Overview
Lummi Island is a island in northwest Washington State, between the mainland and the San Juan Islands. It is best known for its unique reefnet salmon fishery, eclectic population of artists, picturesque seascapes, and rural setting. The island has a population of about 800, which nearly doubles in summer when property owners from both Canada and the U.S. arrive for summer fun and relaxation.
1 places to eat
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jun–Sep. Summer highs reach about 70°F; winter lows dip to about 33°F. Wettest: Dec and Nov. (climate data from nearby Port Angeles)
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.
- BLI Bellingham International Airport, Bellingham — 9 mi away. Directions
- ESD Orcas Island Airport, Eastsound — 11 mi away. Directions
- SEA Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, Seattle — 88 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
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
The Lummi Indian Reservation is situated on a peninsula east of the island, but does not include Lummi Island.
History
The island was called Sa nam a o ("High Mountain") and Skallaham by the native peoples. In 1792 Spanish explorers dubbed it Isla de Pacheco, and it was later known as McLoughlin Island. In 1853, the U.S. National Geodetic Survey charted the island as Lummi, naming it after the tribe. It is believed the name comes from luminara, referring to the bonfires the Spanish saw upon arrival and whence the tribe also took their name, though there are also theories that it is derived from a native word or phrase.
The Island post office came into existence in 1882. At that time mail was addressed to "Beach Washington" which was the name of the town. Today Island mail is addressed to "Lummi Island Washington", though the Beach School and Beach Store Cafe retain the Beach community name.
Get in
By ferry
Go Lummi Island Ferry
A 22-car ferry, the Whatcom Chief, run by Whatcom County Public Works. It is 6-minute passage from Gooseberry Point on the mainland to the Lummy Ferry Dock. The ferry ride may take longer depending on weather conditions. The departure schedule varies between weekdays, weekends and holidays, so check the schedule for times and fare information. Note in particular that the ferry skips trips on some Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Get around
There is no gas/fueling station on Lummi Island, so if you are taking your car over on the ferry, be sure you have enough fuel to get around.
See and do
The island hosts a weekly farmers' market in the spring and summer, a chili festival in mid-July, and a Christmas party for island children. Lummi Island is also home to many artists who conduct studio tours on Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the first weekend of December.
Its narrow, scenic and winding roads are popular with bicyclers.
A trail to Lummi Mountain takes hikers through the Baker Preserve to stunning high views of the San Juan and Gulf islands. The trail is maintained by the Lummi Island Heritage Trust.
Eat and drink
Eat Beach Store Cafe
A popular local hangout with a small bar, serves seafood and traditional café fare.
Nearby
Bellingham
City / town · 78 listings · 9 mi away
Eastsound
City / town · 30 listings · 11 mi away
Blakely Island
Rural area · 2 listings · 11 mi away
Ferndale
City / town · 30 listings · 11 mi away
Anacortes
City / town · 16 listings · 13 mi away
Edison
City / town · 3 listings · 14 mi away
Orcas Village
City / town · 10 listings · 14 mi away
Decatur Island
Rural area · 4 listings · 14 mi away
My experience
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