Editing Vashon, Washington

{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Vashon, Washington
| settlement_type    = [[Census-designated place]]
| image_skyline      = 
| imagesize          = 
| image_caption      = 
| image_flag         =
| pushpin_map        = Washington#USA
| pushpin_label      = Vashon
| pushpin_label_position = <!-- the position of the pushpin label: left, right, top, bottom, none -->
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Washington and the United States
| pushpin_mapsize    = 
| image_map          = King County Washington Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Vashon Highlighted.svg
| map_caption        = Location in King County
<!-- Location -->
| subdivision_type   = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name   = United States
| subdivision_type1  = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Washington (state)|Washington]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of counties in Washington|County]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[King County, Washington|King]]
<!-- Government -->
| government_footnotes = 
| government_type    = 
| established_title  = 
| established_date   = 
<!-- Area -->
| unit_pref          = Imperial
| area_footnotes     = 
| area_total_km2     = 209.3
| area_land_km2      = 95.6
| area_water_km2     = 113.6
<!-- Population -->
| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
| population_footnotes = 
| population_total   = 11055
| population_density_km2 = auto
<!-- General information -->
| timezone           = [[Pacific Time Zone|Pacific (PST)]]
| utc_offset         = −8
| timezone_DST       = PDT
| utc_offset_DST     = −7
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_ft       = 272
| coordinates        = {{coord|47|24|35|N|122|27|05|W|region:US_type:city_scale:250000|display=inline,title}}
<!-- Area/postal codes and others --->
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP Code]]s
| postal_code        = 98070 & 98013 ([[Burton, Washington|Burton]])
| area_code          = 206
| blank_name         = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info         = 53-74305
| blank1_name        = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info        = 2409505<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2409505}}</ref>
| website            = 
| footnotes          = 
}}

'''Vashon''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|v|æ|ʃ|ɒ|n}}) is a [[census-designated place]] (CDP) in [[King County, Washington]], United States. It covers an island alternately called '''Vashon Island''' or '''Vashon–Maury Island''', the largest island in [[Puget Sound]] south of [[Admiralty Inlet]]. Before the construction of a [[tombolo]] built in 1913, Vashon Island and [[Maury Island]] were connected only during low tide; now they are considered a [[tied island]].

The population was 11,055 at [[2020 United States census|2020]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Census Bureau Profile: Vashon CDP, Washington |url=https://data.census.gov/profile/Vashon_CDP,_Washington?g=160XX00US5374305 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> up from 10,624 at the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]] and the size is {{convert|95.6|sqkm|order=flip}}.<ref name="Census 2010">{{cite web| url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US5374305| archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213054715/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US5374305| url-status=dead| archive-date=February 13, 2020| title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001), Vashon CDP, Washington| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau| work=American FactFinder| access-date=June 21, 2019}}</ref>

The island is connected to [[West Seattle]] and the [[Kitsap Peninsula]] to the north and [[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma]] to the south via the [[Washington State Ferries]] system, as well as to [[Downtown Seattle]] via the [[King County Water Taxi]]. The island has resisted the construction of a fixed bridge to preserve its relative isolation and rural character.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/01/travel/vashon-island-near-seattle-a-rural-throwback.html |title=Vashon Island, Near Seattle, a Rural Throwback |last=Todras-Whitehill |first=Ethan |date=2012-03-30 |work=The New York Times |access-date=2019-05-14 |language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Vashon Island is also known for its annual strawberry festival, [[Sheep dog|sheepdog]] trials, and agriculture.

==History==
Vashon Island sits in the midpoint of southern Puget Sound, between Seattle and [[Tacoma, Washington]]. In the nearby [[Pacific Ocean]], roughly {{convert|170|mi|-1}} west of Vashon Island, lies the {{convert|700|mi|adj=on|-1}} tectonic boundary known as the [[Cascadia subduction zone|Cascadia Subduction Zone]], and as such, Vashon Island is one of many areas at risk for earthquakes or related natural disasters. The Cascadia Subduction Zone last saw a major rupture in 1700, but the potential of the zone could cause one of the worst natural disasters in the history of North America.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=https://www.hcn.org/articles/danger-a-small-island-town-prepares-for-a-major-earthquake |title=A small island town prepares for a major earthquake |last=Golden |first=Hallie |date=2019-01-30 |website=www.hcn.org |language=en-us |access-date=2019-05-15}}</ref>

=== Native American inhabitants ===
Up until the late 1700s, Vashon and Maury Islands were inhabited solely by American Indians, and there is evidence of human activity on Vashon Island dating back 10,000 to 12,000 years. Historical data from the era when the first Native Americans settled Vashon–Maury Island is limited. Some of the Native peoples known to have lived on Vashon Island were the [[Marpole]] culture from about 7,000 years ago, the [[Salish peoples|Salish]] about 1,000 years ago, and the Sqababsh (known in [[Chinook Jargon|Chinook Wawa]] as the [[Puyallup people|S'Homamish]]) starting about 500 years ago, the latter of which established 5 known major village sites.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vashon-Maury History Timeline: A Sense of Place |url=http://vashonhistory.com/Vashon%20History/Timeline/a_sense_of_place_1865.htm |website=Vashon History |access-date=2015-06-09}}</ref> The [[Tulalip]] Indians is another tribe that populated the villages along the shores of both islands.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://historylink.org/File/8852|title=Tulalip Tribes}}</ref> Fishing was abundant in the cold saltwater of the central Puget Sound basin, helping Native American tribes to thrive. Moreover, the many waterways and inlets provided easy travel by way of canoe.

===Euramerican settlement===
The first non–Native American to explore and the first to chart this island was Captain [[George Vancouver]], during his surveys of the Puget Sound area with the [[Royal Navy|British Royal Navy]]. The island was named on May 28, 1792, by Vancouver after his friend [[James Vashon]] of the Royal Navy. Starting in 1824, different explorer and settler groups stayed on Vashon Island.

