Travel
Travel Note
Introduction to Vashon
Vashon Island, Ellie’s hometown, is off the west coast of West Seattle and the north coast of Tacoma, and is only accessible by ferry. The island is very remote, and has limited public transport and essentially no Uber or Taxi, so it is recommended to get a rental car or plan to rideshare with others. Because of the ferries, the best option for lodging is on island. There are no formal hotel chains, but there are a few boutique hotels like The Lodges on Vashon (https://www.lodgesonvashon.com/), though we also recommend families to look at AirBnB/VRBO — and to do so ASAP before they book out. We understand lodging can be expensive and hard to find, so if you prefer, there is also the option to stay in West Seattle or Tacoma, ideally near the ferry.
Travel Note
Getting to the Vashon Ferry
Please note: when coming from the airport, search for the Fauntleroy Ferry (this is the West Seattle ferry). If you search for the Seattle Ferries, this will take you to downtown Seattle, which doesn't have a car ferry to Vashon. If you get a rental car, we recommend getting one at the airport. If you are not, Uber is very easy as well, and is located in the parking deck across from baggage claim. (Just be aware that Uber does not exist on the island. In other words, we highly recommend getting a rental car.) Search for the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal as drop-off, which will drop you at the end of the dock. The address is 4829 SW Barton St, Seattle, WA 98136
Travel Note
Getting on the Ferry from West Seattle
Ellie highly recommends downloading the WSDOT app and using the ferries function (make sure to select Fauntleroy [West Seattle]/Vashon). The live map shows where ferries are and the cameras show how full the Fauntleroy dock is. If you are driving to the island, dependent on how busy the time of day, it may be a bit confusing for new people — if the dock is full, the line behind the toll both will curve north up the street and you will have to find the back of the line. Just drive until you reach the end of parked cars. Also, don't stop on the striped lines as it will block driveways. Usually you won't have to deal with this stress except at rush hour. There may be cars parked in the line with no people in them; they are just there to visit Lincoln Park. This is common on weekend mornings. This is when it is helpful to check the Fauntleroy ferry cameras. If you are in line on the road but the dock is empty on the cameras, you are probably parked behind some people who are not in line and are just there for the park. You can drive around them and go down toward the dock and go through the toll booth. We recommend that you plan to arrive 40 minutes early for your ferry, as the line can be long and a limited number of cars fit on the boat. If you are coming to the island the day of the wedding (in time for the 11AM ceremony), you probably don't have to worry too much, but better safe than sorry! You will need to buy a ticket for a vehicle and driver ($25ish), as well as passengers over 18 ($6ish), but you can do this at the tollbooth when you arrive. You can also purchase tickets at the terminal on the dock if you walk on without a car. In a car, the tollbooth workers will advise you to which lane to go to for VASHON. (The ferry also runs to Southworth. Don't get off at Southworth). Most boats go straight to Vashon, but some run to Southworth first. It will say on the schedule, but they will also announce where you are arriving as the ferry pulls into the dock.
Travel Note
Navigating the Island
It is pretty hard to get lost. Phone coverage is quite good, so please utilize your mobile GPS for easiest means of navigation! In general, when you get off the North End dock, the main highway rolls to the left and continues from this point all the way to the South End ferry dock, with roads branching off from it. Most things other than some lodging is all located in town, which you will pass through on this main highway. Two things not located in town are the church and the golf & country club (reception venue). The church is north of town, located off a side street from Cove Road, which is in turn directly connected to the main highway. The golf club is quite a bit south of town, located on another island (connected by land to Vashon, thankfully) called Maury. GPS will help you get there! Be careful if you are driving at night; there are a LOT of deer and raccoons.
Travel Note
Leaving the Island
If you are staying on the island, we reccommend not planning a flight home earlier than 9AM, just in case things go awry with the morning ferries. Give yourself plenty of time to get off the island, too. If your flight is at 9AM, we recommend leaving the island around 5:30 to 6AM. To leave the island, drive north on the main highway. Stay right on the main highway all the way down the large hill. Look for a line of cars on the right and simply pull into line behind them. Taking the ferry back to Seattle is free.
