Blake Island Marine State Park
Located just 3.5 miles southwest of Seattle’s Alki Point, Blake Island Marine State Park is a 1,127-acre Puget Sound gem that offers a truly unique wilderness experience—because you can only get there by boat. This maritime oasis provides an incredible escape from the city, blending stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the Seattle skyline with rich Native American history and pristine old-growth forests.
Whether you’re kayaking across the sound, mooring your cruiser at the protected docks, or pitching a tent near the water’s edge, Blake Island is a bucket-list destination for boaters, paddlers, and adventurers seeking a rugged yet accessible Northwest retreat.
Blake Island Marine State Park at a Glance
- Location: Kitsap County, Washington (Puget Sound)
- Size: 1,127 acres with 5 miles of saltwater shoreline
- Access: Private boat, kayak, or paddleboard ONLY (No public ferry or car access)
- Best Time to Visit: May through September (calmer waters and open facilities)
- Main Attractions: Chief Seattle’s legendary birthplace, Cascadia Marine Trail, 8 miles of hiking trails
- Moorage: 1,500 feet of moorage dock and 24 mooring buoys
Getting to Blake Island
Because there is no bridge and the historic passenger ferry service is no longer operational, the only way to reach Blake Island is by personal watercraft. Popular launch points for kayakers and boaters include Fort Ward on Bainbridge Island, Manchester, Vashon Island, Southworth, and Seattle’s Alki Point. Always check the tidal currents and weather conditions—the Puget Sound can be unpredictable for small, human-powered craft.
What to Do at Blake Island Marine State Park
Boating and Moorage
The park is a boater’s paradise. It features a protected marina with 1,500 feet of dock space and 24 mooring buoys scattered around the island. Moorage is strictly first-come, first-served with a consecutive three-night limit. Electrical hookups are available at the dock for an additional daily fee.
Hiking and Biking
Once ashore, explore 8 miles of hiking trails and 7.5 miles of biking trails that circumnavigate the shoreline and plunge deep into the island’s interior. Keep an eye out for stinging nettle on the trail edges and be prepared for mud after typical Northwest rains.
Water Activities
With 5 miles of saltwater shoreline, visitors can enjoy beachcombing, fishing, and crabbing. Clamming is also permitted during specific seasons (always check current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations). Scuba diving is also a popular activity just offshore.
Wildlife Viewing
Despite being so close to a major metropolis, the island is teeming with wildlife. It is home to a robust population of black-tail deer, raccoons, river otters, bald eagles, and osprey. Note: Do not feed the deer, and securely store all food to deter the clever island raccoons.
Camping at Blake Island
Camping on an island in the Puget Sound is a magical experience. Blake Island offers a variety of camping options, from standard sites near the marina to primitive sites strictly reserved for kayakers and paddlers.
| Campground Area | Type | Amenities | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main / West-End Campgrounds | Tent (44 Sites) | Drinking Water, Flush Toilets, Pay Showers | Families, boaters, general camping |
| Cascadia Marine Trail Sites | Primitive (3 Sites) | No Fire Pits, Pit Toilets nearby | Kayakers and paddleboarders ONLY |
| Group Camp | Group Tent Site | Fits up to 50 people, Restrooms nearby | Large gatherings, scout troops |
Important Note: Blake Island enforces a strict “Pack It In, Pack It Out” policy. There are no trash receptacles on the island, so you must carry all garbage back to the mainland.
History and Cultural Significance
Blake Island is deeply intertwined with the history of the Pacific Northwest. It was traditionally used as a summer camping ground by the Suquamish Tribe and is widely believed to be the birthplace of Chief Seattle (Sealth) around the 1780s. While the sprawling early-1900s mansion built by William Pitt Trimble has long since burned down, you can still hike past its historic stone foundations on the island’s southern end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a ferry to Blake Island?
No. The commercial Argosy ferry service that used to bring tourists to the island is no longer operational. You must use a private boat, kayak, or paddleboard to access the park.
Are dogs allowed on the island?
Yes, dogs are permitted at Blake Island Marine State Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times to protect the local wildlife.
Can I have a campfire at my campsite?
Campfires are permitted only in designated fire rings in the standard campgrounds. Fires are strictly prohibited at the primitive Cascadia Marine Trail sites.
Plan Your Voyage to Blake Island
Prepare your vessel, pack out your trash, and experience the rugged beauty of Washington’s most famous marine park.
📍 Primary Location: Puget Sound, Kitsap County, WA (Water Access Only)
🌐 Official Website: Washington State Parks – Blake Island
📞 Park Office: (360) 731-8330 (Seasonal Info)
