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Foster Island is West Seattle’s hidden gem—a serene, tree-canopied retreat right in the heart of Puget Sound. Just a short ferry ride away, this tiny island feels like another world: misty mornings, chirping birds, and golden sunsets over the water. Pack a book, bring a picnic, and let nature reset your soul. It’s peace, pure and simple.
Everything you need to know about Foster Island
Stay at Foster Island Seaview Lodge, a unique timber cabin located in the heart of the island with panoramic views of Puget Sound. The property features a private dock and boat mooring, ideal for exploring nearby islets. It's also a prime spot to witness humpback whale migrations and breathtaking sunsets. At night, enjoy stunning views of the Milky Way under minimal light pollution, offering a serene, immersive connection with nature.
The most convenient option is taking the Washington State Ferry to Fauntleroy Wharf, then transferring to a shuttle boat or renting a private dinghy to reach the island. The trip takes about 45 minutes with frequent ferry departures, and you can bring bicycles or electric vehicles onboard. HopeGoo tickets in advance via the official website ensures availability. Some tour operators also offer guided eco-tours with round-trip transfers, eliminating the need for independent planning and allowing you to focus on enjoying the island’s natural beauty.
Foster Island is a protected ecological site featuring rich intertidal life and native forests. Join a guided tidal pool exploration led by local naturalists to observe sea anemones, hermit crabs, and starfish thriving in exposed pools at low tide. The island also boasts several well-maintained walking trails perfect for hiking through old-growth cedar stands and spotting migratory birds. For a deeper connection with nature, sign up for a night sky workshop, where you’ll learn constellations and planets under pristine dark skies, far from urban light pollution.
While Foster Island emphasizes wilderness preservation, it offers picnic areas and child-safe walking paths ideal for family relaxation. Some guesthouses provide outdoor games like frisbee and puzzle tables. The island’s nature education center hosts regular family workshops, including hands-on activities like creating marine life specimens and nature-inspired art projects, blending fun with environmental learning. Parents are advised to contact the management in advance to confirm schedules and bring insect repellent and ample water for a comfortable visit.
Most cottages on Foster Island use sustainable timber construction, blending modern design with natural elements to create zero-carbon living spaces. Each unit features solar power systems and rainwater harvesting, embodying eco-conscious living. Guests receive a local ecology guidebook detailing wildlife patterns and seasonal changes, plus opportunities for nighttime wildlife tours to observe bats and nocturnal birds. Some rooms include elevated viewing decks, offering serene morning views of the sea mist and sunrise over Puget Sound.
Absolutely—Foster Island is a photographer’s paradise, especially for capturing dawn fog rolling over the water and sunlight filtering through forest canopies. Visit the eastern rock formations at sunrise to photograph crashing waves and dynamic mist. The central wetlands offer excellent opportunities to shoot herons and hawks in flight. At night, head to the dark-sky zones for stunning starfield and star trail photography using tripods and long exposures. Drones are prohibited—please respect wildlife habitats and follow conservation guidelines.
Foster Island enforces strict ecological protection policies: visitors must follow the Leave No Trace principle—no pets, open fires, or collection of natural materials allowed. The island features an interactive digital guide system that alerts guests to protected species habitats and restricts access to sensitive zones. Certain trails are only accessible via guided tours to minimize human impact. These measures help preserve native vegetation and bird nesting areas, ensuring every visitor enjoys a pristine, undisturbed natural environment while respecting ecological integrity.
See what other travelers say about Foster Island
Staying at this century-old hotel was an absolute delight. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by timeless elegance and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The interior is impeccably maintained—every detail feels cared for, with no signs of wear despite its rich history. The service truly stood out; the doorman personally carried my luggage all the way to my room, making the arrival seamless and stress-free. The room itself is spacious and beautifully designed, offering plenty of room to move around. The bed was incredibly comfortable—perfect for a good night’s sleep after a long day exploring Seattle. It’s clear that attention to detail and guest comfort are top priorities here. If you’re looking for a memorable stay in the city, this hotel delivers on every level. Highly recommended.
Just one night stay, but it felt like a dream come true! 💫 From the moment we walked in, the warm welcome from the staff made us feel right at home—friendly, attentive, and genuinely helpful. The room was absolutely stunning: spacious, spotless, and beautifully modern with a cozy, relaxing vibe that made us want to stay put. 🛏️ The bed? Heavenly—so soft and comfortable, I haven’t slept this well in years. 😴✨ And the view? Perfect mix of city energy and peaceful vibes—downtown buzz in the background, but never overwhelming. The hotel’s atmosphere strikes just the right balance between elegance and warmth, with thoughtful details everywhere—from lighting to décor—that make you feel truly cared for. We wished we could’ve stayed longer, but we’re already planning our return visit. If you’re in Seattle, don’t miss this hidden gem in the heart of the city. Hyatt at Olive 8 is more than a place to stay—it’s an experience worth savoring.
