National park · United States
Blake IslandBlake Island Marine State Park
Go only if you have a boat, a kayak or a seat on the shuttle: there is no bridge and no ferry. Day trip from Bainbridge or Manchester, walk the 7 km (4.3 mi) Perimeter Road, and be back at the dock before dark.Go only if you have a boat, a kayak or a seat on the shuttle: there is no bridge and no ferry. Day trip from Bainbridge or Manchester, walk the 4.3 mi (7 km) Perimeter Road, and be back at the dock before dark.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
2 km² (1 sq mi)1 sq mi (2 km²)
approximate
Established
1959
Best months
May–Jun, Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 2 km² (1 sq mi)1 sq mi (2 km²)
- 475 acres (about 1.9 km²) of land; the tidelands and bedlands around it are managed as an underwater park.
- Established
- 1959
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Seattle
Blake Island is a 192-hectare marine state park in Puget Sound, about 13 km from downtown Seattle as the crow flies but reachable only by water. It has 8 km of saltwater shoreline, second-growth forest, a first-come moorage and campground, and a beach that is part of an underwater park. The Suquamish used it as a camping ground and it is widely described as the birthplace of Chief Seattle, though that is disputed. There is no lodge and no restaurant: you bring food, or you eat on the boat.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1959.
Size and age
2 km² (1 sq mi)1 sq mi (2 km²) · national park since 1959
475 acres (about 1.9 km²) of land; the tidelands and bedlands around it are managed as an underwater park.
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Seattle.
Why go
- A forested island with 8 km (5 mi) of beach, 13 km (8.1 mi) from a metro area of four million people, and no bridge to it.A forested island with 5 mi (8 km) of beach, 8.1 mi (13 km) from a metro area of four million people, and no bridge to it.
- The Perimeter Road gives open water views to the Olympic Mountains, the Cascades and the Seattle skyline in one 7 km (4.3 mi) walk.The Perimeter Road gives open water views to the Olympic Mountains, the Cascades and the Seattle skyline in one 4.3 mi (7 km) walk.
- Beachcombing, tide pools and quiet coves: at low tide the south and west shores open up.
- Camping and moorage are first-come, so a midweek night in June is genuinely quiet.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarCaution
- AprGo
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulGo
- AugGo
- SepBest
- OctGo
- NovCaution
- DecAvoid
- JanCold, dark, drizzly; short daylight and few boats
- FebWet and grey; docks empty
- MarMilder; rain most weeks
- AprDrier spells, longer days
- MayOften dry, mild, before the summer rush
- JunLong days, sunset after 21:00; buoys start fillingLong days, sunset after 9:00 PM; buoys start filling
- JulWarmest and driest, but the busiest docks
- AugWarm; book the shuttle early, moorage fills
- SepStill dry and warm, crowds thin after Labor Day
- OctClear spells, autumn colour, fewer boats
- NovWet and windy; storms
- DecShort days, drizzle, cold on the water
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harbor seals and pups hauled out on the shoreMar–Aug · Keep people and dogs away; pups rest alone for hours and are easily disturbed. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
| Bald eagles, blue herons and migrating birdsSep–May | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Orcas and grey whales passing Puget SoundApr–Sep · Occasional, not reliable. Boaters must keep 200 yards (about 180 m) from orcas and leave their path clear. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Black-tailed deer, raccoons, otters and minkAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Tide-pool life: sea stars, crabs, moon snails, sand dollarsApr–Sep · Look at low tide and put everything back where you found it. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Bainbridge Island (Eagle Harbor)
Blake Island Shuttle, scheduled departures; the only regular passenger service to the island.
About 1 h on the water
From Manchester
Private boat or kayak from the Manchester boat launch, the closest put-in at about 3 km (1.9 mi).Private boat or kayak from the Manchester boat launch, the closest put-in at about 1.9 mi (3 km).
30–60 min paddling
From Seattle
No direct service: ferry or drive to Bainbridge Island or Manchester first, then boat.
2–3 h total
Open the page →
From Kitsap Peninsula
Region guide for ferry routes, launch sites and where to sleep before an early departure.
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Main dock and ranger office | Moorage, restrooms, showers, potable water and a small park store with snacks, charcoal and firelogs. | Open to boaters; first-come. |
| Main campground | 44 standard sites, two primitive sites, three water-trail sites and four restrooms (one accessible). | First-come; maximum eight people per site. |
| Perimeter Road and bluffs | The 7 km (4.3 mi) loop on the bluffs above the beach, plus a short nature trail with plant markers.The 4.3 mi (7 km) loop on the bluffs above the beach, plus a short nature trail with plant markers. | Open on foot or by bike. |
| Beaches and tidelands | 8 km (5 mi) of shoreline; parts of the south and west shore are cut off at high tide.5 mi (8 km) of shoreline; parts of the south and west shore are cut off at high tide. | Open; check the posted tidal conditions. |
| Blake Island Reef | An artificial reef of concrete rubble parallel to the south shore, in 15–18 m of water. | Divers only; cold-water gear and training needed. |
Sketch map
- 1Blake Island dock and ranger office · Headquarters≈47.539, -122.490Map ↗
- 2Main campground · Sleep≈47.540, -122.493Map ↗
- 3Perimeter Road high point · Viewpoint≈47.535, -122.497Approximate; the trail loops the island rather than following one line.Map ↗
- 4South shore beach · Beach≈47.533, -122.492Map ↗
- 5Blake Island Reef · Dive site≈47.531, -122.490Approximate; the reef runs east–west off the south shore.Map ↗
- 6Manchester boat launch · Ranger station≈47.556, -122.545Map ↗
- 7Eagle Harbor, Bainbridge Island · Town≈47.623, -122.515Map ↗
Take the points offline
7 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Island coordinates from Wikidata; dock, campground, beach and reef positions are approximate, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blake Island Shuttle, round trip from Bainbridge Island (Eagle Harbor) | US$125 | person | 2026 estimate; minimum two people, morning out and evening or next-morning return (check current times). |
| Moorage buoy or dock space | Free | boat | First-come, first-served; 24 buoys and about 460 m of dock. Fee schedule set by Washington State Parks (check). |
| Shore power at the dock | US$6 | night | 2026 estimate. |
| Campsite, peak season (15 May – 15 Sep) | US$23–37 | site | Standard US$23–26, partial-utility US$30–35, full-utility US$32–37; primitive and water-trail sites US$12. 2026 estimate. |
| Campsite, off-peak (1 Jan – 14 May, 16 Sep – 31 Dec) | US$22–29 | site | Standard US$22, partial-utility US$28, full-utility US$29; primitive and water-trail sites US$12. 2026 estimate. |
| Group camp (up to 50 people) | Free | group | By reservation only; fee varies with group size (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry no permit
Campsite permit or guide
Crab and shellfish harvest permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$125
- US$6
- US$23–37
- US$22–29
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Washington State Parks — Blake Island Marine State Park before you go.