[[Maury Island]], immediately to the southeast of Vashon, was named in 1841 by then Lt. [[Charles Wilkes]] in honor of [[William Lewis Maury]], an officer in the [[United States Exploring Expedition]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vashonhistory.com/Vashon%20History/place_name.htm#M|title = Place Name Project}}</ref> Maury was naturally separated from Vashon by a narrow passage, until local landowners decided to build an earth bridge, or [[isthmus]], linking them together in 1916, thus creating the hamlet of [[Portage, Washington|Portage]]. Therefore, the two-piece isle was renamed Vashon-Maury Island. Between the two sections, it covers nearly {{convert|37|sqmi}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vashon-Maury Vashon Island History|url=https://vashon-maury.com/vashon-island-history/|website=Vashon-Maury.com|access-date=2018-04-21}}</ref>

The first [[logging]] on the island began in 1852. By 1855–1856, the S'Homamish people were interned at Fox Island. European-Americans settled Vashon Island between 1865 and 1890. During that time the main economies on the island were fishing and logging.

In 1890, Japanese Americans started growing [[strawberries]] for sale. Denichiro Mukai came to the island in 1910 and became renowned for barreling fresh strawberries using a special method that concentrated flavor and moisture in the fruit and permitted long-distance shipping. In time, Mukai designed and built his own home and elaborate garden and then constructed a sturdy timber framed barreling plant. During the peak years, ice cream, jam and preserve makers across the West were customers of Mukai, relishing the oak barrels for their lingering flavor and mythologizing about the island of strawberry fields. This became an important part of the island economy during the next 50 years, until the Japanese American population was forcibly relocated into internment camps as a response to Japanese/American tension caused by WWII.

In 1892, [[Vashon College]] opened in the Burton section of Vashon.<ref name="VINR1931">{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=A.C. |last2=St. John |first2=Geo. E. |date=September 10, 1931 |title=History of Vashon College |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/vashon-island-news-record-history-of-vas/162393147/ |work=[[Vashon Island News-Record]]}}</ref> During its operation, it was one of the leading colleges in the area. It burned down in 1910.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tacomahistory.live/2017/05/01/strawberry-fields-forever/|title = Strawberry Fields Forever|date = 2 May 2017}}</ref>

== Geography ==
[[File:Vashon Island from Point Defiance Park 01.jpg|thumb|Vashon Island from Point Defiance Park]]
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the Vashon CDP has a total area of {{convert|209.3|sqkm|order=flip}}, of which {{convert|95.6|sqkm|order=flip}} comprise the island and {{convert|113.6|sqkm|order=flip}} are the waters of Puget Sound surrounding the island.<ref name="Census 2010"/>

To the west Vashon Island is separated from the [[Kitsap Peninsula]] by the [[Colvos Passage]]. The [[Dalco Passage]] separates Vashon Island from [[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma]] to the south. Neighborhoods of Vashon Island include [[Magnolia Beach, Washington|Magnolia Beach]], which had a post office from 1908 to 1953, and [[Raeco, Washington|Raeco]], with a post office from 1907 to 1911.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015027074981;view=1up;seq=256 |title=Origin of Washington geographic names |last=Meany |first=Edmond S. |publisher=University of Washington Press |year=1923 |location=Seattle |page=240}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.postalhistory.com/postoffices.asp?state=WA |title=Post Offices |publisher=Jim Forte Postal History |access-date=14 August 2016}}</ref>

===Climate===
This region experiences warm (but not hot) and dry summers, with no average monthly temperatures above {{convert|71.6|°F}}. According to the [[Köppen Climate Classification]] system, Vashon has a [[warm-summer Mediterranean climate]], abbreviated "Csb" on climate maps.<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=208854&cityname=Vashon%2C+Washington%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Vashon, Washington]</ref>

{{Weather box
| Apr avg record high F = 
| Apr avg record low F = 
| location = Vashon Island, Washington
| date = May 2019
| source = Western Regional Climate Center
}}

== Demographics ==
{{US Census population|2000=10123|1920=2810|1930=2798|1940=3118|1980=7377|2010=10624|1960=5182|1970=6516|2020=11055}}
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> of 2000, there were 10,123 people, 4,193 households, and 2,838 families residing in the CDP. The [[population density]] was {{convert|273.9|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people|}}. There were 4,867 housing units at an average density of {{convert|131.7|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. The racial makeup of the CDP was 93.61% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.45% [[African American (U.S. Census)|Black]] or [[Race (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.70% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.56% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.06% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.87% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 2.75% from two or more races.  [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 2.56% of the population.

There were 4,193 households, out of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.2% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.3% were non-families. 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 23.2% under the age of 18, 4.6% from 18 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 34.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $58,261, and the median income for a family was $67,010. Males had a median income of $50,201 versus $36,426 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the island was $31,983. About 4.6% of families and 6.0% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 5.2% of those under the age of 18 and 2.2% of those 65 and older.

Based on [[Washington locations by per capita income|per capita income]], Vashon ranks 32nd of 522 areas in the state of Washington to be ranked.

