Autumn salmon runs, shoreline trails and special birdwatching spots give Vashon Island a strong focus on nature. Art, agriculture and maritime history offer more themes to explore as you plan your trip.
Nature, Trails and Wildlife Watching
The Vashon Park District’s parklands provide access to wildlife habitats, nature-based activities, beaches, trails and sports fields. At Judd Creek Preserve, trails pass through shoreline areas, maintained meadows and woodland. Most parks on the Vashon-Maury Islands have walking trails, and additional hiking trails can be found on county-owned land in the island’s interior.
Every autumn, spawning chum and coho salmon return to Shinglemill Creek, a favorite spot among the island’s birdwatchers. Fisher Pond is the largest open pond on Vashon and one of the island’s best birdwatching areas. The two locations offer distinct natural highlights: salmon activity at Shinglemill Creek is tied to autumn, while Fisher Pond is especially well known for birdwatching.
Maury Island, a peninsula of Vashon Island, is home to Maury Island Marine Park. It has more than a mile of Puget Sound shoreline, with views of East Passage, Mount Rainier and the Cascade Mountains. The natural setting also offers expansive views across the water and surrounding landscapes.
Water and Activities
Jensen Point Park is a 4.0-acre waterfront activity park on the east side of the Burton Peninsula. Kayaking and rowing classes for all ages are offered there; these offerings may be seasonal. From its boathouse, Vashon Adventures offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals and lessons, as well as tours and group paddling outings. Options range from lessons to paddling together on the water.
At North End Boat Ramp, a concrete ramp runs parallel to a ferry dock. It provides beach access for kayaks, canoes and other hand-carried boats. The site offers a direct point of access for smaller, hand-carried watercraft.
Art, Agriculture and Island History
Point Robinson has provided foghorn and lighthouse services to ships since 1885. The Vashon Center for the Arts is a hub for the arts on Vashon Island. The Vashon Island Growers Association (VIGA) market showcases local artisans and musicians and supports the full range of agriculture on the island.
Visits to Vashon Llamas farms conclude with a spinning demonstration. Vashon Tours offers a two-hour tour devoted to Vashon Island’s distinctive history, hidden beaches and legendary places. Its duration gives the tour a clear time frame; its subject matter connects the island’s history with its beaches and places. The market, arts center and farm visit offer their own highlights around art, agriculture and craftsmanship.
Discover more destinations: Snoqualmie, Newcastle, Burien, Bothell, Sammamish, Shoreline, Kent, Seatac
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