Guide To Lummi Island: Everything You Need to Plan the Perfect Trip
Looking for a unique place to visit this year? Check out Lummi Island! This stunning island is located in Washington and is known for its lush forests, rugged coastline, talented artists, and crystal-clear water. Whether you’re looking to explore the island on foot or take a relaxing boat ride, you’re sure to have a memorable experience. In this guide to Lummi Island, I’ll provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your visit, from how to get there to where to stay. I hope you enjoy it!
Table Of Content
Where is Lummi Island?
Lummi Island is located in Washington, just north of the Canadian border. It’s about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Seattle.
The island was named after Sir William Bellingham. A British Navy storekeeper was responsible for checking the supplies of explorer George Vancouver before he left England in 1791.
How to get to Lummi Island
Lummi Island is only accessible by ferry. From Gooseberry Point, mainland, board the ferry for Lummi Island. The ferry ride will be very short but sometimes it may take a little longer because of the weather conditions.
The ferry carries only 22 cars so if you want to bring your car with you be sure to arrive early. To check the ferry schedule and Fares visit the official Website of Lummi Island Ferry.
NOTE: There is no Gas/ Fuel Station on the island, so be sure to have enough gas in your car.
What is Lummi Island Known For?
I love Lummi Island! I’ve heard so many amazing things about this secluded island – that it’s a beautiful secret and one of the most bio-diverse places in the world. Even though it’s quite a pristine environment compared to the rest of Washington, you can still see some amazing things.
Should I Visit Lummi Island?
Even though the island is only 9.255 sq miles, you’ll still get a taste of island life and have fun.
Lummi is a “great destination for kids and nature lovers.” I would agree – it wasn’t hard to find something fun for them (or me). You’ll see deer & other wild animals, whales breaching up close, and huge shrimp farms with their ever-so-tempting piers.
What Is The Weather Like On Lummi Island?
Lummi Island has two distinct seasons. In the summer, it’s bright and sunny with little rain – perfect conditions to enjoy a beach holiday! I recommend booking your ferry slot in advance as you can’t check in after 3 pm.
The other season is winter, from November through May; here it’s generally cloudy and quite wet (although there are days where you’ll have clear skies). If staying anywhere other than Port Ludlow then I’d recommend booking a cabin on the southern side of Lummi. It’ll ensure you’re away from wind and stormy weather, but still within a relatively short walk to enjoy some of the best that Lummi Island has to offer!
Getting Around On Lummi Island
For the most part, it’s quite straightforward to get around Lummi Island without your vehicle. Walking is a viable option for these small islands; although you’d probably want something more comfortable than an old pair of Crocs at slower times (depending on the weather). Most areas are approximately 1-2km from one another – so if you’re thinking about traversing all 7 or 8 kilometers across Lummi Island then go ahead and book that excursion for the following day.
As I mentioned earlier there is no gas station available on the island, so I recommend not bringing your car. Enjoy the areas on foot and sail on a chartered boat to explore the island you will love it.
Places To Stay On Lummi Island
Lummi Island is a tiny island and there are not many options for lodging here, Nettles Farm Bed & Breakfast is located 3.8 miles away from the ferry dock and is a good place for getting around and seeing the island. This place is clean and very comfortable and the food is also pretty good, Try their Pizza Oven when you are at this House.
The island’s one and only Inn The Willows Inn is very famous for its services and food. The island has nothing much to do so this is a perfect place for a lazy vacation. Also, remember the price may be overpriced on some items.
Full Bloom Farm Welcome to this lovely retreat! You’ll find a cozy private cottage tucked away amidst beautiful organic gardens and vibrant peony fields. It’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind!
There is a guest house half a mile away from the ferry dock where you can stay, eat, book a spa treatment, and access their privet beach too.
Places To Eat On Lummi Island
Like places to stay, there are only a few options available for eating on Lummi Island. A historical cafe Beach Store Cafe is located near the ferry landings, this is a favorite gathering spot for the locals and visitors. Here, you can have the best burgers on the island.
For eating the best lunch and dinner head to The Willows Inn, the one and only inn on the island.
The Islander Store is a general store located south of ferry landings and offers groceries, wine, and beer.
The Best Things to Do in Lummi Island, Washington
What to do on Lummi Island? Lummi Island has an interesting calendar of activities that appeal to a vast range of people. Lummi Island harmonizes beautiful seasonal events including arts & crafts fairs where you can find homemade wares next door from popular chain stores! Around these times special
Hike The Baker Preserve:
If you love hiking then Lummi Island is the ideal place to go. The Baker Preserve and the Otto Preserve offer up a variety of hiking options including the trail stretch that goes all along the coast. Or you can take off into the woods and hike to Baker Lake, go canoeing on Sells Lake (for which you require a permit from Lummi Island State Park offices), or just climb Mount Power for incredible views across America’s waterways – it is also very easy.
You have to hike on foot cause bicycles are not allowed in the baker’s preserve. Also, dogs are not allowed on the trails.
Visit Full Bloom Farm
Another popular destination on Lummi Island is Full Bloom Farm, If the thought of picking your flowers, vegetables, or fruit appeals to you and you’re not allergic to any pollen then Full Bloom Farm is for you. With a lovely farmstead setting that’s decorated with festive displays in the Fall, Winter, and Spring there is plenty to enjoy as well!
Hooping on the Beaches
As well as popular water sports like canoeing and kayaking there is also surfing on the island, take a development course, or just head down to beautiful Sunset Beach to get in your natural rhythm.
Sunset Beach is 2 miles (4 km) long and runs along the east coast of Lummi Island. Sunset Beach has places to camp, user-created sites or you can just watch a spectacular sunset from one of the island’s many benches placed throughout either end as well as extend out into much less rocky areas depending on conditions near the shoreline.
Church Beach boasts a small beach that is a bit more protected from waves than its eastern counterpart and has much better access to the shoreline, campgrounds, and boat ramps.
Explore the Island by Kayaking or Boats
The best way to travel is, of course, by kayak or canoe, as you can stop and explore most areas on the island with relative ease. If you start from Salish Lodge & Spa Marina, then it doesn’t matter what direction that trip takes because there are excellent vantage points potentially for each!
So be sure like Lummi Island a full day of exploring will take about an hour, which means daylight hours so plan your time accordingly. On rare occasions, You might watch some Orca Whales near the shore.
The Bottomline:
Lummi Island! This picturesque island Fresh off a summer of hiking, kayaking, and paddleboarding, what’s on the agenda for the next season? A visit to Washington State is a must-see for adventurers and nature lovers alike. In this guide to Lummi Island, I tried to cover everything you need to know for visiting Lummi Island, WA.