Stayed with two friends from Canada who were working holidays there, and we were four women sharing the room. The hotel had two queen-size beds, which worked perfectly for our group—plenty of space and very comfortable. The location was fantastic: just a short walk to the metro station and Pike Place Market, making it super convenient for exploring downtown Seattle. We really appreciated the complimentary welcome drinks available all day—morning coffee and afternoon fruit-infused water were both refreshing and a nice touch. The whole experience felt warm and welcoming, and with such great value, I’d definitely book here again.
Staying at Urban Oasis Near Downtown was a mixed experience. The location is fantastic—just a short walk from the heart of Seattle, making it super convenient for exploring the city, dining out, or catching public transit. However, the room itself felt very basic and underwhelming. The furnishings were minimal and looked cheap, giving the space a cold, impersonal feel. There’s no on-site parking, which was a major drawback since we arrived with a car. We had to search for off-street options, which added stress to our trip. While the price point is fair for the area, the lack of amenities and the plain interior make it feel more like a budget stopover than a comfortable stay. If you're traveling light and just need a clean place to sleep near downtown, this might work—but don’t expect anything special.
The front desk staff was incredibly accommodating, letting me check in as early as 12 PM—no hassle at all. The room is spacious and spotlessly clean, with the added bonus of an on-site coin laundry, which is a huge convenience when traveling. The café right next to the hotel serves tasty, affordable meals—perfect for a quick bite without leaving the building. One thing worth noting is that soundproofing could be improved; I could clearly hear footsteps and conversations from the hallway outside my door. That said, it’s a minor issue compared to the overall excellent experience. Great location, top-notch service, and a really comfortable stay. Definitely recommend for anyone visiting downtown Seattle.
Staying at Hotel Nexus was an absolute delight! The location is perfect—just a short walk to downtown Seattle and surrounded by great dining options. The room was clean, spacious, and incredibly comfortable, with a cozy bed that made for a restful night's sleep. What stood out most was the incredible value for money—luxury amenities without the luxury price tag. It’s rare to find such a well-designed hotel with such attention to detail at this price point. I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Seattle, whether for business or leisure. Definitely planning to stay here again on my next trip.
My stay at Executive Hotel Pacific was truly enjoyable! The location is excellent—just a short ride on the metro to downtown Seattle, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, with friendly staff who went out of their way to make us feel welcome. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind: you’ll need to walk up a small flight of stairs to reach the lobby, which can be tricky with heavy luggage. Only one elevator is operational, so during peak hours, wait times can be longer than expected—plan accordingly. Also, if arriving by train, be prepared for a steep incline leading up to the hotel. Despite these minor inconveniences, the overall experience was outstanding, and I’d definitely recommend this hotel for travelers seeking a convenient and comfortable base in Seattle.
The property is perfectly located in Seattle—just a short stroll from the waterfront and all the city’s top attractions. The blend of old-world charm with modern comforts made our stay truly special. From the moment we arrived, the staff went above and beyond—friendly, attentive, and always ready to help. Every detail felt thoughtfully designed, and the overall experience was exceptional. If you're looking for a cozy yet luxurious base in Seattle, this is a must-try.
Staying at The Art Inn Seattle was a fantastic experience! The check-in process was seamless and hassle-free with the e-check-in feature—no waiting in line, just straight to enjoying my stay. The location is excellent, just a short walk from downtown and near plenty of great restaurants and local shops. The room was clean, quiet, and comfortable, with a cozy bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. I loved the artistic vibe throughout the hotel—it felt unique and welcoming. Great value for the price, and I’d definitely come back. Highly recommend this gem if you're visiting Seattle!
I was absolutely thrilled with my stay at The Boylston Hotel Capitol Hill! The place was immaculately clean, and every detail felt thoughtfully designed. Location-wise, it's perfect—just a short walk from local attractions and easy access to public transit. I loved how quiet and cozy the room was, even though it’s in a lively neighborhood. The bed was super comfortable, and the modern touches made the whole experience feel upscale without being pretentious. I’d definitely book again and recommend this spot to anyone visiting Seattle.
Staying at Staypineapple Hotel Five in downtown Seattle was a fantastic experience. Despite its compact size, the hotel’s location is unbeatable—walking distance to the Space Needle and other top attractions makes exploring the city effortless. From the moment I stepped in, the atmosphere felt welcoming and comfortable. The pineapple-themed design elements and modern interior decor added a fun, vibrant touch that made the space feel joyful and unique. I also appreciated the nearby large parking lot, which offered significantly lower rates than the hotel’s own garage—great for travelers driving their own cars. Overall, it’s a well-designed, convenient, and stylish stay with excellent value, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Seattle.
Staying at the Courtyard Seattle Downtown/Pioneer Square was an absolute pleasure! We arrived earlier than check-in time, but the front desk team happily accommodated us with early check-in—no hassle at all. The checkout process was just as smooth and efficient. Our room was spotless, well-maintained, and comfortably furnished. The location couldn’t be better—right in the heart of downtown, steps away from Pioneer Square, shopping, dining, and major attractions. Walking to the waterfront or public transit was a breeze. This hotel offers excellent value for the quality and convenience. I’d definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to any traveler visiting Seattle.
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