Close to Seattle, Tacoma and the Kitsap Peninsula, it’s surprising how many locals never make the trek out to beautiful Vashon Island, a little hidden gem in the South Puget Sound accessible only by ferry. It’s a perfect day trip when visiting the Pacific Northwest. Let’s talk about it! Hidden Gems of the PNW – Vashon Island.
Is Vashon Hidden?
Technically Vashon is hiding in plain sight. Suspiciously un-hidden, but a bit hard to access, making it a very special gem of a get-away. Three separate Washington State Ferry routes take residents and visitors to the island, which is nestled rather conspicuously in South Puget Sound. You can hop a ferry from Fauntleroy in Seattle, Point Defiance in Tacoma, or Southworth on the Kitsap Peninsula. But once on the island, public transportation is limited, so you really should bring your car. Having a car is going to give you access to a variety of fun little gems through out the 13 mile long island. If you are a cyclist, I highly recommend cycling the island. I’ve done it end to end several times and it makes a fabulous day.
A Little History
Vashon Island has a rich Puget Sound history originating with the S’Homamish people, a Coast Salish Native American people indigenous to the Pacific Northwest. The S’Homamish people historically inhabited the area around southern Vashon Island, Maury Island, the Tacoma Narrows, and what is now known as Gig Harbor.
Later the island became a renowned agricultural hub known for strawberries and a thriving Japanese-American farming community before WWII. Named by Captain George Vancouver in 1792, the island developed through logging, shipbuilding in Dockton, and eventually became a “charming, arts-focused” retreat accessible only by ferry.
Key Historical Eras
- Indigenous History: For centuries, the S’Homamish lived on the island, using its rich marine resources and hunting at the portage between Vashon and Maury Island.
- European Exploration (1792): Captain George Vancouver explored the area and named the island after his friend, Captain James Vashon.
- Settlement & Industry (Late 19th Century): Settlers arrived in the 1860s-1880s, establishing logging and fishing as primary industries.
- The Strawberry Boom (1890-1940s): Vashon became famous for its strawberries, led by a large Japanese-American farming community that developed innovative, long-distance shipping methods.
- WWII and Displacement (1942): Japanese-American families, who were integral to the island’s economy, were forced into internment camps, leaving a major mark on local history.
- Modern Era: Post-war, the island transitioned from an agricultural center to a residential and artistic community, connected to the mainland via the Washington State Ferry system.
Day Trip Highlights
Today’s Vashon Island is home to about 11,000 full time residents. The population has remained steady over the past few decades due to access and land use restrictions. There are three “towns” on the island, the smaller historic town of Dockton, the very small and the larger current business center of Vashon Island (also called Uptown). We explored the following;
Point Robinson Light
The Point Robinson Light is an operational aid to navigation and historic lighthouse on Puget Sound. Located on the eastern shores of Maury Island, an easy drive from Vashon. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004 and offers great views of Mount Rainier.
Way of The Bird King
Way of the Bird King is a public art project featuring sculptures of Nordic trolls made from recycled materials by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. This one (my favorite) on Vashon Island is adjacent to the Point Robinson Light and a do-not-miss on your visit. Learn more about all the Thomas Dambo Trolls in the PNW here.
Dockton & Burton
Dockton, located on Maury Island, was a major late-19th-century shipbuilding hub, home to the largest dry dock on the West Coast from 1892 to 1909. Founded due to the Puget Sound Dry Dock Company, it served the Mosquito Fleet and Pacific ships.
Burton, founded in 1910 was the home of Vashon College. Today it is primarily a residential area near beautiful Quartermaster Harbor with lovely restored homes and the historic Harbor Mercantile.
The Country Store & Farm
Everything you might expect from a country store. You can find a gift or souvenir, buy a sun hat or a shovel. Perfectly curated The Country Store and Farm is worth a stop on your tour of Vashon Island.
Historic Mukai Farm
On my previous visits to Vashon I had not stopped at Mukai Farms. I was so glad we did this time. B.D. Denichiro Mukai arrived on Vashon in 1910 and became a successful berry grower and business man. Mukai purchased 60 acres of land in the center of Vashon in 1926, today the historic Mukai Farm. The farm is free for visitors to wander the gardens. This property has seen so much history and marks both an interesting and shameful past of anti-Japanese oppression, WWII exile, and the positive contribution of the innovative and hard working Japanese people of the island and the region.
Today the home is on the National Register of Historic Places and efforts are being made to restore the Cold Process Fruit Barrel Plant where the Mukai family created an innovative way of preserving and shipping fresh strawberries.
Uptown
“Uptown” is the local name for the charming, compact downtown district on Vashon Island, situated along Vashon Highway SW. It serves as the island’s bustling hub, featuring locally-owned shops, restaurants, art galleries, and a key four-way stop.
Where to Eat
In past visits we have enjoyed delicious meals at The Hardware Store, but on this visit we decided to try something new. The Ruby Brink was amazing. Unpretentious exterior opens into a beautifully designed bar and restaurant that includes a butcher! We loved the country style terrine and I had the most delicious mortadella sandwich.
And just around the corner don’t miss Dragon’s Head Cider Tasting Room. Excellent. They serve food too but we just enjoyed the tasty cider. Fresh and delicious with outdoor seating too.
Hidden Gems of the PNW – Vashon Island
Vashon Island is an easy half day or day trip, but you can also take it real slow and spend the night. It’s fun to arrive by one ferry like Southworth and depart by another like Fauntleroy. This is what we did on a loop from our home in Port Orchard then on to visit our son in Ballard. Plan your Vashon Island trip soon. Spring and Fall are my favorites – summer weekends can be busy so plan ahead for your ferry selection. See the Washington State Ferry schedule here.
Thanks for reading my post Hidden Gems of the PNW – Vashon Island. Whether you are a local or a visitor, you will enjoy the laid back quiet experience that is Vashon Island.
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