== Government ==
In 1994 the Vashon Island Committee for Self-Government circulated a petition calling for the incorporation of Vashon and Maury Islands. At the time only some 448 residents of about 10,000 signed the petition which was then filed with the King County Auditor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://law.justia.com/cases/washington/supreme-court/1995/62306-6-1.html|title=Vashon Island Committee for Self-Government v. STATE BOUNDARY REVIEW BD. KING CTY.|website=Justia Law|language=en|access-date=2019-05-16}}</ref>

The Vashon-Maury Island Community Council was a body whose purpose was to advise the [[King County Council]] on matters relating to [[Vashon Island]] and [[Maury Island]]. In 2013, it collapsed due to a requirement that it comply with the state's public records act and threats of lawsuits undermined the function of the organization.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vashonbeachcomber.com/opinion/editorial-vashon-community-council-is-it-time-to-bring-it-back/|title=EDITORIAL: Vashon Community Council: Is it time to bring it back?|date=2018-05-29|website=Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vashonbeachcomber.com/news/vashon-maury-community-council-board-resigns-in-wake-of-legal-analysis/|title=Vashon-Maury Community Council board resigns in wake of legal analysis|last=Brown|first=Leslie|date=2010-08-24|website=Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-27}}</ref> However, with the adoption of formal bylaws on June 15, 2020, a new [http://www.vmicc.net/ Vashon-Maury Island Community Council] was officially created by island residents.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rowley|first=Paul|date=2020-07-30|title=Local services director pays visit to island community council|url=https://www.vashonbeachcomber.com/news/local-services-director-pays-visit-to-island-community-council/|access-date=2020-08-07|website=Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber|language=en-US}}</ref> The new group was formed as a non-profit to help island residents address important issues facing their community.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bylaws, VMICC|url=http://www.vmicc.net/bylaws/|access-date=2020-08-07|website=VMICC|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Public safety ==
Vashon Fire is led by Matt Vinci and is a combination professional-volunteer department. There is one staffed station, Station 55, which houses a minimum staffing of three firefighter/EMTs and two King County paramedics. Station 55 contains four aid units, one engine, one [[Quint (fire apparatus)|quint]], one brush truck, two water tenders, one boat, one ATV, and one support unit. Vashon Fire uses ValleyCom as its dispatch center. There are two outlying stations that contain water tenders and backup engines: Station 56 located in Burton and Station 58 located in Dockton. The department is primarily funded by a property tax levy which last had a voter approved lid lift in 2017.

The island has an established [[emergency operations center]] manager who runs emergency drills with members of the [[community emergency response team]] (CERT) in order to provide the best response in times of emergencies such as [[earthquake]]s.<ref name=":0" /> The drills were established as routine through the group VashonBePrepared, a nonprofit, [[Federal Emergency Management Agency|FEMA]]-sanctioned coalition of disaster preparedness organizations that were previously established on the island. Sometimes the drills have members of the [[Washington Army National Guard]] participating and supporting the volunteers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article82395602.html |title=The Big One hits Vashon: Drill gives volunteers chance to practice minus 'pure chaos' |last=Grimley |first=Brynn |date=June 7, 2016 |website=thenewstribune |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609124324/http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article82395602.html|archive-date=2016-06-09|url-status=dead |access-date=2019-05-15}}</ref>

=== Crime ===
There are some claims that the island is home to various [[drug house]]s, a claim which has caused the Vashon Youth & Family Services to offer substance abuse counseling as part of the regular assembly of social services.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vashonbeachcomber.com/news/drug-problems-persist-on-island-vyfs-to-offer-treatment-soon/ |title=Drug problems persist on island, VYFS to offer treatment soon |last=Rowley |first=Paul |date=2018-03-27 |website=Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber |language=en-US |access-date=2019-05-16}}</ref>

Homicide rates on the island are extremely low, with only two homicides reported in the last twenty years and other forms of crime are also largely not seen. In 2005 the Sheriff's Office investigated one rape, six assaults, and forty-nine [[Burglary|burglaries]], in 2006 they investigated three rapes, eight assaults, and sixty-three burglaries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/sundays-fatal-shooting-alarms-residents-of-sleepy-vashon-island/|title=Sunday's fatal shooting alarms residents of sleepy Vashon Island|last1=Sullivan|first1=Jennifer|last2=Siderius|first2=Christina|date=2007-08-21|website=The Seattle Times|language=en-US|access-date=2019-07-12}}</ref>

Major crimes on the Island include a serial rapist who operated from 2003 through 2010 until he was arrested and charged due to DNA evidence,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://komonews.com/news/local/45-years-in-prison-for-vashon-serial-rapist|title=45 years in prison for Vashon serial rapist|last=Seattlepi.com|date=2011-12-01|website=KOMO|access-date=2019-07-12}}</ref> and a police officer who pleaded guilty to [[incest]] and other sex crimes involving his underage stepdaughter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/1997/may/11/veteran-police-officer-admits-to-sex-crimes/|title=Veteran Police Officer Admits To Sex Crimes {{!}} The Spokesman-Review|website=www.spokesman.com|access-date=2019-07-12}}</ref>

== Economy ==
[[File:Downtown Vashon, Washington 01.jpg|thumb|Uptown Vashon]]

=== Agriculture ===
While orchards and strawberry farms formerly played a major role in the Vashon economy, the pressures of suburban residential development have all but eliminated any major commercial agriculture on the island. However, many small farms operate on the island, providing locals with fresh organic produce, milk, and eggs.

Despite the changes, the island continues to observe the tradition of holding a Strawberry Festival every July. In certain areas like [[Dockton, Washington|Dockton]], a significant amount of private property was occupied and subsequently seized from [[Japanese Americans|Japanese-American citizens]] who farmed strawberries on that land until World War II, when they were moved to [[Internment of Japanese Americans|internment camps]] away from the island.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://vashonhistory.com/japnese_presence_main_2.html |title=The Japanese Presence Project |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=December 29, 2015 |website=Vashon History |access-date=April 29, 2016 |quote=1942-1945: When Japanese residents were removed from the island, forced to leave behind most of their belongings and property, and imprisoned during World War II in the American concentration camps.}}</ref>

