About 90 minutes from Seattle, nestled in the inlets of the Key Peninsula, lies Herron Island. This tiny private island in the Puget Sound, is ideal for an escape from the city. Remote, with stunning views, and unparalleled quiet stillness. Unplug, relax, and recharge. Watch for seals, porpoise, and the occasional orca whales. Explore the island by foot, paddle board, or kayak. Peruse the extensive collectible VHS collection at night, and say hello to the deer in the morning. Enjoy year round.
The space
Herron Island is a tiny, secluded private Island in southern Puget Sound. A short 10 minute ferry ride separates you from all the distractions of the mainland. You can only access the island by our 12 car ferry. There are no stores or restaurants on the island so you'll experience a level of peace and quiet that is hard to match anywhere else.
There are 2 bedrooms plus a large sleeping loft. The master bedroom has a cozy queen size bed and a stunning view of the water. The second bedroom has a comfortable queen bed. There is a sleeping loft with 4 single beds. The open living/dining/kitchen area is a great place to congregate, prepare meals and enjoy time together. The spacious kitchen is fully equipped. The kitchen bar sits 4 and the dining room table sits 4 more.
Ductless heating and air-conditioning keeps the entire house comfortable and cozy year round.
There are 2 decks with spectacular views of the Puget Sound year round. Sunrises are nothing short of spectacular. Watching the moonlight reflect off of the water at night is one of the most beautiful sights you will ever see. Take in view from the deck or just stay in bed and enjoy from the bedroom window.
A large gas grill, Adirondack chairs and a propane fire table on the upper deck are available year round. The fire table is covered by a louvered pergola that opens up to let the sun shine in or closes to give you shade and cover from the rain. The covered fire table is a great place to congregate year round. During summer and spring there is a complete set of patio furniture (table, chairs and umbrella). The lower deck is a great place to slip off to for a little seclusion. Any meal enjoyed on the deck will be one you will remember forever.
There is a TV, VHS player and a large library of vintage VHS tapes. There is no cable TV or internet but most people can get some cell coverage and internet via their mobile phones. We considered adding cable TV and internet but found our guests really enjoyed getting "unplugged". If needed, there are several areas close by on the island where cell signals are strong.
Guest access
A short walk down the stairs brings you to your own beach. You’ll find 2 kayaks, 2 stand up paddle boards and life jackets at your disposal at no additional cost. The water in Case Inlet is exceptionally calm. Most mornings the water is like glass. An early morning paddle is a fantastic way to start your day.
Whether you bundle up in the winter or put on your flip flops in the summer, a walk around the island on the beach is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the Puget Sound. You can circle the island in under 2 hours at a leisurely pace. Expect to encounter a variety of Northwest wildlife including seals, otter, eagles, heron, deer and porpoise. If you're lucky you'll see the Orca and Humpback whales that have been visiting the island in ever increasing numbers. The west shore is the best place find whales, although they've been seen all around the island. Watch for them close to the shore. Listen for them spouting.
The water can get fairly warm in the summer and excellent for swimming and floating. The calm waters make for some of the best paddle sports you’ll find anywhere. After you play at the beach, rinse away the salt and sand with a fresh water shower at our beach shed.
Other things to note
YOU MUST BRING ALL FOOD WITH YOU. THERE ARE NO STORES, RESTAURANTS OR MEDICAL SERVICES ON THE ISLAND.
This is a private island in a remote location, however there are people who live on the island part time or full time. There are neighbors homes on either side of ours (see photo from the beach in the "Backyard" section). The privacy fence on the deck will give you ample seclusion and privacy.
Please be aware that although the house sleeps 8 people, not all of the 3 bedrooms are totally private. The upstairs bedroom that houses four twin beds, is a loft. This means that the room is not fully enclosed. The master bedroom on the main floor, while fully enclosed, has a sliding barn style door that lets some sound in. The other bedroom on the main floor is fully enclosed with a traditional door.
If your group has 8 people, please note that 8 people cannot fit at the dinning table. The dinning table seats 4-6. There are 6 dinning chairs. There is also an island / bar just behind the dinning table that has 2 additional seats.
Tap water is fine for drinking.
We supply propane for the grill and fire table. There is a house manual with complete information in the house.
You are welcome to use our kayaks and paddle boards. There are various sizes of life jackets available for use. If you have kids under 6 years you'll need to bring your own. There is no lifeguard on the beach.
Cell/internet service spotty in the vicinity of the beach house. We have had guests use their hot spot successfully for movies, etc. We get best cell reception on the deck and at the top of the driveway. If needed, there are several areas on the island where cell/internet signals are strong.
Herron Island can only be accessed by our private ferry. Toll is $25 for car and driver plus $5 per additional passenger round trip.
Herron Island is a very peaceful place. Enjoy all the beauty and peace our island has to offer and please respect our neighbor’s rights to the same.
