Speed Boat to Blake Island

Part of the welcoming committee on Blake Island, Seattle.

More of the committee.  Blake Island was used as a camping ground by the Suquamish Tribe.  In about 1786, according to legend, it was the birthplace of Chief Sealth.  It was officially named in 1841 after George Smith Blake, then commander of the US Coastal Survey.  William Pitt Trimble acquired Blake Island in 1904 and named it Trimble Island.  At various times the island was known as High Island and Smugglers Island.  In 1936 Trimble sold the island, after the death of his wife in an accident in Seattle.  In 1959 Washington State made the entire island a state park.

When you hike the trails on Blake Island, you're going to see deer.

And so we arrive on the rocky shore after a fun speedboat ride and get our bearings by one of the campgrounds.

And we contemplated the beauty around us, gazing out onto the Sound

And in the distance, Seattle and the Space Needle.  The busy activity of the city that we left behind for a day.

Then it's time to hit the woodsy trail.  There are trails all over the island, including one that goes all around it, and including an interpretive, nature trail that  describes the Suquamish Tribe life.

Towering alder trees

Madrona trees as a gateway to the Puget Sound

A curious trail mate

A sandy beach for a picnic break

Other boats lined up along the beach while people enjoy the day on land

A picnic crasher, watchful for any wayward snacks

Island mates

Onward, back to the forest and heading back to the replica Suquamish longhouse

After a fun time in nature, now we're ready to learn even more about the Tribe history and culture

Not to mention, we're ready for a delicious alder smoked, salmon dinner.

And after dinner treated to a story telling show, featuring magnificent masks.  Highly recommend a full day on Blake Island so you can fully enjoy all aspects of the beach, forest, and longhouse, or really make memories by camping at the campgrounds

Fun for all

And sweet spanish lavendar