Lummi Island Information
INFORMATION ON LUMMI ISLAND
Lummi Island is in Washington State and is accessible by a 10 minute ferry ride. The car ferry sails from the mainland at Gooseberry Point, which is a small community just to the north of Bellingham, Washington.
This friendly island is approximately 10 miles long from North to South. Looking from Bellingham Bay westward you‘ll see the mountain on the south end of Lummi Island. Gazing to the north you’ll see rolling hills of farmland and evergreen forest.
The population that makes up the island community totals approximately 800 year-round residents. Although the denizens double in number during the summer months when absentee property owners return to their cabins and hideaways.
Lummi Island is well known for reefnet salmon fishing and the creative artist population. Also Lummi features supra-oxygenated air, island vistas, and wildlife at your doorstep. Visitors come to explore the land trust trails and bicycling on quiet winding roads.
Community: Lummi Island information centers about The Islander store, public library, post office, fire station, and a friendly non-denominational church.
OFTEN ASKED
Bicycles – Some bicycles may be available to rent, however, it is better to bring your own bicycle.
Beach Fires – Although romantic, you’d best check with the Lummi Island Fire District first. Even though it’s the beach, the long days of summer are typically accompanied with a ban on burning.
The Islander grocery store has been known to stock your refrigerator as well as be the general source for Lummi Island information.
Lummi Island Congregational Church
Massage is available on the island. Please enquire with our Lummi Beach Haven property manager.
Lummi Island post office can accept your mail addressed to General Delivery, Lummi Island, 98262 and apparently hold your mail for up to 5 days.
TRAVELING TO LUMMI ISLAND
The Whatcom County ferry has been in service for 60 years. At this present time, it operates every hour from 6 am to midnight across Hales Passage between Gooseberry Point and Lummi Island. See ferry schedule here
For air travelers, the nearest airports to Lummi are, in order of distance:
- Bellingham International Airport (BLI) [22 miles],
- Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) [42 miles],
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR) [88 miles],
- Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA) [117 miles].
Island Roads & Traffic – The island is circled with narrow 2-lane roads that have no paved edge. Upon these roads you will see posted a speed limit of 25 mph. This slow speed makes the roads safe for daytime bicycling and walking. These roads are easily negotiated as they circle gently around the waters edge and slowly wind up the mountain. Just remember to yield to the occasional traffic. Whereupon encountering traffic you can enjoy the courtesy hand wave. Try and see how many waves are returned. For those who like to wander in the dark, please note there are no street lights, and thus drivers are not able to see you in the dark.
MOVING ABOUT LUMMI
It is fairly easy to circle Lummi Island on bicycles. As you leave from the house and cycle to the north end of the island along the shoreline the trip is 9.4 miles. Meanwhile if you head to the south its about 6 miles round trip to the top of the mountain.
Catch the wind and fly a kite on the beach most certainly on a low tide.
Paddling along in your kayak it’s a straight shot from in front of Beach Haven to the point off 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. Water shoes are excellent for getting over the rocks.
On a low tide, clams are found on the sandy sections of the shoreline. Clam varieties may include horse, manila, native littleneck, cockle, butter, and eastern softshell.
Lummi Island Information and Heritage Trust Calendar of Events
Watch the orcas pass through the straits in front of our house.
Behind the Island church you may walk the labyrinth in the quiet woodlands behind the Island church.
Grab a plastic bucket and pick your fill of blackberries on the roadsides in late summer.
Lay back on the front lawn and go Star gazing in the cool of the evening.
EXPLORE LUMMI ISLAND
You are welcome to hike several nice trails maintained by the Lummi Island Heritage Trust:
- Lummi Mountain via the Baker,
- Otto Farm, Curry Farm and
- Aiston Preserves.
As you wander the beach on Lummi you will enjoy beachcombing for agates and glass floats while surrounded by bald eagles, otters and sea gulls.
In addition on the northwest side of the island you might be able to find the petroglyphs along the shoreline.
When exploring the island roads you come across two of the oldest trees on the island. To be certain, these special trees are labeled.
As you are leaving the house onto Nugent Road you can walk or run the “loop” which is 3.1 miles.
For those into nightlife, go into the trees and find a hooting owl. Additionally, enjoy the Owl Prowl behind the Otto Farm in September.
You may visit the Island Library for more Lummi Island information. Also you will find events like story time, afternoon scrabble, visiting lecturers, and sing-a-longs !
Write postcards and mail from the Lummi Island Post Office
You can watch Netflix in the living room if all else fails.
LUMMI ARTISAN LINKS
- Alan Rosen Fine Furniture
- Heartwood Joinery, Custom Woodwork
- Tree Frog Farm Floral Essences & Native Plants
In the fall find the reefnet salmon fishery, known as Lummi Island Wild .
Check the Lummi Island Heritage Trust at the Otto Farm for special events and programs during your stay.
SHOPPING ON LUMMI ISLAND
On Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the 2nd weekend in November, you will find open house tours of the local Lummi Island artists.
Usually on the first weekend in December, the Grange holds the Lummi Island Holiday Bazaar where you will find unique gifts, artists, books, music, jewels, magic and great food.
When the weather warms up in spring and summer, don’t miss the Lummi Farmers Market on Sat – 10 -1P pm in the parking lot by the Islander Store.
As you ride around the island, shop the roadside stands for fresh eggs, produce, and flowers. They sell on the “honor system” where you are trusted to make your own change.
Sometimes in July you will find the Lavender Festival on Lummi Island.
EAT & DRINK OUT & ABOUT
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 . A source of Lummi Island Information.
Chili cook-off competition in mid-July, sponsored by the Lummi Island Heritage Trust.
Willows Inn : A cute accommodation that may suit your need for overflow visitors and your appetite for fine dining ! 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 AREA INFORMATION
Sailing – In the nearby city of Bellingham you may take a sailing lesson or charter a sail boat. Further information is in the the links below.
Several golf courses are located nearby. The North Bellingham Golf Course is 12 miles drive and a public course.
The Silver Reef Casino and Golf Course is located on the Lummi Indian Reservation, within 10 miles from the vacation property . There you will find an Event Center that hosts concerts and other events such as car shows and boxing.
- Chariot Adventures
- Bellingham Yachts
- Magellan Yacht Charters Lessons & Charters
- Kayak Rentals
- Ski to Sea Race– Memorial Day Weekend
- Learn Paddle Board in Bellingham Bay ,
- Whale Watching out of Bellingham
- Moondance Kayak Charters – from Larabee State Park
WINE TOURING IN WHATCOM VALLEY
- Vartanyan Estate Winery – Bellingham, WA 98226
- Dynasty Wine Cellars – Bellingham, WA
- GLM Wine Company – Blaine, WA,
- 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
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.
