Blake Island Marine State Park

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Are you a boater craving island time? Do you paddle the Puget Sound on your days off? Or are you a dinner-cruiser visiting Seattle and eager to try the Native American meal and cultural event at Tillicum?

Accessible only by boat, Blake Island offers a change of pace not far from Seattle. In addition to the Native American-themed Tillicum events, this destination features blue waters, peaceful trails, driftwood-scattered beaches and views of the city and Mt. Rainier.

Once off the boat, let your boots or bicycle take you down miles of trail to the island's interior, where forest animals and birds make appearances. Or stay near the water and fish, dig for clams in season or go scuba diving. Arriving by human-powered watercraft? Hunker down in one of the Cascadia Marine Trail campsites at the west end of the island for majestic sunsets over the Olympic Mountains. 

Whether you're lounging on your vessel, kayaking the Cascadia Marine Trail, or enjoying Tillicum as part of a tour, Blake Island will exceed expectations.

Park features

Blake Island Marine State Park is a 1,127-acre, marine camping park with 5 miles of saltwater beach shoreline. The park is reachable only by tour boat or private boat. A Northwest flavors-inspired buffet meal with traditionally prepared alder fire-roasted fish and a live stage performance featuring Northwest Native American storytelling are offered at Argosy Cruises' Tillicum Excursion.

  1. Activities
  2. Boating
  3. Camping
  4. Maps

ADA amenities/facilities

  • Restroom

Use our interactive ADA recreation map to search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities.

Picnic & day-use facilities

Two picnic shelters with a fire circle for groups of 100 people or less. No electricity is available. Fires are permitted only in designated fire circles at individual campsites. Barbeque grills are located in the day-use area.

Activities

Trails

  • 7.5 miles of bike trails
  • 8 miles of hiking trails

Water activities & features

  • 1,500 feet of moorage
  • Boating
  • Clamming
  • Crabbing
  • Diving
  • Fishing (saltwater)

Other activities & features

  • Beach exploration
  • Bird watching
  • Interpretive activities
  • Mountain biking
  • Fire circles (2 sheltered)
  • Horseshoe pits (2)
  • Volleyball field
  • Wildlife viewing

Interpretive opportunities

The history of the Trimble estate appears on a sign at the site of the former Trimble mansion. Blake Island was once the private preserve of the William Pitt Trimble family. Native plants are interpreted in signage on the nature trail.

Additional information

  • Argosy Cruises Tillicum Excursion, an attraction located on the island, features a traditionally prepared roasted fish buffet meal with a Northwest Native American performance enhanced by technology. A small cafe in the Tillicum longhouse is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, annually. For reservations/information, call Argosy Cruises (206) 623-1445 or visit online.
  • Kayak rentals available through Vashon Adventures in the main day-use/harbor area.
  • Firewood gathering is not permitted on the island.
  • A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
  • Printable park brochure (PDF).