| | Anderson Island, Washington
Location Anderson Island is the southernmost island in the Puget Sound. It is south of
Tacoma. You can reach Anderson Island by boarding the Steilacoom ferry for a pleasurable
20 minute ride across the Sound. The ferry runs every hour or two. The last boat leaves
the mainland at 7:30 pm and the island at 8:00 pm weekdays. Weekends, the times are
extended until 10:00 pm. The ferry holds 60 cars as well as walk-on passengers.
Community: As you drive through a park like setting on this beautiful 8.1 mile island,
you will climb rolling hills, wind around on country roads lined with rich green foliage
and mature trees. You will also enjoy salt and fresh water vistas as well as mountain
views. Riviera Country Club housing development of 3,000 + lots offer to it’s members a
nine hole executive golf course, a salt water marina, two fresh water lakes that contain
bass as well as trout for great fishing, tennis courts, and beautiful parks. It also
offers a well facilitated campground. Also, the Anderson Island Parks and Recreation
District provides the public with parks for swimming, trail exploring, picnicking, and
playground fun in different locations: Andy’s Marine Park, Lowell Johnson Swimming Hole,
Old School House Park, Russ Cammon Park, Gordon Nece Pine Lake Park, and the Jane Cammon
Trail. For your dining pleasures, the Riviera Lakeshore Restaurant, located on Lake
Josephine, serves you with warm, friendly service. Groceries, BJ’s Deli food and gifts
may be purchased at the Island General Store. BJ’s also does catering and has specialty
dinners every month.
History: The island was first named by Commander Charles Wilkes of the U.S. Expedition,
who was sent out to explore the Northwest country. Given a warm reception and assistance
to aid his operations at Fort Nisqually by Mr. Anderson and Captain McNeil, Wilkes repaid
the kindnesses shown him by naming the two nearby islands after these after these two
men. In 1870, Andrew N. Christensen, a Scandinavian, hailing from Denmark, was the first
settler to come to the island. His wife had a strong hand in the development of the
island community. The primary industry began with the sale of cord wood to the wood
burning steamers that came into what is now known as Amsterdam Bay.
Population: The island now has approximately 1000 year round residents consisting of
nearly 50% retired folks and 50% families. The seasonal residents and weekenders raise
the population to 2-3,000, especially during the summer. As a community with a small town
atmosphere, the residents work together to keep the island a clean and safe place to
live.
Climate: The Pacific Northwest has winter temperatures that range from 30 degrees in the
evenings to 50 degrees in the daytime, with approximately 20 inches of precipitation. The
summer temperatures rise to a comfortable 75 degrees to an occasional 90 degrees with
about 5 inches of precipitation.
Lots: Lots: ....approximately $15,000 to $45,000. Lots on the golf course start around
$50,000 or on the lakes can range to $250,000. Sound view lots and acreage upwards to
$425,000
Island Organizations: There are several organizations that have been developed to address
the needs of the community. Some are: Homeowner’s Association, A.I. Park Board, Fire
Fighter’s Association, and the Woman’s Club, Joyful Noise Singers, and various golf
groups at the Riviera Country Club.
Churches: The Community Church building accommodates the Catholic Mass on Sunday 8:30AM.
The Lutheran Church meets at it’s own sanctuary on Guthrie Road. The Christian Fellowship
meets on Sunday mornings at the Community Clubhouse and also the Latter Day Saints meet
on Sunday mornings.
Schools: The Steilacoom School District provides a rural and remote elementary school on
the island. It is divided into two classrooms, one for K-2nd grade and one for 3rd-5th.
The co-op preschool also meets on campus. The 6th-12th graders ride a bus to the ferry
for Pioneer Middle School and Steilacoom High School.
Library: The Community Clubhouse is home to a small Pierce County Library that is open on
Wednesdays. The librarians stock new books as well as videos and magazines. They can take
requests for items and a book mobile comes one Wednesday a month.
The Fire Department: District 27 has their own fire station and equipment to provide
emergency and medical treatment. The Emergency Medical Technicians and volunteers are
trained as First Responders. A medical helicopter is radioed when an emergency
necessitates immediate transport off island. The district also has a medical boat for
less serious transports and Coast Guard search and rescue.
Accommodations: Come visit Anderson Island and enjoy an overnight stay in your choice of
Bed and Breakfast facilities: The Inn at Burg’s Landing, Anderson House, Annabelle’s or
Rhododendren Dell. Annabelle's, Rhododendron Dell, or Island Innkeeper.
Local Phone Numbers
Island Innkeeper: 253-377-6467
Annabelle’s B&B___________________________253-884-1095
Anderson House B&B_______________________ 884-4088
Anderson Island Fire Department___________884-4040
Anderson Island Library(Wed)______________884-2893
Inn at Burg’s Landing_____________________884-9185
Island General Store______________________884-4001
LeMay refuse pickup and info_____________ 800-345-3629
Pat Laguna, Real Estate___________ 253-732-0144
Riviera Business Office___________________884-4093
Riviera Pro Shop__________________________884-9634
Rhododendren Dell_________________________884-2990
Steilacoom School District________________983-2200
Tanner Electric___________________________800-472-0208
Additional Community Information: www.andersonislandhomes.com
Thank you for checking in with us! Pat
www.andersonislandhomes.info
253-732-0144
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