The only way to this island is by boat... unless you like to swim. I did a little research online on where to put a kayak in to boat across. I came across a place near Steamboat Island but to my surprise when I arrived it was all private property. I did find a park, Frye Cove County Park with water access but it is a long paddle from there to Hope Island. Boston Harbor is also another option with access to water but plan on a longer paddle time just to the island. What I did find is a further drive west and further north but very well worth it. Drive to Arcadia Point and there is a public boat launch that seats close to Hope Island. A very easy paddle across the inlet. Once at Hope Island enjoy the scenery by paddling around the island and watch the wildlife feed from your kayak. I watched racoons feed on fish, one herron caught several fish as we were passing by. At low tide I got the joy of watching clams squirt the water out of their holes. On the island is a nice easy hike all around the island. Highly recommend you pack a lunch and have enjoy the views across the water from the old homestead. Mt Rainier is also visible on sunny days. I do love the fact NO PETS are allowed on the island. Dogs are part of the wolf family and dog pee smells the same as and wildlife will disappear from the scent of it. Also, no fires are allowed on the island whatsoever. So bring a lunch that requires no heat to cook it with. There are restrooms on the island but no running water. Bring plenty of water and juice for your adventure. Camping is 12 bucks a night and the camp sites amd restrooms are nice... extremely nice for primitive camping. Enjoy and have fun!!!

Gorgeous views. Great fun to hike or kayak around the island. Seals, eagles, deer, raccoons abound. 5 stars plus for all of this! However... Sadly, the WA State Parks Department has neglected this island. There were several new trees down over the trail when we walked it this morning. But that's not a big issue. What's really bad is that there is no longer any public buoy to be trusted. If you want to visit, you must come in a boat that can be beached, or be prepared to anchor in an area with strong current. There used to be two public buoys (plus the ranger's buoy) on the south side of the island, and three buoys on the west/northwest. Now, there are none on the south. On the west side, the first buoy is missing - a small red float is marking the spot. The second buoy is onshore at low tide. (I hope no unsuspecting person ties up to it at high tide and goes ashore!) The last surviving buoy is still floating and in deep enough water, but with the condition of everything else, I cannot recommend using it.

What an enjoyable little island. Super easy to reach by kayak from Carlyon Beach. We kayaked around the entire island then came ashore. Recommend water shoes or shoes to muck about in. There are overnight camp sites. No fires or dogs allowed. So bring some water and food you don't need to heat up. There is two areas with Porta potties, and picnic tables to enjoy a packed lunch. Lots of raccoons to watch on the shoreline as well. Super easy accessibility and trails to explore. Peaceful and a nice little day adventure. Would come back again for sure.

Wow! What an amazing adventure! We went w with some friends of ours who had been there before last year. You have to boat over there and it's about a 15 to 20 minute kayak over. My buddy thank God had a small trolling motor so that made it so much better! The island only had maybe five people on it when we got there so it was all ours! The raccoons were plentiful! They stayed out of our stuff for the most part but wasn't for lack of trying. Make sure when you go that you're prepared for that so take the appropriate precautions. Everything is packing pack out, no open flames, no dogs. You can camp there first come first serve and they will allow propane stoves. I think it's $12 to stay there if I'm not mistaken, definitely worth it! When we went Marionberries were right so we picked those and had a blast. It's not too far from downtown Olympia maybe a 45 minute drive. Make a day out of it if you've never been there you have got to go, you won't regret it!

Cute little island to explore for a few hours. The trail was a little difficult to spot at first.. you have to walk across the field towards the cabin and eventually you will run into the trail which starts with a path of flattened grass. We launched our kayaks at Arcadia Point boat ramp and saw a seal on the way over. On the island we saw a raccoon and a few deer. There is a bathroom near the cabin. The trip over in the morning was no problem, we went towards the right and around the island to get to the stair entrance. When we left the island, we went to the left and that was far more challenging with the strong current, waves and wind. Very fun, beautiful, peaceful day here!

Beautiful place. If you're beaching a boat or kayak try to do it near the trail heads pictured on the map. The most accessible areas have signage up welcoming you.

A home away from home. Definitely worth seeing the sunset from the island on a clear day. A great chance to paddle alongside with seals. If you go through in the correct season you can even see whales.

An ideal place to take an easy paddle to! We parked at the Arcadia Boat Ramp, packed a lunch, paddled over on our kayaks, and enjoyed a nice hiking loop around the island and picnic lunch at the beach. Watched raccoons digging up clams and took in the views. The forest was so vibrant and it was fun to check out the old homestead property. Great way to spend a nice afternoon. We’d love to go back and camp sometime!

Another gem in the southern Puget Sound. While none of the designated campsites have spectacular views (most are set back in the forest), the trails around the island and historical interpretation signs make for a great get-away. There is one site dedicated to human powered craft only. We were there in winter months with no one around (except racoons), I can imagine it gets busy in summer months.

Beautiful, well maintained island. The views are wonderful. There are a lot of adorable raccoons that scamper around, along with eagles and hawks flying by. The camp spots fill up very quickly, however.

Enjoyed our overnight stay at the buoy, the views, the wildlife and hiking the trail of the island.

A wonderful little island, accessible only by boat. This island has camping spots for overnight stays and plenty of trails throughout the island. We stopped by for lunch and to explore while out for a cruise and thoroughly enjoyed our time there.

Very fun, bathrooms always clean, lots of wildlife and great campsites. Also great areas to put kayakes or canoes.

Great park with access from a boat to walk around during a day on the water.

Park has 2 buoys it used to have 5. Thus reason for 3 stars. Park is well kept and trails are not over grown if all buoys we're there it would get 4 to 5 star rating. Current on all sides of island requires a buoy to feel secure