Milissa Simons (right) holds Jet Juliann, 3, while Ashley Elledge (center) watches Lincoln Ballard, 3, swim in the water off of Jetty Island on Thursday in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Milissa Simons (right) holds Jet Juliann, 3, while Ashley Elledge (center) watches Lincoln Ballard, 3, swim in the water off of Jetty Island on Thursday in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Jetty Island opens for family-friendly fun

About 50,000 people a season make the crossing.

EVERETT — The Jetty Island ferry is up and running for its summer season.

The boat operates every day from July 5 to Labor Day. During that period, about 50,000 people visit the man-made island that sits across from the marina.

Jetty is two miles of sandy beach. The water is shallow and warm.

The ferry ride is quick and free, with a suggested donations of $2 for adults and $1 for children. Passes are available at the dock.

If you’re taking the boat to Jetty, the weekday routes are less crowded around noon. Additionally, morning tickets are easier to secure on weekends.

The island can also be reached by personal boats, kayaks or canoes.

Kolleen Lothian has frequented Jetty for years. This summer marks her first season heading to the beach via kayak.

“I’m a teacher so I have a lot of free time,” she said. “As long as the weather is nice, I’ll probably come here at least two or three times a week.”

Lothian recommended kayakers stick to the east side of the island, because of the west’s choppy waters.

On the island, you won’t find any shops, stands or even a lifeguard. Visitors are asked to bring their own food, drink and beach materials. They’re also required to bring it all back to the mainland.

Pets and alcohol must be left at home.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own beach activities.

On a sunny day, the sky is often covered with kites.

Some fly for leisurely fun, others for an extreme sport called kiteboarding.

Kiteboarders harness themselves to power kites and glide across the water on boards.

While some come for sport, others visit Jetty for a lazy day on what could be mistaken for a tropical beach.

Gloria Olson took the day off work on opening day to visit her favorite reading spot.

“I’ve been coming here since forever,” she said. “My kids were raised on the Jetty.”

The island is home to trails to be explored and wildlife to be spotted.

Walking tours take place every day during the season, with start times varying throughout the week. Guides explain the history of the island and point out the birds, mollusks and flowers that inhabit it.

Jetty was initially formed from sediment coming from the Snohomish River in the late 1800s. It served as a protective barrier for the port. It wasn’t until 1929 that the port came into ownership of the island.

The ferry didn’t start offering daily summer trips to Jetty until the 1980s.

Joseph Thompson: 425-339-3430; jthompson@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @JoeyJThomp.

Talk to us

More in Local News

Lead climbers head up their respective routes at Vertical World North on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, in Lynnwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Beginner’s ascent: A newcomer’s guide to indoor climbing

Indoor climbing gyms in and around Snohomish County offer thrills without winter chills.

Providence Regional Medical Center Everett. (Olivia Vanni/The Herald)
Providence Swedish tightens COVID, mask policy

Citing a rise in respiratory illness, local hospitals and clinics will require masks for care.

Chestnut mushrooms grow in a fruiting tent on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, at Black Forest Mushrooms in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Fungi town: Downtown Everett home to new indoor gourmet mushroom farm

Black Forest Mushrooms will grow up to 20,000 pounds of tasty mushrooms each month. Its storefront opens Saturday at 2110 Hewitt Ave.

Outside of Angel of the Winds Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Police arrest Angel of the Winds arena worker accused of stabbing boss

The man allegedly walked up to his employer and demanded a raise, before stabbing him in the stomach, witnesses said.

The town post office in Index, Washington on Wedesday, Nov. 29, 2023.  (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Index, smallest town in Snohomish County, is No. 1 in voter turnout

Index has beaten the Snohomish County ballot return rate in each of the last 10 years. Snohomish County leaders have a few theories as to why.

Founder and Executive Director Pa Ousman Joof, alongside Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell, right, prepares to cut the ribbon during the grand opening of the Washington West African Center on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, in Lynnwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Born out of struggle, West African Center flourishes in Lynnwood

African music filled the room Saturday at 19203 36th Ave. West, for the grand opening of the nonprofit’s new state headquarters.

An STI clinic opened Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Free STI clinic opens in Everett after 14-year hiatus — and as rates spike

The county-run facility will provide treatment and resources for prevention of sexually transmitted infections.

Graffiti covers the eastern side of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County Cascade Unit on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Again, Boys and Girls Club tagged with suspected gang signs in Everett

Residents on Cascade Drive say their neighborhood has been the scene of excessive graffiti and sometimes gunfire in the past year.

A man pauses to look out over the flooding along Old Snohomish Monroe Road on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Why are Snohomish County rivers susceptible to flooding?

The short answer: Geography. Our proximity to Puget Sound and the mountains makes our rivers sensitive to big storms.

Henry King sits on a bench he often spent time on between the Boulevard Park and Taylor Dock boardwalks in Bellingham, Washington. (Photo courtesy of Bellingham Police Department)
Marysville man accused of killing ‘kind, gentle’ homeless Bellingham man

After a nine-month investigation, police arrested Elijah Belmont Wednesday in the death of Henry King in Boulevard Park.

Traffic moves along Mukilteo Speedway in front of Olympic Middle School on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Automated traffic speed cameras get the green light in Mukilteo

Cameras will be at three sites on Mukilteo Speedway for school and park safety, not at red lights.

Brenda Stonecipher, left, and Mary Fosse
Everett council president backs down from ban on holding 2 offices

On Wednesday, over 20 speakers showed up to support City Council member Mary Fosse’s ability to serve in the state Legislature.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.