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.

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Blake Island Marine State Park

Blake Island Marine State Park, a 475-acre island in Puget Sound, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural history [6, 13]. Accessible only by boat, it's a serene escape with miles of shoreline, hiking trails, and stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the Seattle skyline [12, 13]. The island is believed to be the birthplace of Chief Seattle and holds a rich history of indigenous presence [3, 13, 16, 24].

A brief summary to Blake Island Marine State Park

Manchester, Washington, 98353, US
+1360-731-8330
Visit website

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].

Getting There

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].
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.*

Discover more about Blake Island Marine State Park

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].

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Birthplace of Seattle Monument

7.5 km

Explore the Birthplace of Seattle Monument, a historic landmark that tells the story of Seattle's beginnings in the scenic Alki neighborhood.

Southwest Seattle Historical Society

7.5 km

Explore the vibrant history of Seattle at the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, where local heritage meets engaging exhibits.

Statue of Liberty Plaza - Seattle

7.7 km

Explore Seattle's Statue of Liberty Plaza, a vibrant waterfront attraction embodying freedom and stunning views of the city skyline.

Water Tower

9.0 km

Explore Seattle's Water Tower, a historical landmark offering stunning views and a glimpse into the city's rich architectural heritage.

Hamilton Viewpoint Park

10.1 km

Explore the stunning vistas of Hamilton Viewpoint Park, where breathtaking views of Seattle and Mount Rainier await your discovery.

Seattle Skyline

10.3 km

Explore the breathtaking Seattle Skyline, where iconic landmarks meet stunning natural beauty, promising unforgettable views and experiences.

Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center

10.9 km

Discover the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center, where Seattle's Indigenous heritage comes alive through art, history, and cultural engagement.

Coast Guard Museum Northwest

13.0 km

Explore the rich maritime history of the U.S. Coast Guard at the Coast Guard Museum Northwest in Seattle, an engaging and educational experience for all.

S & E Shipyard Historic Site

13.2 km

Discover the maritime heritage at S & E Shipyard Historic Site, a historical landmark along Seattle's beautiful Elliott Bay Trail.

Georgetown Steam Plant

13.3 km

Explore the Georgetown Steam Plant, Seattle's historic landmark showcasing industrial heritage and steam power's pivotal role in the community.

Georgetown Old City Hall

13.3 km

Explore the architectural beauty and historical significance of Georgetown Old City Hall, a must-visit landmark in Seattle's vibrant Georgetown neighborhood.

Sirens of Spring

13.3 km

Discover the beauty of Sirens of Spring, a stunning scenic spot in Seattle offering breathtaking waterfront views and a peaceful escape into nature.

P-I Globe

13.4 km

Discover the P-I Globe, Seattle’s iconic historical landmark, and immerse yourself in the city's rich cultural heritage while enjoying breathtaking views.

Olympic Sculpture Park

13.5 km

Discover the harmonious blend of contemporary art and stunning natural landscapes at Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle.

Giant Sequoia

13.5 km

Experience the grandeur of the Giant Sequoia in Seattle, a historical landmark that embodies the beauty and resilience of nature.

Unmissable attractions to see

Halls Hill Lookout and Labyrinth

6.7 km

Explore the serene beauty of Halls Hill Lookout and Labyrinth, a must-visit park on Bainbridge Island for nature lovers and seekers of tranquility.

Alki Point Lighthouse

6.9 km

Discover the historic Alki Point Lighthouse, a stunning coastal gem offering breathtaking views and rich maritime heritage in Seattle's Alki Beach.

Charles Richey Sr Viewpoint

6.9 km

Discover breathtaking views of Seattle and the Puget Sound at Charles Richey Sr Viewpoint, a serene city park perfect for relaxation and exploration.

Colman Pool - Summer Only

7.0 km

Discover Colman Pool in West Seattle: a scenic public swimming pool offering fun, relaxation, and stunning views of Puget Sound.

Lowman Beach Park

7.2 km

Experience the natural beauty of Lowman Beach Park, a serene escape in Seattle with stunning views, sandy beaches, and lush green spaces.