Local orchards and wineries are established on the island, with some focusing on developing [[perry]], an alcoholic beverage derived from pear juice instead of grapes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.king5.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/evening/pears-win-awards-on-vashon-island/281-618304827|title=Pears win awards on Vashon Island|website=KING|date=28 November 2018|access-date=2019-05-14}}</ref> There are at least three wineries that produce 100% locally produced wines and other alcoholic-based beverages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vashonbeachcomber.com/business/vashon-family-winery-opens-begins-sales/|title=Vashon family winery opens, begins sales|date=2015-12-09|website=Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-14}}</ref>

=== Manufacturing and industry ===
Vashon has lost two of its major industrial employers: [[K2 Sports]] moved its manufacturing to China, and the [[Seattle's Best Coffee]] roastery operation was closed shortly after SBC was bought by [[Starbucks]]. Currently, the largest manufacturer on Vashon is [[Pacific Research Laboratories]], locally referred to as "The Bone Factory".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.inc.com/articles/2010/12/how-one-boss-gave-away-his-company-for-christmas.html |title=How One Boss Gave Away His Company for Christmas |last=Markowitz |first=Eric |date=December 25, 2010 |website=Inc.com Magazine |publisher=Mansueto Ventures LLC  |access-date=April 29, 2016 |quote=The locals call it The Bone Factory.}}</ref>

In 2014 it was reported that the company Edipure was to purchase the old K2 ski plant to manufacture more than 60 [[marijuana]]-based snacks including crackers, candy and gummy bears.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://q13fox.com/2014/03/13/out-of-state-company-looks-to-produce-marijuana-snacks-on-vashon-island/|title=Weed Island? Company looks to make pot-infused snacks, candy on Vashon|last=Lynch|first=James|date=2014-03-14|website=Q13 FOX News|language=en|access-date=2019-05-14}}</ref>

==Infrastructure==
=== Transportation ===
There are no bridges to Vashon Island, so all access to the island is by sea or by air. Most travel on and off the island is on the [[Washington State Ferries|Washington State Ferry]] system. A bridge connecting Vashon to Seattle and Kitsap County was planned in 1959, but was ultimately not funded.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Haulman |first1=Bruce |last2=Donnelly |first2=Terry |title=Vashon's unlikely hero — the man who prevented the building of a bridge |url=https://www.vashonbeachcomber.com/news/time-s-unlikely-hero-the-man-who-prevented-the-building-of-a-bridge/ |access-date=September 19, 2020 |work=Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber |date=March 21, 2017}}</ref> A second bridge proposal from the Washington State Transportation Commission was withdrawn in 1992 after objections from island residents.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stein |first1=Alan |title=Vashon Island residents vociferously object to proposed bridge at public meeting on March 9, 1992 |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/3911 |website=HistoryLink.org |access-date=September 19, 2020}}</ref>

[[Vashon Municipal Airport]] is on the northern half of the island. There is no regularly scheduled air service to the airport.

[[King County Metro]] provides bus service down the length of the island daily. Two routes (route 118 and 119) start at the Vashon Ferry Terminal in the north; at Valley Center mid-way down the island, the routes split with route 118 serving the southern part of Vashon Island while route 119 serving Maury Island.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kingcounty.gov/depts/transportation/metro/schedules-maps/118-119.aspx#weekday |title=Routes 118, 119 - King County |publisher=Kingcounty.gov |date=2021-10-02 |accessdate=2022-03-21}}</ref> On September 10, 2016, on-island Sunday service returned to route 118.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/transportation/news/2016/20160830-sept-service-change.aspx|title=Metro to add more trips, improve bus connections - King County|date=August 30, 2016|website=www.kingcounty.gov|language=en|access-date=2017-04-26}}</ref> [[File:VashonDetailedMap.png|right|Detailed map of Vashon Island, Washington]]

==== Ferries ====
The southern terminus of the Vashon Highway is the Tahlequah Ferry Terminal in the Tahlequah neighborhood, connected to the Point Defiance neighborhood of [[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma]] by the [[Point Defiance–Tahlequah ferry]]. The northern terminus of the Vashon Highway is the Heights Dock at Point Vashon, serving the state ferry docks at [[Southworth, Washington|Southworth]], and [[Fauntleroy, Seattle|Fauntleroy]] in [[West Seattle]]. Passenger-only service from Heights Dock to [[Colman Dock]] in [[Downtown Seattle]] is provided by the [[King County Ferry District]], with sailings throughout the day on weekdays.<ref>[http://www.kingcounty.gov/transportation/kcdot/WaterTaxi/Vashon.aspx Water Taxi]</ref>

As of July 1, 2024, the King County Water Taxi increased their service to the island from downtown Seattle. They now have an additional four trips in between their morning and afternoon/evening service. These extra trips are Monday through Friday and sponsored by Washington State.

The island previously had ferries that were run by private companies, including the [[Puget Sound Navigation Company]] (also known as the Black Ball Line). After a six-day strike by workers in February 1947 left Vashon Island without service, a group of residents acquired three passenger ferries and operated them on their own the following year under the King County Ferry District. The Black Ball Line planned to restart service on May 15, 1948, but were blocked by a mob of Vashon Island residents who rushed the {{MV|Illahee}} when it attempted to dock. The ferry district remained without private competition until it was dissolved in 1951 and replaced by Washington State Ferries.<ref>{{cite web |last=Stein |first=Alan J. |date=March 20, 2002 |title=Vashon vigilantes repel the ferry Illahee on May 15, 1948. |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/3735 |work=HistoryLink |accessdate=May 11, 2023}}</ref>

