KVI beach, voted the best place to build a sandcastle, is a popular attraction for Vashon Island residents and visitors alike.

With a small salt marsh/estuary surrounding a pond the sand grass and driftwood reveal Vashon rarities. The woods above the salt marsh host a bevy of birds for birdwatching enthusiasts and a great area to walk your dog.

On a good day birdwatchers can catch a glimpse of the Semipalmated Plovers, Greater Yellowlegs, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper and Pectoral Sandpiper, especially in the fall. Bald Eagles swoop after ducks, Osprey dive for fish, and more rarely, a Merlin or Peregrine Falcon stoop for the shorebirds.

To find KVI Beach, head east from the four-way stop at the intersection of Vashon Highway and 204th. Pass the high school and continue down hill to the bottom where the road reaches Vashon’s eastern shore. Take a left turn to the north onto Chautauqua Beach Road SW and look immediately to the right to find a dirt parking strip. Continue north-bound to a four-way stop and turn right, going down a short, steep hill. Park at the bottom and walk out past the gate.