Park rules
- No entry ticket, but no free ride
- The park has no gate fee; you pay for the shuttle, your own boat, moorage or a campsite.
- Campsites are first-come
- Standard sites cannot be reserved. Maximum eight people per site; the group site is the only reservable one.
- Shells and driftwood stay
- Take out anything artificial you find, but leave shells, driftwood and living creatures in place.
- Seal pups
- Do not approach hauled-out seals or pups; keep children and dogs well back.
- Whale distance
- Stay 200 yards (about 180 m) from orcas and keep out of their path — a federal rule for all vessels in inland Washington waters.
- Fires
- Use the firelogs and charcoal sold at the park store; do not cut wood on the island.
Where to stay
In the park
Main campground
44 standard sites plus primitive and water-trail sites; restrooms, one shower area, potable water in some areas.
In the park
Cascadia Marine Trail sites
Three sites on the west end reserved for canoe and kayak campers.
In the park
On your boat
24 mooring buoys and about 460 m of dock, first-come; rafting up is normal in summer.
Near the park
Kitsap Peninsula
Hotels and rentals in Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo and Manchester for the night before an early departure.
Safety
Cold water and wind on the crossing medium
Tides cutting off the beach medium
Mud, roots and no lighting on the Perimeter Road low
No supplies on the island low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The dock, ranger office, restrooms and one campground restroom are accessible; the island is reached by boat, so boarding is the main barrier.
- The Perimeter Road is an unimproved dirt trail over bluffs and is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
- The nature trail near the campground is the easiest walking on the island.
Visiting lightly
- Pack out everything, including food scraps; there is no rubbish service for day visitors.
- Do not take shells, driftwood, sea stars or crabs from the beach — the tidelands are a protected underwater park.
- Keep 200 yards from orcas and leave hauled-out seals alone; disturbance is the main risk to both.
- Camp and moor midweek in summer to spread pressure on the 44 sites and 24 buoys.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Blake Island?
There is no entry fee and no gate — you arrive by water. Your real costs are transport and moorage: the Blake Island Shuttle from Bainbridge Island is about US$125 per person round trip with a two-person minimum, a campsite is US$22–37 per night depending on season and utility, primitive and water-trail sites are US$12, and shore power at the dock is about US$6 per night. Moorage itself is first-come and the fee is set by Washington State Parks (check).
What are the best hikes in Blake Island?
The Perimeter Road is the main walk: about 7 km on an unimproved trail over the bluffs above the beach, taking 2.5–3 hours, with views to the Olympic Mountains and the Seattle skyline. The nature trail near the campground is a 30-minute marked loop. Beach walking is the third option, but parts of the south and west shore are difficult or impassable at high tide, so check the tide table.
When is the best time to visit Blake Island?
Mid-May to early September for dry, mild weather and long days, with May and September the sweet spot before and after the summer rush. July and August are warmest but the 24 buoys and dock space fill quickly. Winter is drizzly, dark and quiet; the island is open year-round but boats are few.
How do you get to Blake Island?
Only by boat. The Blake Island Shuttle runs from Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island, typically leaving in the morning and returning the same evening or the next morning. Private boats and kayaks launch from Manchester, about 3 km away, which is the closest put-in. There is no ferry from Seattle and no bridge.
Can you camp on Blake Island?
Yes. The main campground has 44 standard sites, two primitive sites and three water-trail sites for kayakers, all first-come, first-served, with a maximum of eight people per site. There are restrooms, one shower area and potable water in some areas. A group site for up to 50 people is the only reservable option.
Is there food or lodging on Blake Island?
No lodging beyond camping and sleeping on your boat. A small park store at the ranger office sells snacks, sodas, charcoal and firelogs, but you should bring your own food and water. Potable water is available in some camping and moorage areas.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
- officialWashington State Parks — Blake Island Marine State Park
- officialWashington State Parks — Blake Island trail map (PDF)
- officialWashington Dept of Fish and Wildlife — shellfish beaches
- officialBlake Island Shuttle
- secondaryWikipedia — Blake Island
- secondaryWikivoyage: Blake Island, revision 5188568 (CC BY-SA 4.0)