Whidbey. Bainbridge. Vashon. The San Juans. Washington is home to some truly incredible islands, each with their own unique amenities. But we’ve also got a few hidden gems that remain off the radar, like Whatcom County’s Lummi Island. If you’ve never spent time exploring this little piece of paradise, here’s why you should check it out.
To reach Lummi Island, you’ll take I-5 North to Bellingham and take Exit 260.
Ed Suominen / Flickr Follow signs until you reach the ferry terminal. The ferry ride is quick – less than 15 minutes.
Just under 1,000 people call Lummi Island home, and it only sees a fraction of the tourism of some of our other islands.
Ed Suominen / Flickr When you come here, you’ll feel like you’re really getting away from it all.
Walk the long stretches of sandy beach and you’ll probably get a clear glimpse of Mt. Baker.
Poisik / TripAdvisor
In fact, the views from every part of the island are breathtaking.
Lummi Island Facebook Some call Lummi the forgotten island, but if you visit, you’ll never forget it.
If you’re looking for a nice, casual meal, you can try the Beach Store Cafe at 2200 North Nugent Road, which is open Wednesday - Sunday…
Beach Store Cafe Facebook
… but it’s the Willows Inn that really put Lummi Island on the map.
Willows Inn on Lummi Island Facebook Willows Inn is the most remote restaurant in the state, and one of the most remote in the country.
Willows Inn delivers a dining experience like no other, offering a dinner with over a dozen courses of fresh, local cuisine.
Willows Inn on Lummi Island Facebook A meal here isn’t cheap, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Willows Inn is also a bed & breakfast, so you’ll have a place to relax and unwind after enjoying the best dinner of your life.
imcheng / TripAdvisor And as luck would have it, they serve breakfast too, so you can repeat the experience when you wake up.
And if you need to take a hike after indulging in all that farm-to-table fare, head to the Baker Preserve and hit the trails.
Molly Adams / alltrails.com You’ll see some breathtaking views while working up a sweat.
All in all, there’s really not much to Lummi Island – and somehow, that just adds to the appeal.
Willows Inn on Lummi Island Facebook Visit when you’re ready to slow down, reconnect with nature, savor every bite, and truly relax.
Lummi Island is definitely an underrated gem. And if you love the island life, plan a trip to the San Juans as soon as possible.
Ed Suominen / Flickr
Follow signs until you reach the ferry terminal. The ferry ride is quick – less than 15 minutes.
When you come here, you’ll feel like you’re really getting away from it all.
Poisik / TripAdvisor
Lummi Island Facebook
Some call Lummi the forgotten island, but if you visit, you’ll never forget it.
Beach Store Cafe Facebook
Willows Inn on Lummi Island Facebook
Willows Inn is the most remote restaurant in the state, and one of the most remote in the country.
A meal here isn’t cheap, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
imcheng / TripAdvisor
And as luck would have it, they serve breakfast too, so you can repeat the experience when you wake up.
Molly Adams / alltrails.com
You’ll see some breathtaking views while working up a sweat.
Visit when you’re ready to slow down, reconnect with nature, savor every bite, and truly relax.
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