=== Health care ===
In 2016 it was reported that the medical clinic on the island had closed after CHI [[Franciscan Health]] had left the clinic, claiming financial concerns. Another provider, the non-profit NeighborCare Health, pledged to open a new clinic later in the year, alleviating the issue of transporting patients to hospitals off the island via the ferry, which can take upwards of three hours.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/vashon-island-just-lost-its-only-medical-clinic/281-307075793 |title=Vashon Island just lost its only medical clinic |last=Whittenberg |first=Jake |date=August 24, 2016 |website=KING |access-date=2019-05-14}}</ref> NeighborCare' lease on the island's clinic expired in 2020,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vashonbeachcomber.com/news/neighborcare-wont-renew-clinic-lease/ |title=Neighborcare won't renew clinic lease |last=Rowley |first=Paul |date=May 14, 2020 |website=Vashon-Maury Beachcomber |access-date=2022-03-04}}</ref> and {{asof|2025|lc=y}} the clinic was operated by Sea Mar.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vashonbeachcomber.com/news/commissioners-give-report-on-sea-mars-work-in-special-meeting/ |title=Neighborcare won't renew clinic lease |last=Dennison |first=Jenna |date=October 27, 2021 |website=Vashon-Maury Beachcomber |access-date=2022-03-04}}</ref>

During the [[COVID-19 pandemic|2020 COVID-19 pandemic]], Vashon faced a shortage of tests, medical resources, and [[Personal protective equipment|protective equipment]]. A team of local doctors created their own response plan, dubbed the "Rural Test & Trace Toolkit", with the hopes of creating a model for other isolated communities.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Yan|first=Wudan|date=2020-05-16|title=Remote and Ready to Fight Coronavirus's Next Wave|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/16/health/coronavirus-vashon-washington.html|access-date=2020-10-22|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

==== Vaccination concerns ====
Many of those who live on the island choose not to [[vaccinate]] their children due to [[vaccine hesitancy]].<ref name=":1" /> It was reported in 2015 that 23.1% of kindergartners in the Vashon Island School District legally opted out of vaccinations against [[diphtheria]] and [[tetanus]], [[whooping cough]], [[measles]], [[mumps]], [[rubella]], [[polio]], [[Chickenpox|varicella]], and [[hepatitis B]]. The number, at the time, was five times the state average.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article26252716.html |title=Nearly one-quarter of Vashon Island parents opt out of vaccinations for their children |last=writer |first=Rob Carson |website=thenewstribune |language=en |access-date=2019-05-14}}</ref> Of those who do not vaccinate, more than 98% cite "Personal" rather than "Religious" or "Medical" as exemptions. Their failure to vaccinate has caused resentment in the community.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/vashons-parents-try-to-get-along-despite-deep-vaccination-divide/ |title=Vashon parents try to get along despite deep divide over vaccination |last=Lacitis |first=Erik |date=2015-03-15 |website=The Seattle Times |language=en-US |access-date=2019-05-14}}</ref>

Due to expanded access to vaccines, media coverage of the [[epidemiology of measles|measles outbreaks]], and education about the benefits of vaccination, the vaccine rate for the Vashon Island School District has risen over the years, even though it is still one of the lowest in the United States. The district's rates of fully immunized students rose 31% over six years, from 56% to 74% as of the 2017–2018 school year; although still below the 95% target rate for the rest of the country.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://komonews.com/news/local/vashon-island-with-its-low-vaccination-rates-reacts-to-measles-outbreak-in-western-wa |title=Vashon Island, with its low vaccination rates, reacts to measles outbreak in Western WA |last=Phan |first=Suzanne |date=2019-05-20 |website=KOMO |access-date=2019-05-21}}</ref> In 2019, it was reported that some 11.6% of families on the island had failed to vaccinate their children.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.startribune.com/vaccine-rates-rise-on-long-wary-hippie-island-near-seattle/510151302/ |title='Hippie' island off Seattle sees shift in low vaccine rate |last=Ho |first=Sally |date=May 20, 2019 |website=Star Tribune |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520055733/http://www.startribune.com/vaccine-rates-rise-on-long-wary-hippie-island-near-seattle/510151302/|archive-date=2019-05-20|url-status=dead |access-date=2019-05-21}}</ref>

==Education==
''Public schools:''
There are three public schools provided by the [[Vashon Island School District]]<ref>[http://www.vashonsd.wednet.edu/ Vashon Island School District website], retrieved 2012-04-02</ref>
* Chautauqua Elementary School<ref name="trulia.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.trulia.com/real_estate/Vashon-Washington/schools/ |title=Vashon, WA, Schools |website=[[Trulia]] |access-date=2013-12-23}}</ref>
* McMurray Middle School<ref name="trulia.com"/>
* [[Vashon Island High School]]<ref name="trulia.com"/>

''Private schools:''
There are two private schools in Vashon.<ref name="privateschoolreview.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.privateschoolreview.com/town_schools/stateid/WA/townid/7873 |title=Vashon, WA, Private Schools |publisher=Private School Review |access-date=2013-12-23}}</ref>
* The Harbor School (grades 4 to 8).<ref>[http://www.harborschool.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=1 Harbor School], retrieved 2012-04-03</ref> 65 students were enrolled as of September 2013.<ref name="privateschoolreview.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trulia.com/schools/WA-Vashon/Harbor_School/ |title=Harbor School, Vashon, WA |website=[[Trulia]] |access-date=2013-12-23}}</ref>
* Carpe Diem Primary School (Kindergarten to 3rd grade). 26 students were enrolled as of September 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trulia.com/schools/WA-Vashon/Carpe_Diem_Primary_School/ |title=Carpe Diem Primary School, Vashon, WA |website=[[Trulia]] |access-date=2013-12-23}}</ref>

