Sometimes you need an escape that’s fun, but a bit more low key. A place where you can get away without actually going away. A destination lacking waiting lines, crowds, noise and even traffic lights. Yes, places like this still exist without driving hours out of your way. In fact, one of them is only 20 miles from Tacoma - Anderson Island.
The quiet serenity of Anderson Island is possible based on geography - it’s only accessible by ferry (or kayak if you’re feeling adventurous). A quick 20 minute ride across a small slice of Puget Sound and you’ll feel like you stepped back in time. Every road is a backroad, trees and open spaces are aplenty, the only gas pumps are the style that predates credit cards, and everyone, yes, everyone waves as you drive by.
A small island with plenty to do, most of which can be packed into a single day. Join us for the ultimate guide to Anderson Island!
Getting There
Grab your morning coffee and head to Steilacoom, where you’ll board the Anderson Island ferry. (Seriously, do this since it’s literally the only way to get there.) Purchase your tickets on-site or ahead of time online, grab your waiting spot in a terminal lane, and before you know it, you’ll be on your way while taking in Puget Sound’s picturesque views. Go ahead and get out of your car, walk the deck and take in the sights. They offer lots of photo opps before you even get to your destination!
Arrival
Once you depart the ferry, choose to drive around and explore, or start your trip at the hub of the island, aka the Anderson Island General Store and the Anderson Island Café. This is the one and only spot to get what you need, including groceries, snacks, fuel and even gifts and crafts by local artists. Hand drawn greeting cards, locally made jewelry, decorative treats and more await you. You can snag some Anderson Island merch too. Anderson Island, represent!
Eat
If a meal is the first item on your agenda, you have three options. Two were just previously mentioned, so if you’re at the hub, stay put and grab some items at the general store or opt for a meal at the café. Or, see what’s behind door #3 by taking a short drive over to Riviera Lakeshore Restaurant. You’ll enjoy a comfy, hearty meal overlooking lake Josephine and, if it’s a clear day, Mt. Rainier. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and even has events like karaoke and live music.
Explore and Learn
Anderson Island packs a punch of fun into its 7.75 square miles. From lakes to parks to hiking trails to a beach covered in bricks and an abandoned ferry (wait, what?), there’s something for everyone.
Lowell Johnson Park – AKA “The Ol’ Swimmin’ Hole”—This family friendly park is prime in the summertime. With lake access, a floating dock, picnic area and a playground for the kids, you can count on plenty of boating, jumping, swimming, splashing, snacking and fun. This is also one of the busiest public parks on the island in the summertime, so get there early to grab a good spot!
Tom White Park – Give your legs a good short burn on a simple loop trail with a good climb followed by a descent that will slightly test your knees. When you’re done, hop, skip or jump across the road and check out Wide Awake Hollow, the oldest surviving one-room schoolhouse in Pierce county, which in its current state is the island’s fitness center.
Idie Ulsh Park – Also adjacent to The Old Schoolhouse is Idie Ulsh Park, which offers a .4 mile hike among some of the oldest cedar trees on the island.
Andy’s Wildlife Park – Enjoy an easy 2-mile loop trail encompassing wetlands, a tidal estuary and forest. While you’re there, take the Deweyert-Claussen connector to Andy’s Marine Park, which has a postcard-worthy beach, spit and lagoon. Just be on the lookout for the poison oak warning signs on your way down to the beach. If you don’t touch it, it won’t hurt you.
Jacob’s Point Park – A trek through this park is something you won’t soon forget. First, you’ll pass through a scenic wetland taking in the song of nature’s orchestra. Then, choose your own adventure of staying on the main trail or taking the Brickyard Loop Trail. Selecting the latter can at times be a mud-filled adventure, but it’s more than worth it once you find yourself on a beach filled with bricks from the former site of Anderson Island Brick Works. It's quite a unique sight! Once back on the main trail, stop by Jacob’s Homestead to visit the lone chimney which is all that remains of the 111 year-old structure.
The Ferry – Some may call it abandoned, but it’s actually owned by an Anderson Island family. Formerly called The Ocean City from Virginia, you can see this 1928 steam ferry resting in Oro Bay as you drive south on Eckenstam Johnson Road. Keep in mind, though, that’s where your view starts and ends as it sits on private property. Please be respectful and do not attempt to access the ferry directly.
Anderson Island Historical Society – This is THE spot to learn the rich history of Anderson Island. A museum, gift shop, and the site of the old Johnson farm, which dates back over 100 years, will make you feel like you stepped back in time. The friendly staff will welcome you and eagerly help you learn everything there is to know about this charming Pierce County island.
Stay
Anderson Island is technically not considered a tourist destination, so lodging options are quite limited. If you visit in the summer months, there are two camping options to consider.
Riviera Club Campground – This well-maintained campground located in the Riviera Club has 26 full hookup RV spaces, 20 campsites and two cabins. This is, however, exclusive to Riviera Club members and their guests, but something to explore if you feel like a membership is for you!
Andy’s Marine Park – Camping is available by reservation only at Andy’s Marine Park at a spit that shelters a tidal lagoon. These limited camp sites are available for Washington Water Trails Association members and their guests.
Have you visited Anderson Island? Let us know your favorite areas and things to see/do by tagging us @visittacomapiercecounty
