When WorldAtlas set out to highlight “12 Of The Most Adorable Small Towns In The Pacific Northwest,” Vashon Island earned a spot alongside places like Friday Harbor, Leavenworth, and Cannon Beach in the article. For those of us who call this place home, it feels less like a surprise and more like a quiet acknowledgement of what islanders already know: Vashon is something special.
The feature leans into the things visitors notice first. It describes Vashon as an oasis at the heart of Puget Sound, just a short ferry ride from Seattle and Tacoma, where “island time” comes with a distinctly Washington flavor. Point Robinson Park gets a well deserved shoutout for its historic lighthouse, wooded trails, and the whimsical Oscar the Bird King troll watching over the shoreline. Maury Island Marine Park is recognized for its long stretch of undeveloped beach, rare Pacific madrone groves, and rocky entry points that divers quietly treasure.
WorldAtlas also points out that Vashon has become a small but mighty destination for wine and cider lovers, mentioning Palouse Winery as a great place to start exploring the island’s tasting rooms. For overnight guests, The Lodges on Vashon are highlighted for their modern cabins and locally sourced touches like island coffee, soaps, and bath salts, which help showcase local makers alongside the scenery.
For locals, this kind of recognition reflects more than just pretty views. It speaks to the everyday work of small business owners, farmers, artists, and hospitality workers who keep the island welcoming while still grounded in its rural roots. As more visitors discover Vashon through articles like this, it becomes even more important to support local shops, respect ferry rhythms, pack out what you bring in, and treat parks and beaches like the shared backyard they are.
Whether you live here year round or visit for a quick escape, it is worth taking a moment to see Vashon through fresh eyes. The rest of the region may be just catching on, but for islanders, “adorable small town” has always felt like only the beginning of the story.
This article has been submitted by a Vashon Resident (or non-resident somehow connected to Vashon). Anyone can submit an article on any related island subject should they choose. Articles submitted to Vashon-Maury.com through our “Submit an Article” process are carefully reviewed for grammar, spelling, and accuracy to the best of our ability, though we sometimes miss the mark. Articles posted from these submissions are the opinions, statements, and facts provided solely by the Author and do not reflect the opinions or statements of the Vashon-Maury.com business and/or the Vashonites community.
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.
