Jetty Island 2012 - A pictorial!

Recently, C and I decided to spontaneously head to Jetty Island in Everett since it had been such a beautiful morning.

Jetty Island is a beautiful 2 mile long island that has a massive man-made sandbar great for playing and exploring. You have to take a two minute ferry ride to get to it!

We headed there in the early afternoon and arrived at the 10th Street Boat Launch Parking Lot which is free M-Th and has a $3 parking fee (still "Less than a Latte"!) Friday through Sunday.

We got a 3pm boarding pass and sat in the waiting line for the 2:30pm ferry just in case it had cancellations. I asked the attendants what were the best days and times to come for easier boarding pass pickup and they said it was completely weather dependent. The good news is if you live in Everett you can reserve a ferry and if you don't live in Everett you can reserve a ferry but must have a party of 8 people. Also, be aware that everyone needs a boarding pass, even babes-in-arms. There is also a nice big green lawn to play on and snack while you wait.

We were lucky and were the last two that were able to get on the 2:30pm ferry from the wait line.

C was so excited to get on the ferry and ride across to the island. Once we got to the island (about 2 minutes later!) we disembarked and started up the ramp and located the seasoal Floating Restroom. Be aware that there is no electricity or plumbing on the island so this is a large outhouse for all intents and purposes. There are two stalls in each section and additional space for changing clothes if necessary.

Once you get to the end of the ramp area make sure to pick up your return boarding pass for the time you would like to leave.

 
There is a nice little trail that just takes a couple minutes to walk to the beach area. The beach is long and sandy with some cool photo ops along the way. There also happens to be some volleyball nets up off the beach area too.

 
But the coolest thing about Jetty Island is the massive sand bar. The kids can spend hours playing, digging, building and exploring on it.

We explored and found some mini jellyfish, crab claws and shells that had been left behind by the tide. The water on the edge of the sandbar is shallow although we didn't go out very far to check out the deepness. 













Also, unusual in this area was that, because of the shallowness, the water was surprising warm!




 













We had an enjoyable, relaxing afternoon and as we were leaving the kiteboarders were starting to take off and looked like they were having fun as they dotted the sky with the colorful kites.

                                       

 









I would highly recommend this outing to anyone as a great way to spend the day! You just have to have a little patience while you wait for an available ferry. And next time I go,  I want to walk more about the island as I have read there are eagles and other creatures that call the area home. There are even nature walk tours available too!

My Recommendations for your visit:

1.) Bring snacks, food and beverages. (No alcohol or glass) Water is available on the island but nothing else. Plus, you won't know which return boarding passes will be available and you and the kids might get hungry while you are on the island.

2.) Even though they would love to run around and chase the birds on the island, leave Fido and Fluffy at home. ;-)

3.) Bring a light jacket or sweater as it can get a little chilly when the sun is blocked by passing clouds.

4.) Bring wipes/sanitizer as the restroom is a seasonal floating restroom/outhouse with no plumbing.





5.) Bring a couple of sand toys like shovel and pail and maybe a frisbee or something to play with while you wait for the ferry.

6.) Bring a small camera as there are some lovely photo ops available. Plus, the massive sandbar is really an unusual and very cool sight to see!



7.) Check the online schedule as they have a lot of kid friendly events like puppet shows, tours and more on the island during the season. (Just make sure to go early enough to get a ferry over before the event starts.)

8.) When you get to the island pick up your return boarding pass right away with the time you would like to return and remember to get 1 pass for everyone in your group.


                                                                                

and 9.) HAVE FUN!

For more info. on Jetty Island go here.