Anderson Island (Washington)About Anderson Island (Washington)
Anderson Island is an inhabited island in south Puget Sound in Washington State, administratively part of Pierce County. It functions as a residential and recreational community with year-round and seasonal residents.
The island features shoreline access, local roads, small community facilities, and outdoor recreation such as boating and walking along marine shorelines. The community atmosphere is low-density and largely private-residence oriented.
European-American settlement and development of the island took place in the 19th and 20th centuries as Puget Sound communities expanded; it later developed into a mix of permanent homes and seasonal properties. Local transportation links have historically relied on ferry service to the mainland.
Anderson Island lies in south Puget Sound, southwest of Tacoma, Washington, and is reached by a county ferry from the mainland.
- Ferry access: Served by a county-operated ferry linking the island to the Washington mainland, enabling vehicle access without bridges.
- Character and recreation: Predominantly residential and recreational in character, with shoreline properties, small community amenities, and opportunities for boating and shoreline walks.
Best Time to Visit Anderson Island (Washington)
Best visited late spring through summer for ferry service and outdoor activities.
Weather & Climate near Anderson Island (Washington)
Anderson Island (Washington)'s climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 23°C. Abundant rainfall (1213 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 1° - 8° | 2° | 180 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 2° - 9° | 3° | 145 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 2° - 12° | 5° | 128 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 4° - 14° | 7° | 85 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 6° - 18° | 12° | 53 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 8° - 20° | 14° | 42 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 10° - 23° | 16° | 22 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 10° - 23° | 17° | 28 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 9° - 21° | 15° | 49 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 6° - 16° | 11° | 98 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 4° - 11° | 5° | 190 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 2° - 8° | 2° | 193 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Anderson Island (Washington)
Ferry service to Anderson Island departs from Steilacoom (Pierce County route); vehicle reservations recommended. Nearest major city: Tacoma (~30-40 minutes by road to Steilacoom).
Tips for Visiting Anderson Island (Washington)
- Ferries to Anderson Island depart Steilacoom; check Pierce County ferry schedules as private vehicle reservations fill quickly.
- Rent a bike or bring one-roads and back lanes are quiet and ideal for cycling.
- Pick up supplies in Steilacoom or nearby Tacoma-the island has limited shopping options.