Location Anderson Island is the southernmost island in the Puget Sound. It is south of Tacoma. You can reach Anderson Island by boarding the Steilacoom ferry for a pleasurable 20 minute ride across the Sound. The ferry runs every hour or two. The last boat leaves the mainland at 7:30 pm and the island at 8:00 pm weekdays. Weekends, the times are extended until 10:00 pm. The ferry holds 60 cars as well as walk-on passengers.

Community: As you drive through a park like setting on this beautiful 8.1 mile island, you will climb rolling hills, wind around on country roads lined with rich green foliage and mature trees. You will also enjoy salt and fresh water vistas as well as mountain views. Riviera Country Club housing development of 3,000 + lots offer to it’s members a nine hole executive golf course, a salt water marina, two fresh water lakes that contain bass as well as trout for great fishing, tennis courts, and beautiful parks. It also offers a well facilitated campground. Also, the Anderson Island Parks and Recreation District provides the public with parks for swimming, trail exploring, picnicking, and playground fun in different locations: Andy’s Marine Park, Lowell Johnson Swimming Hole, Old School House Park, Russ Cammon Park, Gordon Nece Pine Lake Park, and the Jane Cammon Trail. For your dining pleasures, the Riviera Lakeshore Restaurant, located on Lake Josephine, serves you with warm, friendly service. Groceries, BJ’s Deli food and gifts may be purchased at the Island General Store. BJ’s also does catering and has specialty dinners every month.

History: The island was first named by Commander Charles Wilkes of the U.S. Expedition, who was sent out to explore the Northwest country. Given a warm reception and assistance to aid his operations at Fort Nisqually by Mr. Anderson and Captain McNeil, Wilkes repaid the kindnesses shown him by naming the two nearby islands after these after these two men. In 1870, Andrew N. Christensen, a Scandinavian, hailing from Denmark, was the first settler to come to the island. His wife had a strong hand in the development of the island community. The primary industry began with the sale of cord wood to the wood burning steamers that came into what is now known as Amsterdam Bay.

Population: The island now has approximately 1000 year round residents consisting of nearly 50% retired folks and 50% families. The seasonal residents and weekenders raise the population to 2-3,000, especially during the summer. As a community with a small town atmosphere, the residents work together to keep the island a clean and safe place to live.

Climate: The Pacific Northwest has winter temperatures that range from 30 degrees in the evenings to 50 degrees in the daytime, with approximately 20 inches of precipitation. The summer temperatures rise to a comfortable 75 degrees to an occasional 90 degrees with about 5 inches of precipitation.

Island Organizations: There are several organizations that have been developed to address the needs of the community. Some are: Homeowner’s Association, A.I. Park Board, Fire Fighter’s Association, and the Woman’s Club, Joyful Noise Singers, and various golf groups at the Riviera Country Club.

Churches: The Community Church building accommodates the Catholic Mass on Sunday 8:30AM.  The Lutheran Church meets at it’s own sanctuary on Guthrie Road. The Christian Fellowship meets on Sunday mornings at the Community Clubhouse.

Schools: The Steilacoom School District provides a rural and remote elementary school on the island. It is divided into two classrooms, one for K-2^{nd grade and one for 3rd-5th. The co-op preschool also meets on campus. The 6th-12th graders ride a bus to the ferry for Pioneer Middle School and Steilacoom High School.}

Library: The Community Clubhouse is home to a small Pierce County Library that is open on Wednesdays. The librarians stock new books as well as videos and magazines. They can take requests for items and a book mobile comes one Wednesday a month.

The Fire Department: District 27 has their own fire station and equipment to provide emergency and medical treatment. The Emergency Medical Technicians and volunteers are trained as First Responders. A medical helicopter is radioed when an emergency necessitates immediate transport off island. The district also has a medical boat for less serious transports and Coast Guard search and rescue.

Accommodations: Come visit Anderson Island and enjoy an overnight stay in your choice of Bed and Breakfast facilities: The Inn at Burg’s Landing, Anderson House, Annabelle’s or Rhododendren Dell. Annabelle's, Rhododendron Dell, or Island Innkeeper.
Local Phone Numbers
Island Innkeeper: 253-377-6467

Local Phone Numbers

Annabelle’s B&B___________________________253-884-1095

Anderson House B&B_______________________884-4088

Anderson Island Fire Department______________884-4040

Anderson Island Library_____________________ 884-2893

Inn at Burg’s Landing_______________________ 884-9185

Island General Store________________________884-4001

LeMay refuse pickup and info_____________ 800-345-3629

Better Properties Real Estate Pat Laguna Agent: 253-732-0144

Riviera Business Office______________________884-4093

Riviera Pro Shop___________________________884-9634

Rhododendren Dell_________________________884-2990

Steilacoom School District____________________983-2200

Tanner Electric____________________________ 884-6297