Vashon Island today is a glimpse of what the Northwest was 30 years ago. Time has stood still for us. Vashon has remained a great, nature first community for one reason.. we are surrounded by water and thus insulated from the fast paced, pave everything way people are living. There are a number of ways to get to Vashon Island. One of the great things about Vashon is that it is surrounded by water. Not every yahoo can just walk on over and start cutting down trees.
Get to Vashon Island by Ferry
View the ferry schedule here
The Washington State Ferry (WSF) system has 4 different routes onto Vashon Island. This is convenient for off islanders because you don’t have to come to ONE location to come get on a Ferry. For costs (it varies on destination terminal and season) check out the WSF website. Here are the different ferry entry points to Vashon Island:
West Seattle (Fauntleroy Ferry Dock)
Because of its close proximity to the Seattle metro area, the Fauntleroy ferry dock is where most people go to come to Vashon Island. The ferries come to Vashon on a schedule that can be found here.
Here is the location and directions to the Fauntleroy Ferry Dock via Google.
Tacoma (Point Defiance Ferry Dock)
If you are coming from the South end of the Puget Sound, there is the Point Defiance ferry dock which brings you to the south tip of Vashon island known as Tahlequah. This dock is a little less busy then the north end dock, but the ferry does not run as late as the North end, so make sure you check out the schedule.
Here is the location and directions to the Point Defiance ferry dock via Google.
Southworth (Port Orchard Ferry Dock)
If you are coming to Vashon from the West, the Southworth Ferry Dock is probably your best bet to get to the island. From this doc you can also get a ferry to the Fauntleroy (West Seattle) ferry dock. (ADD THE WSF guide here)
Here is the location and directions to the Southworth (Port Orchard ferry dock) via Google.
Downtown Seattle (Water Taxi Dock, no cars)
This is a great option for people what want to walk onto the island and spend a day in downtown Vashon shopping or attending one of the great events being held on Vashon. Many people use the “foot ferry” to come to Vashon and either use the local bus or get a ride from the dock to downtown Vashon. Riding the water taxi is much cheaper then driving over, but on the downside, you will be car-less on Vashon.
NOTE: You cannot drive your car onto this ferry as it is a passenger ferry only. (Water taxi schedule and rider information)
Here is the location and directions to the Downtown Seattle Passenger Only ferry via Google.
Get to Vashon Island by Air
Vashon Island has a couple of local airports. You can charter planes to and from Vashon Island.
Airport #1 (and how to get in contact with them)
Airport #2 (and how to get in contact with them)
Get to Vashon Island by Private Boat
Where to dock your boat on Vashon Island.
** Need to get the names of the Marina’s and specifics around where to tie up on Vashon.
Vashon Island Boat Dock #1
Vashon Island Boat Dock #2