, fishing boating, sailing, bicycling, farm visits and educational tours. This place is excellent for history lovers and storytellers who enjoy listening to tales from localites.

Address: 915 Spring Street Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

How to reach: Through Washington state Ferry (for fastest route - two connecting ferries), drive from Seattle to Anacortes and then take ferry from the terminal.

Timings: Subject to change.

No entry fee applicable.
Commute through shuttles, mopeds or hired bicycles. No need to take a car.
Ample eating options.
Majority areas are wheelchair friendly.

Best time to visit: April and October.

Duration: Two days.

Must do: Whale watching, wildlife tours, visit San Juan Vineyard, whale museum and San Juan Community Theatre.

Tips:
1. Keep a track of sunrise, sunset and tide height.
2. Carry the latest maps while cycling.
3. Follow the ‘Be Whale Wise’ instructions while whale watching.
4. Have a rough estimate of tide timings.
5. Beware of the steep sidewalks.
6. If you’re visiting during hot summer months, keep yourself hydrated.
7. Avoid going to San Juan islands during summers as it not only gets hotter but also costlier.
8. Do not get too adventurous while whale watching.
9. Do not litter while bicycling.

For those who want to visit places that are less hackneyed, Lummi Islands is your best match. This island in Seattle is a perfect place for a staycation or a mini vacay where you can relax and unwind. Lummi is a two and a half hour drive from Seattle or just a hop skip jump away in a ferry.

In the secluded Lummi Islands you can visit the Artisan Wine Gallery, Hike Baker Preserve and small cafes for a quick bite.

How to reach: Take a ferry from San Juan to reach Lummi Island.

Timings: Subject to change.
Not wheelchair friendly.

Entry fee: USD 10 per day including parking.

What to do: Kayaking, boating, fishing and crabbing. All these need proper permission or license.

Must do: Truffle hunting.

What not to expect:
1. Crowd and bustling streets.
2. Easy access to gas stations or food and grocery stores.
3. Traffic lights.
4. Beach-like surroundings.
5. The conventional farmer market.
6. Restaurants.
7. Access to quality medical aid.

Situated 97 km North of Seattle, Fidalgo Island is a part of the Skagit County in Washington. Coined after the explorer Salvador Fidalgo, this island in Seattle is known for its history, art and culinary escapades. From adventure activities to casual sightseeing and aquatic activities, Fidalgo is surely worth a shot.

How to reach: Drive through the Deception Pass State Park to enter the island.

Timings: Subject to change.

Not wheelchair friendly.

Entry fee: Negligible.

Best time to visit: Round the year.

What to do: Spend time in Anacortes, Tommy Thompson Trail, whale encounters and water adventures.