Hike Length: 3+ miles
Elevation Gain: 0 to 300'
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Updated 9/22/2021
Nothing will relax you more than a ride on a Washington State Ferry. Once on the boat, you will feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Seattle. And, as a pedestrian, you won't have to deal with the nagging worry that car drivers must endure: "Will I get on the next ferry"? Walk right on for a cheap price, sit back, and enjoy the scenery.
Vashon Island still retains much of its rural flavor, although it is popular with commuters who work in Seattle. This hike samples some of the endless beach hiking available on the island.
It is best done on a low tide, although it doesn't have to be extremely low. A "zero" tide is fine.
Note that the tidelands on Vashon Island are probably privately owned, thus be discreet: don't linger or stare at the waterfront houses, keep your distance and keep moving, and generally behave yourself. Don't go in large groups. Be friendly to those you meet; if challenged, apologize and beat a hasty retreat. Most likely, you will have a great time.
If you are a bit adventurous, Metro 118 /119 heads into the interior of Vashon Island. Use these buses to do a hike in the Center Island Forest, or ride to the south end of the island and catch the ferry to Tacoma.
In downtown Seattle, catch Rapid Ride C and ride to the Fauntleroy Ferry Dock in West Seattle.
Walk onto the ferry and ride to Vashon Island.
Between the Vashon Island Ferry dock and a waterside Mexican restaurant is a public access point to the beach. Walk down the ramp, then head right. When the tide is low, the beach is extensive although it mostly consists of slippery cobbles that are somewhat hard to walk on. A row of funky houses is perched on seawalls above the beach. The easiest walking is near the seawalls, usually. Aggressive clams may squirt you in the leg as you walk by. Visible to the north is Blake Island, a beautiful state park only accessible by private boat.
In less than a mile, you will round Dolphin Point and begin heading south into a vast cove-like indentation in Vashon Island. The beach becomes more gravelly and sandy, much better for walking. Charming cabins and houses line the shore here, too. After 1.5 miles from the ferry dock, you will arrive at Wingehaven Park, marked by a sign next to a cement staircase. Above the stone wall is a charming lawn with a camping area for kayakers exploring Puget Sound. What a great place for a picnic! This site was once a private estate, but only overgrown relics remain. Above the lawn, a trail ascends a pretty forested ravine to Cunliffe Road. It is possible to walk the road to Vashon Island Highway, and then follow that back to the ferry dock, if you don't want to return on the beach. Try veering onto side streets to avoid some walking on the busy highway.
Otherwise you can keep following the beach as time and energy permit.
Ride the Vashon Ferry back to Seattle, then catch Rapid Ride C.