Unplug on Lummi Island

The Whatcom Chief is an adventure in itself! The tiny ferry can hold up to 20 vehicles (far less if a truck hauling a trailer or large work truck is crossing) and up to 100 walk-on passengers. If you’re used to traveling on the massive Washington State Ferries, this will be a very different experience!

Riding in the front row of the Whatcom Chief feels like you could launch off into the briney deep at any moment. All the more fun to start our adventure!

Once you land on the island, you can start your adventure with a driving tour – which doesn’t take too long. The southernmost section of the island can’t be accessed by roads, and there are just two main loops to drive, to get a sense of the place and take in the scenery. There are no gas stations on the island, so be sure you have plenty of fuel before you leave the mainland.

Lummi Island packs a big punch when it comes to peaceful trails, epic views, and serene beaches. However, there are limited options for dining and shopping. You may want to choose a picnic lunch for your visit to Lummi Island, or at least plan ahead to check if the island's food options are open.

Food options:

• The Galley - A good option for lunch on Lummi Island, The Galley opened summer of 2025 and serves sandwiches, soup, beer, and wine. Their business hours are limited, so be sure to check ahead!
• Beach Store Cafe - For dinner on Lummi Island, this is your best bet. It's a great place to eat on a sunny day, as the shady front porch or the sunny back patio are a sure bet for dining al fresco, or there’s always the cafe’s cozy inside seating. They also have limited hours, so check before you go.
• Farmers market - If you visit on a Saturday, be sure to visit the summer farmers market, located just up from the ferry terminal. 
• Islander Store - This is Lummi Island's only grocery store. It's also a great place for Lummi Island shirts and hoodies!

Most of the island is private land, which means no public access along much of the shoreline. But fear not, you can still find places to scout around and enjoy the scenery. The island has three public access points for the beach.

• Lummi Island Beach Access – Across the street from the Beach Store Cafe, this small lookout area has a view of the ferry crossing and a picnic table. When the tide is low, visitors can walk down the stairs to explore the rocky beach.
  
  
• Sunset Beach – On the west side of the island, this spot is true to its name – a great place to catch the sunset – as well as a great place to beach-comb for rocks and shells. Parking is available across from what was formerly the Willows Inn. The path leading to the beach is marked with a sign, but getting there requires a short walk along the road from the parking area - please be careful!
  
  
• Church Beach – The Lummi Island Congregational Church owns a stretch of beachfront property located behind the church. Park in the lot and follow the path, and be sure to check out the nearby stone labyrinth as well.

Baker Preserve - Managed by the Lummi Island Heritage Trust, the Baker Preserve is home to a relatively challenging but rewarding day-hike option. A steep 1.6 mile trail takes you to the top of Lummi Mountain. At the end is an overlook offering stunning views of the San Juan Islands and Olympics. This one is a thigh-buster, so might not be a great option for young children. 

Otto Preserve - Enjoy a pleasant walk through nature at the Otto Preserve. Take the main loop for a simple mile-long trail, or opt for one of the many spur trails that weave through the preserve's forests and meadows. 

Curry Preserve - This 50-acre preserve is also managed by the Lummi Island Heritage Trust. Enjoy a short, pleasant walk through grassy fields with views of Mt. Baker and a pond. With only 1.2 miles of trails, this is a great option for little ones. 

Aiston Preserve - This preserve offers trails, a beach, and epic views of Mt. Baker. Located on the southeast flank of Lummi Mountain, the preserve boasts 105 acres of protected land as well as a former gravel quarry that remains closed to the public. To access the Reflection Woods, descend the Inati Trail, a steep 1.5-mile out-and-back trail, or follow its northern spur, Deer Fern Way, a 1.2-mile point-to-point hike.

Remember to always recreate responsibly.

Lummi Island is a haven for artists all year round, but a few times a year, visitors have a chance to meet the talent behind the art during the Lummi Island Art Tour.  

Shop paintings, notecards, jewelry, photography, sculptures, glass items, wooden crafts, pottery, metal crafts, stonework, quilts, clothing, and knitwear.