Overview
Anderson Island is the southernmost island in the Puget Sound, between the Key Peninsula (of Kitsap Peninsula) and Steilacoom.
3 sights · 2 things to do · 2 places to eat
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Anderson Island
Eagle Island State Park
10-acre marine park with 2,600 feet of saltwater shoreline. There are 2 mooring buoys on the west side and 1 on the east side of this remote island accessible only by boat between Anderson Island and McNeal Island, there…
Andy's Wildlife Park
This park encompasses 170 acres of wetlands, tidal estuary and a forest. There is an extensive trail system for hikers that is best utilized in the summer months due to wet conditions. The 2-mile looped nature trail begi…
Andy's Marine Park
The core of the park was the gift of Andrew Anderson (1895-1975), a true visionary concerned with the preservation of the way of life we cherish on our island. The partially looped trail winds through a heavily wooded ar…
Riviera Community Club
Features a 9-hole golf course and a restaurant. Most other amenities are for members.
John O. Johnson Farm
Established in 1896 by Mr. Johnson for cutting cordwood for the steamers. Volunteers have restored most of the original 14 buildings on the site, including the farmhouse, water tower, huge barn, and two impressive 'Shoup…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 78°F; winter lows dip to about 35°F. Wettest: Nov and Jan. (climate data from nearby Kent)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- TIW Tacoma Narrows Airport, Tacoma — 10 mi away. Directions
- OLM Olympia Regional Airport, Olympia — 16 mi away. Directions
- SEA Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, Seattle — 27 mi away (major hub). Directions
The easiest access from the mainland is via the ferry at Steilacoom.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Andy's Wildlife Park, Andy's Marine Park, John O. Johnson Farm
- Lunch Anderson Island Café
- Afternoon Eagle Island State Park, Riviera Community Club
- Dinner Riviera Lakeshore Restaurant
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Anderson Island lies just south of McNeil Island. To the northwest, Key Peninsula lies across Drayton Passage. The south basin of Puget Sound separates the island from the mainland to the southeast, while to the southwest the Nisqually Reach of Puget Sound separates the island from the mainland.
Get in
The easiest access from the mainland is via the ferry at Steilacoom.
By ferry
Go Steilacoom to Anderson Island Ferry (Pierce County Ferry)
A county-operated ferry system serving Steilacoom and Anderson Island, as well as limited runs to Ketron Island. The ferry runs about once an hour between 5AM to 10:30PM.
Go Anderson Island Ferry
Go Steilacoom Landing
By boat
Get around
There are many small roads meandering through Anderson Island, making it a great island to explore by car or bike.
Eckenstam Johnson Road is the main road running north/south through the island.
See
See Andy's Wildlife Park
This park encompasses 170 acres of wetlands, tidal estuary and a forest. There is an extensive trail system for hikers that is best utilized in the summer months due to wet conditions. The 2-mile looped nature trail begins and ends at a parking lot on Eckenstam-Johnson Road and includes two small bridges. There is a picnic area with at table on the bank of Schoolhouse Creek near the parking area. There is also a portable toilet at the trailhead.
See Andy's Marine Park
The core of the park was the gift of Andrew Anderson (1895-1975), a true visionary concerned with the preservation of the way of life we cherish on our island. The partially looped trail winds through a heavily wooded area with many native plants and trees. It includes enormous Douglas firs, featuring gorgeous views and ends at a beautiful tidal inlet that is a salmon nursery area and includes a 3/4 mile public beach with driftwood, shells, rocks and aquatic life.
See Eagle Island State Park
10-acre marine park with 2,600 feet of saltwater shoreline. There are 2 mooring buoys on the west side and 1 on the east side of this remote island accessible only by boat between Anderson Island and McNeal Island, there are also trails and camping spots and the area is known for the many seals that come to sunbath. The park was named after Harry Eagle, a member of the Wilkes Expedition.
Do
Do John O. Johnson Farm
Established in 1896 by Mr. Johnson for cutting cordwood for the steamers. Volunteers have restored most of the original 14 buildings on the site, including the farmhouse, water tower, huge barn, and two impressive 'Shoup' chicken houses, which were the state-of-the-art in the 1920s.
Buy
Eat
Eat Anderson Island Café
Great atmosphere & good coffee.
Eat Riviera Lakeshore Restaurant
Overlooks Lake Josephine with Mt. Rainier in the distance. You're likely to spot bald eagles and other waterfowl flying over the lake. The restaurant touts its food, beverages and service. Food is produced from local ingredients and microbrews are served. Reservations are required for parties of 8 or more.
Sleep
There are many bed and breakfasts on the island, making it a relaxing getaway. There are no hotels on the island.
Stay safe
Place Anderson Island Fire/Rescue (Pierce County Fire District #27)
Anderson Island residents and visitors are serviced by the all-volunteer fire department. The department is equipped with two engines, two ambulances, two water tenders, one brush truck and three marine watercraft. Emergency transportation from the island can be achieved by ambulance on a regular ferryboat run, fireboat to Steilacoom after hours or depending on severity of the medical emergency and also serviced by Airlift Northwest helicopter support. Water emergencies, whether on one of the two fresh water lakes or in Puget Sound, Anderson Island Marine Division stands ready to respond.
Go next
- Steilacoom and Ketron Island are just a short boat ride away.
- The Key Peninsula which is a sub peninsula of the Kitsap Peninsula is also close by boat to the west.
Nearby
Steilacoom
City / town · 7 listings · 5 mi away
Fox Island
Rural area · 12 listings · 7 mi away
Key Peninsula
Rural area · 28 listings · 10 mi away
Harstine Island
City / town · 6 listings · 10 mi away
Lacey
City / town · 9 listings · 10 mi away
Olympia
City / town · 37 listings · 12 mi away
Gig Harbor
City / town · 36 listings · 13 mi away
Tacoma
City / town · 104 listings · 13 mi away
My experience
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