Lincoln Park

7.3 km

Explore Lincoln Park in Seattle, a stunning urban park with breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and endless recreational opportunities for every traveler.

Log House Museum

7.5 km

Explore Seattle's rich history at the Log House Museum, a charming destination in Alki showcasing local heritage and community stories.

Alki Beach Park

7.9 km

Discover the beauty of Alki Beach Park, a scenic urban oasis in Seattle, perfect for beach lovers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Schmitz Preserve Park

8.0 km

Discover the serene beauty of Schmitz Preserve Park, an urban oasis in Seattle with lush trails, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural landscapes.

Alki Beach

8.1 km

Experience the beauty and vibrancy of Alki Beach, Seattle’s coastal gem known for stunning views, sandy shores, and outdoor adventures.

The Escape Artist

8.4 km

Experience the thrill of adventure at The Escape Artist, Seattle's top escape room attraction with immersive puzzles and team-building fun.

Alaska Junction

8.4 km

Experience the vibrant culture, unique shops, and delicious dining of Alaska Junction, a must-visit destination in Seattle.

Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial

8.7 km

Discover the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, a profound site dedicated to remembrance and reflection on civil rights and justice.

Roxhill Park

9.5 km

Discover the tranquility of Roxhill Park in Seattle, a family-friendly green space with playgrounds, sports fields, and natural beauty.

Cascadia Marine Trail

9.7 km

Discover the serene beauty of Seattle's Cascadia Marine Trail, a must-visit destination for kayaking, camping, and wildlife exploration.

Discover Damn the Weather: A culinary haven in Seattle's Pioneer Square serving innovative New American cuisine and exquisite cocktails.

Explore Ventures Marketplace: a unique gift shop in Seattle's Pike Place Market, showcasing local artisanal crafts and unforgettable souvenirs.

Earth Wind & Fire Boutique

13.8 km

Explore the vibrant Earth Wind & Fire Boutique for unique women's clothing, jewelry, and handcrafted gifts in the heart of Seattle's Pike Place Market.

Discover the lively atmosphere of Radiator Whiskey, where exceptional drinks and innovative American cuisine come together in the heart of Seattle.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Blake Island Marine State Park: A Puget Sound Escape

A brief summary to Blake Island Marine State Park

Local tips

Getting There

Private Boat

Public Transport & Ferry

Unlock the Best of Blake Island Marine State Park

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Blake Island Marine State Park

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Birthplace of Seattle Monument

Southwest Seattle Historical Society

Statue of Liberty Plaza - Seattle

Water Tower

Hamilton Viewpoint Park

Seattle Skyline

Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center

Coast Guard Museum Northwest

S & E Shipyard Historic Site

Georgetown Steam Plant

Georgetown Old City Hall

Sirens of Spring

P-I Globe

Olympic Sculpture Park

Giant Sequoia

Unmissable attractions to see

Halls Hill Lookout and Labyrinth

Alki Point Lighthouse

Charles Richey Sr Viewpoint

Colman Pool - Summer Only

Lowman Beach Park

Lincoln Park

Log House Museum

Alki Beach Park

Schmitz Preserve Park

Alki Beach

The Escape Artist

Alaska Junction

Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial

Roxhill Park

Cascadia Marine Trail

Essential places to dine

Marination Ma Kai

The Ruby Brink

Six Seven Restaurant

AQUA by El Gaucho

Anthony's Pier 66 & Bell Street Diner

Elliott's Oyster House

Premier Meat Pies

Field to Table

Il Terrazzo Carmine

Buckley's On Queen Anne

Aerlume Seattle

84 Yesler

Lowell's Restaurant

List Restaurant

Damn the Weather

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

WORK SHOP

Alair Gift Shop

Wild Hare Practical Goods

Ye Olde Curiosity Shop

Simply Seattle

The Seattle Shop at 56

Seattle Antiques Market

Ugly Baby

Hands of the World, in Pike Place Market

Pike Place Gifts

Lungu Gifts & Antiques

F & J Great Western Trading Co

Bon Voyage Vintage

Ventures Marketplace

Earth Wind & Fire Boutique

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Star Brass Works Lounge

9lb Hammer

Queen Anne Beerhall

Some Random Bar