Raft Island
Island Private residential island in Puget Sound
Raft Island, Washington, is a small residential island accessed by causeway near Puget Sound; visitors come for short kayak launches, shoreline walks and quiet sandy beaches used by locals.
Raft Island is a small privately managed residential island in Puget Sound, Washington State. It is characterized by a low-density community of homes and private shoreline, with managed common areas.
Public access is limited and the island functions largely as a residential enclave and seasonal recreation spot for residents and invited guests. There are shoreline paths and local docks but no major public transport or commercial facilities on the island.
The island developed in the 20th century as a residential community and has since remained primarily private and residential rather than a public park or tourism center.
It lies in south Puget Sound, Pierce County, west of the Tacoma metropolitan area and near the Key Peninsula and Gig Harbor communities.
- Access: Primarily a private residential community with limited public access, so visitors should check access rules before planning a visit.
How to Get to Raft Island #
Raft Island is connected to the mainland by a short causeway and is privately controlled; access is by invitation only. View and photograph the island from public points in Gig Harbor or neighboring shorelines.
Tips for Visiting Raft Island #
- Raft Island is a private residential island - do not attempt to land without an invitation from a resident.
- Photograph it from public viewpoints on the Gig Harbor side of Henderson Bay if not visiting as a guest.
- If invited, be prepared for a tightly managed community with rules about guests and vehicles.
Best Time to Visit Raft Island #
Summer offers the most pleasant weather for viewing Puget Sound islands; Raft Island is best appreciated from the water or nearby public shores unless visiting a resident.
Weather & Climate near Raft Island #
Raft Island'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 2°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1170 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 21 mm.
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August
August is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (183 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (190 mm).
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