== Arts and culture ==
The annual studio tour was created in the late 1970s by some of the [[pottery|potters]] who lived on the island. The group was rebranded in February 2018 as the Vashon Island Visual Artists, and they applied for non-profit status in 2015. The group now operates semi-annual tours of studios of local artists, classes, workshops, salons, exhibits, and social activities for artists, with membership around 300.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vashonbeachcomber.com/life/studio-tour-is-rite-of-spring-on-vashon/ |title=Studio tour is rite of spring on Vashon |last=Shepherd |first=Elizabeth |date=2019-05-01 |website=Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber |language=en-US |access-date=2019-05-14}}</ref> The island is home to a [[choir|choral group]] established in 1989 under the name Island Singers, and now known as the Vashon Island Chorale.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vashonbeachcomber.com/life/chorale-celebrates-30-years-of-song-in-concert-this-weekend/|title=Chorale celebrates 30 years of song in concert this weekend|last=Shepherd|first=Elizabeth|date=2019-04-24|website=Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-14}}</ref>

On the first Friday of every month, there is a gallery walk where the art galleries in town open for visitors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=First Friday - Vashon Island Art Walk |url=https://explorevashon.com/first-friday-vashon-island-art-walk/ |access-date=2022-04-28 |website=Explore Vashon Island |language=en-US}}</ref> The Vashon Center for the Arts along with cafés are also open during the First Friday gallery walk which have shown the work of local artists including [[Ann Leda Shapiro]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-05 |title=First Friday art walk spotlights Vashon artists |url=https://www.vashonbeachcomber.com/life/first-friday-art-walk-spotlights-vashon-artists/ |access-date=2023-01-18 |website=Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Media ==

=== Broadcast radio stations ===
{{more references|section|date=May 2019}}
In 2014, a small media outlet, the Voice of Vashon, acquired a [[low-power broadcasting|low-power FM radio]] broadcast license from the FCC. [[KVSH-LP|KVSH]]-FM went live on 101.9 FM in October 2014,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=About {{!}} Voice Of Vashon |url=https://voiceofvashon.org/about/ |access-date=2023-02-27 |website=voiceofvashon.org}}</ref> and is also still available for live streaming.<ref>{{Cite web |title=KVSH1019 |url=https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/?stationcallsign=KVSH1019 |access-date=2023-02-28 |website=radio.securenetsystems.net |language=en}}</ref> The Voice of Vashon started filing as a non-profit starting from the 2015 tax year.<ref>2015 tax return for the Voice of Vashon https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/912068074_201512_990EZ_2017011914091728.pdf</ref> The Voice of Vashon records and broadcasts community arts events with support from King County [[4Culture]] grants.<ref name=":2" /> The Voice of Vashon board includes director and producer [[Rick Wallace]]. The Voice of Vashon also operates a television station, Comcast Channel 21, and its emergency broadcast system at [[1650 AM|1650AM]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of VoV {{!}} Voice Of Vashon |url=https://voiceofvashon.org/about/history-2/ |access-date=2023-02-27 |website=voiceofvashon.org}}</ref> Each of these outlets serves Vashon and Maury Islands year round, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, with island-generated or specific information, entertainment and emergency alerts.<ref name=":2" />

[[Maury Island]] is home to numerous [[AM radio|AM]] transmitters. [[KIRO (AM)|KIRO]] 710 (built in 1941) has two massive towers for its 50,000-watt day/night transmitter. [[KTTH]] 770, which transmits 50,000 watts during the day and 5,000 watts at night, shares towers with [[KPTR (AM)|KPTR]]. KIRO and KTTH are owned by [[Bonneville International]].

There was a tower originally built in 1946 for KEVR 1090AM, which later became KING radio, and is now KPTR, owned by [[iHeartMedia]]. It transmits 50,000 watts day/night and operates three towers. This site is shared with KTTH.

On Vashon Island, radio station [[KVI]] 570 has a single tower on a beach in Tramp Harbor, nicknamed "KVI Beach". KVI transmits 24 hours a day at 5,000 watts. [[KNWN (AM)|KNWN]] 1000 transmits 50,000 watts day/night and has a three-tower setup on the northeast corner of the island. Both KVI and KNWN are owned by [[Lotus Communications]].

[[KGNW|KGNW AM 820]] propagates its signal from three towers in the center of the island. It operates 50,000 watts during the day and 5,000 at night. It is owned by [[Salem Media Group]]. [[KJR (AM)|KJR 950]] shares the towers at the KGNW site, transmits 50,000 watts day/night, and is owned by iHeartMedia.

These stations have located their transmitters on Vashon and Maury Islands because local [[Ground conductivity|soil conductivity]], important for [[radio propagation|signal propagation]] in the megawatt [[Radio broadcasting|broadcast frequency]] range, is greater than elsewhere in the Puget Sound area. The surrounding sea water is also helpful for radio propagation.

== Sports and recreation ==
The island is home to the Vashon Island Rowing Club who participates in many events such as the Opening Day celebrations on Seattle's [[Montlake Cut]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vashonbeachcomber.com/sports/virc-masters-place-third-at-opening-day/|title=VIRC masters place third at Opening Day|date=2019-05-08|website=Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-14}}</ref> The island is also home to the Vashon Island Golf & Country Club.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=2023-03-27 |url=https://www.vashongolfandcountryclub.com/ |title=Vashon Island Golf & Country Club}}</ref>

The Vashon Sheepdog Classic occurs each year at the Misty Isle Farms, with local food and merchandise vendors, with all profits going to area nonprofits.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/life/travel/vashons-sheepdog-trials-a-treat-for-dog-lovers-and-knitters/|title=Vashon's sheepdog trials are a treat for dog lovers — and knitters|last=McKinnon|first=Hether|date=2017-05-31|website=The Seattle Times|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-14}}</ref> The trials are completed by a team composed of a dog and its handler who are released into a shedding ring and work to herd the sheep into specific areas.

