Attractions and Places To See around Anderson Island - Top 17

Anderson Island is rich in natural beauty. You can explore parks like Andy's Marine Park, offering a trail to a driftwood beach and tidal lagoon, and Andy's Wildlife Park with its easy loop trail through wetlands. Jacob's Point Park features diverse scenery, a unique brick beach, and views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier. For a family-friendly spot, Lowell Johnson Park (The Ol' Swimmin' Hole) provides lake access to Lake Florence for swimming and picnics. Additionally, you can visit Idie Ulsh Park for a short hike among old cedar trees or Jane Cammon Park for a level forest loop trail.

Yes, Anderson Island has a rich history. A key site is the Anderson Island Historical Society (Johnson Farm), which features a museum, gift shop, and 14 restored original farm buildings, including the over 100-year-old farmhouse. You can also see Wide Awake Hollow (The Old Schoolhouse), the oldest surviving one-room schoolhouse in Pierce County, now serving as the island's fitness center. The historic 1928 steam ferry, 'The Ocean City,' can be viewed from Oro Bay, though it's on private property.

Anderson Island offers several family-friendly options. Lowell Johnson Park (The Ol' Swimmin' Hole) is perfect for families, with lake access for swimming, a floating dock, picnic area, and playground. Many of the island's parks, like Andy's Wildlife Park, offer easy trails suitable for all ages. The journey to the island on the Pierce County ferry is also an experience in itself, providing scenic views. Beyond the island, Waughop Lake in Fort Steilacoom Park offers biking, hiking, and an off-leash dog park, while Fox Island Bridge provides stunning views that families can enjoy together.

For picturesque views, Jacob's Point Park on Anderson Island offers stunning vistas of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier. Andy's Marine Park provides beautiful sunset views over a driftwood-strewn beach. Just off the island, the Fox Island Bridge is a great spot to see Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

Anderson Island's parks and preserved wetlands, tidal lagoons, and estuaries provide habitat for a variety of wildlife. You might spot deer, raccoons, coyotes, otters, and numerous bird species. Occasionally, black bears are also seen on the island. For dedicated wildlife viewing, the Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area, located nearby, is known for harbor seals, bald eagles, a large bat colony, and one of the state's largest heron nesting areas.

Yes, there are many opportunities for outdoor activities. On Anderson Island itself, parks like Andy's Marine Park, Andy's Wildlife Park, Jacob's Point Park, and Jane Cammon Park offer trails for hiking and biking. For more extensive options, you can explore nearby routes. For cycling, consider routes like the 'Chehalis Western Trail – Chambers Lake loop' or 'Waughop Lake loop from Pierce College - Fort Steilacoom'. For hiking, popular options include 'Billy Frank Jr. National Wildlife Refuge — Nisqually River Delta' or 'Bender Woods loop from DuPont'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Cycling around Anderson Island and Hiking around Anderson Island guides.

Anderson Island is accessible by a 20-minute ferry ride from Steilacoom. The ferry journey itself is considered part of the experience, offering picturesque views of Puget Sound.

Yes, the Norm Dicks Visitor Center, located near Anderson Island, features an accessible viewing platform. This center provides exhibits on habitat and wildlife, and is open Wednesday through Friday.

Anderson Island is a tranquil retreat year-round, but it's particularly popular in the summer months when Lowell Johnson Park (The Ol' Swimmin' Hole) is ideal for swimming and outdoor activities. The natural parks and trails are enjoyable in spring and fall with milder temperatures and beautiful foliage. Even in winter, the island offers a quiet escape, though some trails at Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area may close seasonally to protect nesting wildlife.

Parking is generally available at the various parks and attractions on Anderson Island. For instance, at the Norm Dicks Visitor Center, parking costs $3, payable by cash or check, and America the Beautiful passes are also accepted. It's always a good idea to check specific park websites or signage upon arrival for any particular parking instructions or fees.

Many outdoor areas are dog-friendly, but it's important to check specific regulations for each location. For example, Waughop Lake in Fort Steilacoom Park includes an off-leash dog park. However, dogs are generally not allowed, even on a leash, in sensitive wildlife areas like the Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area to protect the local wildlife. Always look for signage or check park guidelines before bringing your pet.