Anderson Island: Close by, But Not Your Typical Day Trip

Anderson Island, southwest of Tacoma in Pierce County, is easy to reach but offers a very different island experience. Only 1,400 people live there year-round, and it is described as a working island community with no big attractions, shops, or organized tours.

For people looking for a destination where they can slow down, hike, and enjoy beautiful scenery and history, it may be just the right place for them. There are also no stoplights on the island, with several pleasantly surprising views making it a great place for an afternoon drive.

My wife and I visited on July 18 this year. Highlights were a walk at Jacob’s Point Park to a beach that in the 1890s was used as a dump for bricks not up to standard for construction, and the ferry ride.

Broken bricks still line the beach at Jacob's Point Park on Anderson Island, remnants of the Anderson Island Brick Works. In the 1890s, bricks that failed quality standards were discarded along this shoreline, where many can still be found today. Photo by Stuart Jenner, The Highline Journal.

The 20-minute ferry ride has great views of Mt. Rainier, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Chambers Bay golf course, and McNeil Island penitentiary.

*The crossing between Anderson Island and Steilacoom offers sweeping views of the Tacoma Narrows and Chambers Bay. Photo by Stuart Jenner, The Highline Journal.*

Know before you go...

Travel caveats: there’s only one restaurant (it's not open every day), and it was completely full when we walked in for dinner.

*Riviera Lakeshore Restaurant on Anderson Island, Photos courtesy of* https://www.visitpiercecounty.com/blog/post/the-ultimate-guide-to-anderson-island/

So, we ended up returning to the mainland earlier than planned. People going to the island need to be prepared: there’s no gas station, the general store and café closed a few months ago, and the only accommodations have significant restrictions. The swimming hole is closed for construction.

Dining Tip: The Riviera Lakeshore Restaurant is currently the island's only restaurant and is open to the public. With the Anderson Island General Store and café closed, it's wise to check restaurant hours before your trip and bring snacks and water, especially if you're visiting for the day.

As the headline states, this is not a typical day or weekend trip! With careful preparation, however, Anderson Island can be a wonderful experience.

We drove around much of the island. The Pierce County web site mentions a few places people can go for a walk. Many of the destinations, though, are private - yacht clubs, the Riviera nine hole golf course, and a campground only for Washington Water Trails Association members.

Open to the public for exploration

Walk at Jacob’s Point Park. This park has a loop and some spurs. There’s parking for about 10 vehicles and the trail that goes to the beach with some remnants from the brick manufacturing site.
Walk at Andy’s Marine Park and Andy’s Wildlife Park.
Visit the Anderson Island Historical Society Museum.
The island’s community center, also known as the Old School House, has a playground and some recreation courts. Idie Ulsh park is next door.
Jane Cammon: “no standing water” in the rainy season makes this the place for a walk in rainy seasons.

Key Travel Information

To reach Anderson, ride the Pierce County ferry from Steilacoom. This is a separate system from the Washington State ferry. Tickets cost about $33 round-trip for a car plus driver, and then about $9 for each additional adult. Off-season rates are a bit lower.
1. The ferry can be delayed a bit by trains running along the waterfront.
2. The Pierce County staff recommended arriving 20 minutes ahead of the departure in Steilacoom, but 30 minutes would be safer. Google Maps may direct drivers to the ferry terminal, not the line of cars to board the ferry.
3. For the return, the staff said any time should work, no need to line up far in advance.
4. There are no ferry reservations
5. Tickets are not for a specific time or even day. Buy them ahead of time online, or allow extra time to get them at the terminal in Steilacoom.
Anderson has no public transit. Biking could work for some visitors, but I did not see any bike racks at the park we visited. Walking only would probably not be realistic as destinations are spread out.
When driving, there are very few signs other than directly in front of a location. Online maps on a cell phone or a printed map are very important for not getting lost!
Some of the trails could have a lot of bugs in wet seasons.
The Parks department page lists other parks besides the ones mentioned in the story.
The best web site for current information is Anderson Island news. This has a mix of events, important news such as “no gas cans, empty or full, are allowed on the ferry,” and seasonal information that could be of interest to some visitors.
Anderson Island has a lively arts scene. Check the arts association web site for info about concerts and other cultural events.
Another comprehensive informational site is: The Ultimate Guide to Anderson Island

I do think we’ll return. We’ll just be sure to make meal reservations ahead of time.

*The view from the departing ferry offers one last look at Anderson Island before the mainland comes back into view. Photo by Stuart Jenner, The Highline Journal.*

**Anderson Island Public Parks Map.** Anderson Island is home to more than a dozen public parks, offering beaches, forest trails, swimming areas, picnic sites, and historic landmarks. The map highlights parks and other publicly accessible destinations across the island. Courtesy of Anderson Island Parks and Recreation District (AIPRD).

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