South Puget Sound, Washington
Anderson Island
Life
A small island you’ve probably never heard of. And we like it that way.
Information for people who live here, visit here, or are just curious about what life looks like on a small island in the South Sound.
Heads up: The General Store, gas station, and cafe are indefinitely closed. No groceries or fuel on the island. The Riviera Lakeshore Restaurant is open. Bring everything you need from the mainland – no gas cans on the ferry.
AT A GLANCE
Residents
Island Size
Lakes
Ferry Crossing
Stoplights
About the Island
An Island on Island Time
Anderson Island sits at the southern end of Puget Sound, about 8 miles southwest of Steilacoom. The only way on or off is the Pierce County ferry. There is no bridge, and that is not an accident.
The island covers about 7.5 square miles and is home to roughly 1,400 year-round residents. Most of the land is forested. There are three freshwater lakes, miles of saltwater shoreline, and a parks system that punches well above its weight.
Life here moves at a different pace. Neighbors know each other. The ferry schedule shapes the day. The absence of a traffic light is a point of quiet pride.
Before You Go
Plan Before You Come
Anderson Island is a real place where real people live. A little planning makes the trip much better for everyone.
The Ferry
First come, first served. No reservations. Arrive early on summer weekends.
Miss the last ferry and you’re spending the night.
Food & Gas
No grocery store. No gas station. One restaurant. Bring what you need from the mainland.
This is not a drill. There is no gas on the island.
Cell Service & Emergencies
Cell coverage is spotty. No hospital on the island. Volunteer fire and rescue cover emergencies.
For emergencies, call 911. Medevac is available.
WHO WE SERVE
A Useful Guide to Anderson Island Life
This site is for people who live here, visit here, or are curious about what life looks like on a small island in the South Sound.
For Residents
Quick links to the things you actually use. Community contacts. Practical island info.
For Visitors
Everything you need to plan a trip – ferry, parks, dining, what to bring.
For Future Residents
Thinking about making the move? Island life is genuinely different. Here’s what you need to know before you decide.
Explore Anderson Island
What Brings People Here
Parks & Trails
The Parks District manages nearly 500 acres, including Andy's Marine Park with its saltwater beach and views of Mount Rainier.
Explore Parks
Lakes & Beaches
Three freshwater lakes. Miles of saltwater shoreline. Crabbing, clamming, kayaking.
Water Activities
Community Life
The Community Club, Johnson Farm, weekly bingo, concerts, art, and friendly neighbors.
Community ResourcesGetting Here
Know the Ferry
The Pierce County ferry runs year-round from the Steilacoom dock, about 45 minutes south of Seattle. The crossing takes about 20 minutes. There is no reservation system – first come, first served.
The schedule changes seasonally. Check the full schedule before you travel, especially on holidays and weekends in summer.
Current Schedule
Full weekday, weekend, and holiday schedule
Fares & Tickets
Walk-on, vehicle, bicycle, and passenger fares
Rider Alerts
Sign up for service disruption and weather alerts
Ferry Webcam
Live view of ferry lines and docks
Island Websites
Other Helpful Island Resources
Anderson Island has a strong online community. These sites are run by island organizations and are excellent resources for residents and visitors alike.
Anderson Island Assistant app
Real-time ferry tracking, community news, events, and island resources. An essential for anyone on or heading to the island.
Anderson Island Historical Society
Preserves Anderson Island history through Johnson Farm, archives, exhibits, photographs, and community events.
anderson-island.org/hs/
Anderson Island Parks District
Official site for the Parks District. Park maps, trail guides, youth programs, and the downloadable parks guide are all here.
andersonislandparks.org
Riviera Community Club
The HOA covering part of the island. The Lakeshore Restaurant, marina, tennis, events calendar, and membership information are all on the Riviera site.
rivieraclub.org
Anderson Island Arts
Concerts, gallery shows, classes, and the annual studio tour.
andersonislandarts.com
