King Tides Return to Vashon December 4–6: What to Know, What to Watch, and Why It Matters
Every winter the Island steps into a familiar rhythm. The air gets heavier, the shoreline pulls a little closer, and conversations in line at Thriftway shift to tide charts and weather apps. The King Tides arriving December 4–6 are part of that seasonal cadence. They are predictable, yet they never quite feel routine. For longtime Islanders they serve as a reminder of how alive our coastline is. For newcomers they are often the moment they truly understand what it means to live on a narrow ribbon of land surrounded by Puget Sound.
The major premise behind King Tides is simple. These are the highest tides of the year, created when the sun, moon, and Earth fall into a particular alignment that amplifies gravitational pull on our waters. We experience them every winter and every summer, although the winter set feels more dramatic because they can coincide with storms, low pressure systems, and wind patterns that stack water higher along our shores. In recent years these tides have also become a way for communities to strengthen their long range planning as sea levels shift. For more details of the end and flows of tides, visit our Tides information, and check out November specifically.
For our Island the first week of December will bring early morning high tides that line up with school drop offs, ferry traffic, and people heading into town for errands. It is timing that can catch even seasoned drivers off guard. Every year someone rounds a familiar corner only to find the road disappearing under a sheet of moving water.
Several areas on Vashon and Maury deserve extra attention during this window. The Portage area at the Isthmus is always one of the first to feel the shift. When the tide presses across the flats it can create the illusion of a second shoreline forming beside the road. South of that area, George Edwards Road between Portage and Tramp Harbor often collects water quickly, especially when the tide aligns with runoff from the hillside. Drivers tend to slow through that section while gauging which parts of the lane are deepest. Vashon Highway between Magnolia Beach and Burton is another corridor where the tide can slide up and over the shoulder. Morning commuters know that curve well because even a few inches of water can create an issue.These conditions are a reminder to approach the coming days with situational awareness.
Visitors should be cautious because the Island’s narrow roads and limited detour options leave little room for error. Slowing down, watching for wake pushed up by passing cars, and avoiding flooded shoulders all help keep travel smooth.Living here means learning to read the water the same way you read the seasons or the ferry schedule. King Tides have a way of revealing the natural contours of the Island. They remind us that the coastline we know today is always changing. As these tides return December 4–6, staying alert to low lying areas and giving yourself a little extra time in the mornings will help keep everyone safe. It also reinforces the shared sense of stewardship that comes with being part of a shoreline community shaped by both land and sea.If you want to track water levels or compare with past years,
Author: Vashon Island
Vashon is an Island located between Tacoma and West Seattle. This account manages the vashon-maury.com website full on useful information for residents and visitors of the Island.
