Accommodations

There are a handful of places to stay on the island. The kid-friendly modern log house at The Inn at Burg’s Landing B&B (8808 Villa Beach Rd., 253/884-9185, www.burgslandingbb.com, $90–140 s or d) gives guests panoramic views of Mount Rainier and the Cascades. A covered deck with a hot tub overlooks the backyard fire pit and tree-dotted lawns leading to a private beach.

Watch herons glide over Little Vega Bay from the porch at Anderson House on Oro Bay (12024 Eckenstam-Johnson Rd., 253/884-4088 or 800/750-4088, www.non.com/anderson, $150 s or d, no kids). This beautifully restored 1920s Scandinavian farmhouse rests on a pasture surrounded by old-growth forests and an estuary. All four guest rooms have private baths, and a full breakfast is included.

For the more self-sufficient, August Inn (14117 Lyle Point Road, 253/884-4011, www.augustinn.com) rents a self-contained home that sleeps six for $249, plus two studio suites for $159 d. All three are right on the water, with private entrances and decks.

Getting to Anderson Island

Pierce County operates the small Anderson Island–Steilacoom Ferry (253/798-7250), which leaves Steilacoom Dock about every two hours. Round-trip summer fares are $19 for car and driver, $4.70 for passengers and pedestrians. The ferry also visits tiny Ketron Island (no public facilities).

© Ericka Chickowski from Moon Washington, 8th edition