Blake Island Marine State Park: A Puget Sound Escape
Discover natural beauty and cultural history on this Puget Sound island, a serene escape with stunning views and miles of shoreline to explore.
Blake Island Marine State Park, a jewel in the Puget Sound, presents a unique blend of natural splendor and historical significance [6, 13]. This 475-acre island, accessible only by boat, provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city life [6, 13, 18]. With five miles of saltwater beach shoreline, the park boasts magnificent views of the Olympic Mountains and the Seattle skyline [12, 13]. For centuries, the island served as an ancestral camping ground for the Suquamish Tribe, and legend has it that Chief Seattle, the namesake of the Emerald City, was born here [3, 13, 16, 24]. Known as 'Smuggler's Island' in the mid-19th century, it was logged for its timber and later used as a refuge for bootleggers during the Prohibition era [6, 7, 16, 24]. William Pitt Trimble, a Seattle millionaire, purchased the island and renamed it Trimble Island, building a grand estate [3, 6, 7, 12, 16]. Today, Blake Island Marine State Park invites visitors to explore its diverse offerings [7, 18]. Hike the miles of trails that wind through the island's second-growth forest, the result of extensive logging in the 19th century [6, 7]. Discover the remnants of the Trimble estate, a testament to the island's colorful past [3, 6, 7, 12, 16]. While Tillicum Village, a long-standing tourist attraction showcasing Northwest Coast Indian arts, culture, and food, is currently closed, the island continues to offer a rich experience [3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13]. Explore the island's beaches, go scuba diving, or simply relax and enjoy the breathtaking sunsets over the Olympic Mountains [10, 18]. Camping is available year-round, with both standard and primitive sites, as well as a group camp [9, 18].
Local tips
- Pack a picnic lunch and drinks, as food services on the island may be limited [25].
- Bring layers of clothing, as the weather on the island can change quickly [22].
- Check the Washington State Parks website for information on camping reservations and any park alerts [9].
- Consider bringing binoculars for wildlife viewing and to better enjoy the views of the Olympic Mountains and Seattle skyline [9, 18].
- A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state parks; purchase one online or at various retailers [18].
A brief summary to Blake Island Marine State Park
- Manchester, Washington, 98353, US
- +1360-731-8330
- Visit website
Getting There
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Private Boat
Blake Island Marine State Park is accessible by private boat. From Seattle, head west across Puget Sound [6, 18]. The island is located north of Vashon Island, south of Bainbridge Island, and east of Manchester [6]. The park offers moorage docks and buoys, available on a first-come, first-served basis [9, 18]. Nightly moorage fees are $23 for a buoy and $1 per vessel foot for the dock [9]. Be aware that boats larger than 45 feet are not permitted to moor at buoys and must use the dock [9].
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Public Transport & Ferry
While there is no direct public transportation to Blake Island, you can take a Kitsap Transit ferry from Pier 50 in Seattle to the Southworth Ferry Dock [11, 14]. Ferries run approximately every 4 hours, with a journey time of about 26 minutes [11]. Tickets range from $2-$12 [11]. From the Southworth Ferry Dock, accessing Blake Island requires a private boat or water taxi service, which would need to be arranged separately. **Note:** *As of December 2021, Argosy Cruises has ended its Tillicum Excursion to Blake Island [3, 4, 10]. Please check with local tour operators for any potential future services.*
Attractions Nearby to Blake Island Marine State Park
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Halls Hill Lookout and Labyrinth
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Alki Point Lighthouse
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Charles Richey Sr Viewpoint
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Colman Pool - Summer Only
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Lowman Beach Park
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Lincoln Park
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Log House Museum
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Alki Beach Park
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Schmitz Preserve Park
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Alki Beach
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The Escape Artist
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Alaska Junction
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Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial
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Roxhill Park
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Cascadia Marine Trail
Landmarks nearby to Blake Island Marine State Park
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Birthplace of Seattle Monument
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Southwest Seattle Historical Society
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Statue of Liberty Plaza - Seattle
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Water Tower
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Hamilton Viewpoint Park
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Seattle Skyline
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Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center
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Coast Guard Museum Northwest
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S & E Shipyard Historic Site
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Georgetown Steam Plant
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Georgetown Old City Hall
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Sirens of Spring
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P-I Globe
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Olympic Sculpture Park
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Giant Sequoia