Lummi Island Information
Frequently Asked about Lummi Island
Lummi Island is in the San Juan Islands in Washington State and is accessible by a 10 minute ferry ride from the mainland at Gooseberry Point, just north of Bellingham, Washington.
Lummi Island is approximately 10 miles long with a mountain on the south end and rolling hills of farmland and forest in the center and on the north end of the island.
The population of this island community is about 800 full-time characters and doubles in the summer when the rest of the characters return to their cabins and hideaways.
Lummi Island is well known for reefnet salmon fishing, artists, supra-oxygenated air, island vistas, wildlife at your doorstep, land trust trails, bicycling on winding roads and bucolic landscape. The acclaimed chef at the Willows Bed & Breakfast has also drawn national culinary attention to this tranquil domain.
The Whatcom County ferry runs every hour from 6 am to midnight between Gooseberry Point and Lummi Island. See ferry schedule here
The nearest airports to Lummi Island are, in order of distance, Bellingham International Airport (BLI), Abbotsford International Airport (YXX), Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Bicycles – sometimes available for rent on Lummi Island. Best to bring your own.
Beach Fires – We recommend you check Lummi Island Fire District before striking a match. Glorious summer days are usually accompany a ban on burning.
Community: Lummi Island has a general store, The Islander, public library, post office, fire station, and two nondenominational churches.
The Islander grocery store will stock your refrigerator upon request.
The Lummi Island post office can accept your mail addressed to General Delivery, Lummi Island, 98262. They will hold the mail for 5 days.
The Whatcom County ferry runs every hour from 6 am to midnight between Gooseberry Point and Lummi Island. See ferry schedule here
Kayak rentals – see the links below.
Lummi Island Roads & Traffic – 2 lane roads are narrow with no paved edge. The observed speed limit is 25 mph. The roads are safe for daytime bicycling and walking. They circle around the waters edge and then wind up the mountain. Remember to yield to the occasional traffic. There is a courtesy hand wave enactment, see how many waves you get back. There are no street lights, drivers are not able to see you in the dark.
The Silver Reef Casino and Golf Course is within 10 miles from the Lummi Island vacation property on the Lummi Indian Reservation. There you will find an Event Center that hosts concerts and other events such as car shows and boxing.
Massage is available on Lummi Island. Please enquire.
Sailing – Take a sailing lesson or charter a sail boat, see the links below.
Golf courses are nearby. The North Bellingham Golf Course is 12 miles drive and a public course.
THINGS TO DO
Circle Lummi Island on bicycles. From the house around the north end of the island along the shoreline and back is 9.4 miles, not including the mountain.
Fly a kite on the beach
Kayak your way from the beach in front of Lummi Beach Haven to the point on Legoe Bay
Wake up with a swim. The average water temperature in winter reaches 46.4°F, in spring 48.2°F, in summer the average temperature rises to 57.2°F, and in autumn it is 53.6°F. Bring water shoes to get over the rocks.
Dig clams on low tide. Clams found along the Lummi Island shoreline include horse, varnish, manila, native littleneck, macoma, cockle, butter, and eastern softshell.
Lummi Island Heritage Trust Calendar of Events
Watch the whales pass through the straits with our telescope
Walk the labyrinth in the quiet woodlands located behind the church.
Pick blackberries around the island in late summer
Star gazing
EXPLORE THE ISLAND
Hike the trails maintained by the Lummi Island Heritage Trust: Lummi Mountain via the Baker, Otto Farm, Curry Farm and Aiston Preserves.
Beachcomb for agates and glass floats while surrounded by bald eagles, otters and sea gulls.
Discover the petroglyphs on the western shore
Find two of the oldest trees on the island. (they have labels)
Walk or run the loop – 3.1 miles – start in front of the house, going in either direction.
Dance in the moonlight with the hooting owls. Don’t miss the Owl Prowl in September in the forest behind the Otto Farm on Lummi Island.
All-Island Talent Review, early June, at the Beach School. Any Questions? call Ingrid McGarry @ 360 676-4373.
Visit the Lummi Island Public Library for events like story time, afternoon scrabble, visiting lectures, sing-a-longs !
Rent movies from the Islander Store or the Library
Write postcards and mail from the Lummi Island Post Office
LUMMI ISLAND ARTISAN LINKS
- Lynn Dee Studios – Raku Pottery
- Ann Morris Sculpter Woods
- Alan Rosen Fine Furniture
- M. Oppenheimer, Wind Sculptures on Lummi Island
- Heartwood Joinery, Custom Woodwork
- Tree Frog Farm Floral Essences & Native Plants
- Legoe Bay Winery
Lummi Island Wild Reefnet Salmon fishery.
Lummi Island Heritage Trust at the Otto Farm. Check for special events and programs during your stay.
SHOP
Lummi Island Artist Studio Tour during open house tours on Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the 2nd weekend in November.
Lummi Island Holiday Bazaar – first weekend in December at the Grange. Find unique gifts, artists, books, music, jewels, magic and good food,
Lummi Farmers Market in spring and summer, Sat – 10 -1P pm in the parking lot by the Islander Store.
Roadside stands for fresh eggs,produce, and flowers, selling on the “honor system” – make your own change.
Lavender Festival- Get some scents in July
EAT & DRINK
Artisan Wine Tasting – Wine tasting each Friday from 4-7 and each Saturday from 2-6, or anytime for “wine emergencies.” (360.758.2959). Or have them host a wine party .
Chili cook-off competition in mid-July, sponsored by the Lummi Island Heritage Trust.
Willows Inn : For those that are not staying at the Willows, call to be on a wait list. They will notify you 2 weeks prior to your reservation and let you know if you are close to getting in. It’s worth a try ! Tel: 360-758-2620
Taste the famous Lummi Island wild salmon at the Reefnet Festival in August – with music, beer garden and tours of working reefnet boats.
Picnic on the beach
Islander Store. Early arrivals at the Islander are rewarded with a selection of mouthwatering freshly baked bread, pastries and coffee. It’s worth getting out of bed !
MORE ACTION
Magellan Yacht Charters Lessons & Charters
Ski to Sea Race– Memorial Day Weekend
Paddling Rentals – Yeagers Sporting Goods
Learn Paddle Board in Bellingham Bay ,
Whale Watching out of Bellingham
Artisan Wine Gallery: Tasting & Retail
Lummi Island Congregational Church
Moondance Kayak Charters – from Larabee State Park
WINE TOURING IN WHATCOM VALLEY
Vartanyan Estate Winery – Bellingham, WA 98226
Mt Baker Vineyards – Everson, WA, 98247
Dynasty Wine Cellars – Bellingham, WA
GLM Wine Company – Blaine, WA,
Chuckanut Ridge Wine Co. – Bellingham, WA 98225
Samson Estates Winery – Everson, WA 98199
Bellewood Distillery
Bellingham, Wa
Artisan Wine Tasting – Lummi Island, WA
Wine Tours by Limousine – +1 360-384-9999
MICRO BREWERIES
Kulshan Brewery – Bellingham, WA
North Fork Brewery – Deming, WA
Boundary Bay Brewery – Bellingham, WA
Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen – Bellingham, WA
TRAVEL TO THE FARM
Bellingham Country Gardens – You pick vegetables, open July 1 – October 31. Family owned and operated with flowers, veggies and spray free hand-picked berries
Bellingham Farmers Market – fresh produce, food and crafts. Saturdays & Wednesdays in Fairhaven.
More links
- Lummi Island Heritage Trust
- Life on Lummi Island – Photos
- Lummi Island Heritage
- Lummi Island Fire Department
- Lummi Island Library
- Lummi Island Grange