==Notable people==
* [[Matt Alber]], musician
* [[Gene Amondson]], [[Prohibition Party]] presidential candidate<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/vashon/vib/news/51437347.html|title=Colorful Islander Gene Amondson dies|last=Heagerty|first=Amelia|date=July 22, 2009|work=Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber|publisher=Sound Publishing, Inc.|access-date=May 13, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090729075454/http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/vashon/vib/news/51437347.html|archive-date=July 29, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* [[Kevin and Bean|Gene "Bean" Baxter]], co-host of [[KROQ]]'s ''[[Kevin and Bean]]'' radio morning show
* [[Steve Berlin]], of the Grammy Award-winning band [[Los Lobos]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=20010517&slug=lobo17 |title=Steve Berlin has enjoyed 19 years at the top of rock with Los Lobos |website=[[The Seattle Times]] |date=17 May 2001 |last=MacDonald |first=Patrick |access-date=2022-10-18}}</ref>
* [[Alex Borstein]], actress best known for voicing [[Lois Griffin]] in the animated comedy series Family Guy
* [[Berkeley Breathed]], author of the political satire comic strip ''[[Bloom County]]''<ref>Reames, Arborsculpture: Solutions for a Small Planet, 2005 p.50 {{ISBN|0-9647280-8-7}}</ref>
* [[Michael Chabon]], writer and 2001 Pulitzer winner.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.paloaltoonline.com/weekly/morgue/2002/2002_09_27.chabon27.html |title=The amazing adventures of Chabon |website=[[Palo Alto Weekly]] |date=27 September 2002 |last=Dremann |first=Sue |access-date=2013-12-23}}</ref>
* [[Donald Cole (painter)|Donald Cole]], abstract expressionist painter
* [[Heather Corinna]], feminist sex educator
* [[Karen Cushman]], [[young adult fiction]] author
* [[Pete Droge]], musician<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hoyt |first1=Jeff |title=Pete Droge talks about the Skeleton Crew Project |url=https://voiceofvashon.org/user-content/pete-droge-talks-about-the-skeleton-crew-project/ |access-date=October 18, 2022 |work=Voice of Vashon |date=April 2, 2020}}</ref>
* [[Booth Gardner]], former Washington state governor<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bergner |first1=Daniel |title=Death in the Family |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/02/magazine/02suicide-t.html |access-date=September 19, 2020 |work=The New York Times Magazine |date=December 2, 2007}}</ref>
* [[Mary Matsuda Gruenewald]], memoirist<ref>{{cite web |first=Ravenna|last=Koenig|title=Graduating High School At 92|url=https://www.npr.org/2017/06/25/534286490/graduating-high-school-at-92|website=NPR |date=25 June 2017|accessdate=18 October 2022}}</ref>
* [[Art Hansen]], painter and lithographer<ref name="Tacoma1983">{{cite news |last=Tucker |first=Cheryl |date=January 30, 1983 |title=Art Hansen captures the world around him |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115369807/art-hansen-captures-the-world-around/ |work=The News Tribune |publication-place=Tacoma |access-date=December 28, 2022 |quote=Vashon Island artist is being featured during February in one-man show at Tacoma gallery}}</ref>
* [[Rob Hotchkiss]], founding member of rock band [[Train (band)|Train]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Liberatore |first1=Paul |title=Train co-founder Hotchkiss back on track with new band |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2015/07/26/train-co-founder-hotchkiss-back-on-track-with-new-band/ |access-date=September 19, 2020 |work=San Jose Mercury News |date=August 12, 2016}}</ref>
* [[Eyvind Kang]], modern composer
* [[Amanda Knox]], author and activist, known for having spent Italian jail time for a wrongful murder conviction<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bruell |first1=Alex |title=Island resident Amanda Knox faces a new trial in Italy — this time, it's one she wants |url=https://www.vashonbeachcomber.com/news/island-resident-amanda-knox-faces-a-new-trial-in-italy-this-time-its-one-she-wants/ |access-date=October 20, 2023 |work=Vashon Beachcomber |date=October 18, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Abe Koogler]], playwright
* [[Michael Leavitt (artist)]], sculptor
* [[Betty MacDonald]], author
* [[Zach Mann]], reality TV star
* [[Robert Miskimon]], author
* [[Ian Moore (musician)|Ian Moore]], American guitarist and singer-songwriter
* [[Susan Nattrass]], a former world champion shooter from Canada
* [[Anthony O'Brien|Anthony O’Brien]], film director, best known for ''Perfect Sport'' and ''The Timber''
* [[Kaitlin Olson]], actor best known for playing [[Deandra Reynolds]] 
* [[Frank Peretti]], [[Christian fiction]] writer, grew up on Vashon Island
* [[James Plihal|Jacob Plihal]], Olympic rower
* [[Basil Poledouris]], film composer<ref>{{cite news |last1=Burlingame |first1=Jon |title=Basil Poledouris |url=https://variety.com/2006/scene/people-news/basil-poledouris-2-1117953612/#! |access-date=September 19, 2020 |work=Variety |date=November 8, 2006}}</ref>
* [[Austin Post (photographer)|Austin Post]], aerial photographer and glaciologist
* [[John Ratzenberger]], actor 
* [[Peter Rinearson]], Pulitzer Prize winner and entrepreneur
* [[Dan Savage]], editor and author 
* [[Josh Tillman]], singer-songwriter, drummer with the [[Fleet Foxes]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ducker |first1=George |title=Introspection pays: Sad folk ballads of J. Tillman |url=https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/01/j-tillman.html |website=The L.A. Times Music Blog |date=22 January 2009 |publisher=Los Angeles Times |access-date=September 19, 2020}}</ref>
* [[Aaron Turner]], Hydra Head Records and SIGE Records owner, musician
* [[Edith Derby Williams]], historian, granddaughter of former President [[Theodore Roosevelt]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=McNerthney|first1=Casey |title=Edith Derby Williams, 1917-2008: President's granddaughter championed GOP |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Edith-Derby-Williams-1917-2008-President-s-1276015.php |website=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=June 9, 2008 |publisher=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=October 17, 2022}}</ref>
* [[Benjamin F. Wilson]], recipient of the [[Medal of Honor]] for his actions in the Korean War

