Blake Island Travel Guide

Discover the beauty of Blake Island with our comprehensive travel guide. From culturally important attractions to outdoor adventures, this guide covers everything you need to know to plan your trip.


Introduction to Blake Island

Tucked away in the heart of Puget Sound, Blake Island is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The island is rich in natural beauty, culture, and offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Blake Island is well known for being a traditional camping destination, with plenty of opportunities to explore the island’s stunning wilderness.

List of Places to Visit in Blake Island

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Blake Island is home to a rich Native American heritage, and has deep cultural roots. Visitors can explore the Tillicum Village, which offers an insight into the history of the local indigenous tribes. The Tillicum Village is an excellent starting point for any visitor to the island, as it provides a great overview of the cultural significance of the island which is also one of the best cultural attractions in Washington State.

Natural Attractions of Blake Island: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Blake Island is famous for its rugged landscapes, and raw natural beauty. Hiking, biking, and kayaking are some of the most popular activities on the island. Visitors to the island will enjoy exploring the miles of trails on offer, which offer strikingly beautiful views of the Sound, making it a great place for scenery lovers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Blake Island

The trails in Blake Island are rugged and offer exceptional scenic views. Some of the most popular trails include the Bikes and Hike trails that stretch around the island. Visitors can also head to the north side of the island, where trails offer stunning views of Seattle and the Olympic Mountains.

Best Things to Do in Blake Island: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, Blake Island also offers a range of other activities and tours. Visitors can embark on a guided kayak tour of the surrounding waters, or opt for a sunset sailboat tour. For those who want to explore the island’s shores, stand-up paddleboarding is an exciting option, while fishing and crabbing are popular among those who want to try their skills.

Week-Long Itinerary for Blake Island

For visitors to make the most of their time on the island, a week-long itinerary plan would be ideal. Visitors can spend the first few days hiking the trails, exploring the beaches, and enjoying the watersports available. Other days can be spent relaxing in the Tillicum Village, enjoying the cultural displays and learning more about the island’s indigenous history. On the last day, visitors can enjoy more water activities or head to the beautiful campgrounds for a memorable camping experience.

Food and Drink Scene of Blake Island

Must-Try Dishes

Blake Island boasts a fresh and vibrant food scene that draws mainly from fresh seafood. Some of the must-try dishes include clam chowder, fresh crab, and grilled salmon.

Local Beverages

Alcoholic beverages are not served on the island. However, visitors can enjoy locally brewed root beer, which complements a range of meals.

Where to Stay in Blake Island: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Blake Island offers a range of accommodation options suitable for all visitors. Visitors can opt for the premium campgrounds on the island, complete with amenities such as a snack bar and fire pits. There are also several rental lodges on the island, which offer all the comforts of home.

What to Buy in Blake Island: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Blake Island can take a piece of the island home with them. Souvenir shops on the island offer unique locally made products such as jewelry, pottery, and handcrafted wooden figurines.

Local Culture and Customs of Blake Island

Blake Island has a fascinating culture that is well worth exploring. Visitors should note that the island has a strong indigenous heritage and should respect this at all times. Visitors should also remember that the lifestyle of the island is relaxed and easygoing, reflecting a rich native culture.

Best Time to Visit Blake Island

The best time to visit Blake Island is between May and September. During this time, visitors can enjoy the pleasant weather, scenic views, and enjoy all the activities on offer. Campground availability may be limited during the peak season, and advance booking is recommended.

Do’s and Don’ts of Blake Island

Do:

  • Respect local culture and customs.
  • Keep a safe distance from wildlife.
  • Be environmentally conscious, and don’t litter.
  • Take advantage of all the outdoor activities available.

Don’t:

  • Don’t disturb natural wildlife.
  • Don’t disrespect cultural sites.
  • Don’t ignore local regulations and rules.

Safety and Health

Safety in Blake Island

Blake Island is a generally safe destination for visitors. However, visitors should take the usual safety precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas, and not leaving valuables unattended.

Health in Blake Island

Visitors should also remember to bring along any essential medication, and be aware of ticks and mosquitoes. It’s advisable to get vaccinated if you plan to spend a long time on the island.

Getting to Blake Island: Transportation Options and Logistics

The Pierce county ferry is the most popular way to get to Blake Island. The ferry operates several times a day and offers a scenic journey that takes about 45 minutes from downtown Seattle. Visitors can also opt to hire a private boat or take a kayak to the island.

Airports Near Blake Island

The nearest airport to Blake Island is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), which is about 8 miles away from Seattle’s downtown area.

Bus Stations Near Blake Island

Seattle’s Greyhound Bus Station is the nearest bus station to Blake Island. Visitors can take the bus from downtown Seattle to the pier where the ferry to Blake Island departs.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a car to the island and park it in the pier’s designated parking area.

How to Get Around in Blake Island

Once on the island, visitors can explore most of the scenery on foot, bicycle, or on a kayak. Visitors can also rent a bicycle on the island or take advantage of horse carriage rides that are available.

Where to Go Next from Blake Island: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

From Blake Island, visitors can explore other attractions in the area, such as Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market, Seattle waterfront park, and the Seattle Space Needle.

Conclusion

Blake Island is an excellent destination suitable for travelers who want to experience the traditional Northwest lifestyle and enjoy outdoor activities. With a rich cultural heritage, delicious seafood, fascinating wildlife, and stunning scenery, Blake Island is a destination that shouldn’t be missed.

view of Blake Island, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains from the mainland view of Blake Island, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains from the mainland Chief Seattle Chief Seattle Mt. Rainier as seen from Blake Island Mt. Rainier as seen from Blake Island pink and purple sea stars are common in the area pink and purple sea stars are common in the area Sea kayaker launching at Manchester which is the closest launch site to Blake Island Sea kayaker launching at Manchester which is the closest launch site to Blake Island Dirona albolineata photographed in the Puget Sound Dirona albolineata photographed in the Puget Sound Seals eating fish in Puget Sound Seals eating fish in Puget Sound