Just beyond the South Sound mainland lies a small seaside sanctuary where sun-drenched shores, towering pines, and quiet paths beckon those curious travelers looking for a tranquil escape. This is Fox Island, a picturesque coastal treasure found nestled off the Kitsap Peninsula and accessed via a scenic drive over the Fox Island Bridge.
As the island unfolds, a vivid mosaic of heritage and contemporary charm is revealed, inviting visitors to explore the meticulously preserved relics, dynamic local attractions, and serene hideaways that together create the perfect escape for this island getaway!
A Brief History of Fox Island
Long before the arrival of non-Indigenous settlers, Fox Island was an integral part of the territory of the Steilacoom people, a Coast Salish tribe deeply connected to the lands and waters of the South Sound.
The 1792 Vancouver Expedition, led by Peter Puget, marked the first documented European contact with the island. This encounter quickly turned confrontational when Puget ordered a musket to be fired as a warning to native inhabitants. With no choice but to withdraw but unfamiliar territory to navigate, the exploration party retreated to Fox Island, where they made camp for the night. Though no violence erupted that day, the musket fired as a warning would echo symbolically through time, foreshadowing the displacement and struggle that would soon engulf the region.
Decades later, the island would become a reluctant stage for the Puget Sound War when, in 1856, it would serve as an internment camp for Puyallup and Nisqually families stripped of their homelands. Over 500 people were forcibly relocated here under John Swan’s supervision, surviving on sparse government rations. Failed attempts to negotiate peace would only deepen distrust, but by summer, the war would be over, with Governor Isaac Stevens having finally agreed to renegotiate the Treaty of Medicine Creek.
In the aftermath of conflict, Fox Island began its transformation from an internment site into a fledgling community in the 1880s, with land purchases from early pioneers such as A.J. Miller drawing other families to the area then known as Sylvan. This slow but steady growth continued into the 20th century, with around 60 homes dotting the island by 1908.
Fox Island’s Lighthouse on Tanglewood Island
Historically known as Grave Island, the small islet now known as Tanglewood Island that sits just north of Fox Island was once a sacred place to the Nisqually Indians, who practiced tree burials on the land. The island later transitioned to private hands, with Tacoma physician Dr. Alfred Schultz purchasing it in 1933 and establishing a boys’ camp, Camp Ta-Ha-Do-Wa, there in 1945.
A distinctive landmark was added to Tanglewood Island in 1946 with the completion of a round lighthouse and lodge on its northern tip. This lighthouse was reportedly the first round one built in the United States in 85 years. Serving as Dr. Schultz’s summer office and the camp’s infirmary, the lighthouse also received government approval for a beacon, which was turned on in June 1947.
This event coincided with the official renaming of the island to Tanglewood, inspired by its tangled undergrowth and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Tanglewood Tales.” Despite its current non-functional status and a partial demolition attempt in 2014, the lighthouse remains a unique historical point of interest near Fox Island.
Get Wild at the Fox Island Nature Center
Beyond its coastal charm, Fox Island offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature at the Fox Island Nature Center. This 5-acre wetland and rainforest preserve became a reality in 2004 thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Fox Island Community & Recreation Association (FICRA), the Fox Island Building Trust, and the vision of community leaders. Through the hard work of numerous volunteers, including local youth groups, this once-overgrown land has been thoughtfully developed into a network of trails and a showcase of Washington’s diverse native plant life and climatic zones.
The Fox Island Nature Center provides a rich tapestry of natural environments to explore. Visitors can wander through wetland areas, alongside a gentle stream in the marsh, and within a rainforest boasting magnificent examples of first-growth nurse logs. The center also features a mixed forest in its upland section. It is complemented by park benches for quiet contemplation, a 60-foot bridge spanning a natural feature, raised walkways for easy access, and a native species garden near the entrance. Open daily from dawn till dusk, the Nature Center is a perfect spot for hiking, observing local birdlife, learning about native plants, enjoying a peaceful picnic, or practicing nature photography.
Travel Through Time at the Fox Island Historical Society Museum
To delve deeper into the captivating past of this island getaway, a visit to the Fox Island Historical Society Museum is a must. The museum is home to over 3,000 artifacts that are proudly put on display in carefully curated dioramas, showcases, and free-standing exhibits, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into Fox Island’s layered history, from its Native American roots to its maritime and agricultural heritage.
Managed by the Fox Island Historical Society, the museum offers a host of educational opportunities, including guided group tours and specialized children’s programs that engage visitors of all ages.
Seaside Fun at Fox Island
The shimmering waters surrounding Fox Island invite visitors to dive into a world of seaside adventures. Anglers will find their haven at the Fox Island Fishing Pier, a scenic and accessible spot on the island’s eastern tip. Imagine casting your line into Puget Sound, with breathtaking views as your backdrop, from this pier open until dusk. It’s a perfect way to soak in the coastal ambiance and perhaps reel in a local catch.
Beyond the pier, the adventurous can explore the captivating underwater realm through scuba diving. While Puget Sound’s waters are cool, they teem with an incredible array of marine life, from the majestic Giant Pacific Octopus to playful wolf eels and a kaleidoscope of colorful invertebrates.
For those who prefer to stay above the surface, sea kayaking offers a serene way to discover the Kitsap Peninsula’s stunning coastline. Launching near the Fox Island Bridge provides opportunities to spot local wildlife like harbor seals and bald eagles and to explore the fascinating ecosystems within the tidal pools.
As the sun sets on Fox Island, it casts a golden glow over a community rich with history and vibrant natural beauty. With its friendly atmosphere, stunning natural vistas, and glimpses into a captivating past, Fox Island presents a picture-perfect setting for those desiring a peaceful and enriching island experience within Washington’s scenic tapestry.