== Points of interest ==

===Historic landmarks===
Vashon Island has a number of buildings and sites that are listed on the [[King County, Washington|King County]] Historic Register:

{|class="wikitable"
|-
!Landmark
!Built
!Listed
!Address
!Photo

|-
|[[Burton Masonic Hall]]||1894||1995||23927 Vashon Highway SW||[[File:Burton, WA - Burton Masonic Hall 03.jpg|100 px]]
|-
|[[Colvos Store]]||1923||1987||123rd Ave. SW and Cove Road||
|-
|[[Dockton Store and Post Office]]||1908||1992||25908 99th Avenue SW||[[File:Dockton, WA - Dockton Store 01.jpg|100 px]]
|-
|[[Norman Edson Studio]]||1890s||1985||23825 Vashon Hwy SW||
|-
|[[Ferncliff (Wise Mansion)]]||1923||1982||10350 SW Cowan Rd||
|-
|[[Fuller Store]]||1884||2013||19603 Vashon Hwy SW||
|-
|[[Lisabuela School]]||1925||2011||22029 Wax Orchard Rd SW||
|-
|[[Harrington-Beall Greenhouse Company Historic District]]||c. 1885–1886||1988–1994<ref>Historic District designated 1994. In addition to the Greenhouses the District includes the Beall Family House (designated 1988) and the Harrington Log House (designated 1993).</ref>||18527-31 Beall Road||
|-
|[[Judd Creek Bridge]]||1953||2004||Vashon Highway||[[File:Vashon, WA - Judd Creek Bridge 01.jpg|100 px]]
|-
|[[Marjesira Inn]]||1906||1994||25134 Vashon Highway SW||
|-
|[[Thomas McNair House]]||1884||1993||22915 107th Avenue SW||[[File:Vashon - Thomas McNair House 01.jpg|100 px]]
|-
|[[Mukai Agricultural Complex]]||1926||1993||18005-18017 107th Avenue SW||[[File:Vashon - Mukai Cold Process Fruit Barrelling Plant 01.jpg|100 px]]
|-
|[[Captain Thomas W. Phillips House]]||1925||1992||11312 SW 232nd Street||
|-
|[[Schwartz-Bell House]]||1930||1996||20233 81st Avenue S||
|-
|[[Smith-Baldwin House (Fern Cove)]]||1912||1995||Cedarhurst Road||
|-
|[[Helmer and Selma Steen House]]||1910||1996||10924 SW Cove Road||
|-
|[[Vashon Odd Fellows Hall]]||1912||1985||19704 Vashon Highway SW||[[File:Vashon Island - Oddfellows Hall 03.jpg|100 px]]
|-
|[[Vashon Hardware Store]]||1890, 1935||1986||17601 Vashon Highway SW||[[File:Vashon Hardware Store 01.jpg|100 px]]
|}

===Other points of interest===
{{promotional section|date=April 2018}}
* The bike in the tree. A bicycle placed in the fork of a tree, allegedly when a child chained a bike to the tree decades ago and never picked it up, and the tree subsequently grew around it. This is a common local and tourist attraction, and has been subject to vandalism in recent years. The bike in the tree served as the inspiration for the Christmas book ''Red Ranger Came Calling'' by [[Berkeley Breathed]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Red Ranger Came Calling: A Guaranteed True Christmas Story |last1=Breathed |first1=Berkeley |date=1994 |publisher=Little, Brown and Company |isbn=978-0316102490 |location=Boston}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/1412 |title=Vashon Island, Washington: Bicycle Eaten by Tree |website=RoadsideAmerica.com |access-date=2013-12-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Vashon-mystery-How-did-the-bike-become-embedded-in-the-tree-231947041.html |title=Vashon Mystery: How did the bike become embedded in the tree? |last1=Johnson |first1=Eric |website=komonews.com |access-date=2015-05-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Vandals-strip-Vashon-Islands-iconic-bike-in-a-tree-272236321.html |title=Vandals strip Vashon Island's iconic 'bike-in-a-tree' |last1=Cohen |first1=Lindsey |website=komonews.com |access-date=2015-05-19}}</ref>
* [[Point Robinson Light]]house. [[Point Robinson]] Beach on the east shore of Maury Island has been the site of a lighthouse since 1885. The current Point Robinson lighthouse has been fully automated since 1978.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vashonparks.org/point-robinson|title=Point Robinson|last1=Vashon Park District|website=Vashon Parks|access-date=2015-06-09}}</ref>
* Fisher Pond, a 90-acre terrestrial and freshwater conservancy,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vashonparks.org/fisher-pond|title=Fisher Pond|last1=Fisher Pond|website=Vashon Park District|access-date=2015-06-09}}</ref> the largest on Vashon Island
* Jesus Barn Farm, a farmstead founded in 1893. During the 1960s it was turned into an agrarian lifestyle commune. Local lore suggests this is when the iconic "Jesus" was first painted on the side of the barn.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jesusbarnfarm.com/about-jesusbarn-farm/|title=About JesusBarn Farm|last1=Cline|first1=Chris|website=JesusBarn Farm|access-date=2015-06-09}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{commons category|Vashon Island, Washington}}
{{wikivoyage|Vashon Island}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070730040652/http://www.vashonmap.com/ Vashon-Maury Map]
* [http://vashonhistory.com VashonHistory.com]
* [https://explorevashon.com ExploreVashon.com]

{{King County, Washington|state=collapsed}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Vashon, Washington| ]]
[[Category:Census-designated places in King County, Washington]]
[[Category:Islands of Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Islands of King County, Washington]]
[[Category:Islands of Puget Sound]]
[[Category:Populated places on Puget Sound]]