Cabin

Secret Island Beachfront Escape. Kayaks, Paddle Boards, Sunsets!

Photo gallery for Secret Island Beachfront Escape. Kayaks, Paddle Boards, Sunsets!

Your cabin awaits. Meet the Herron Island welcoming committee.
Wrap around view from the dining area.
Welcome to the Herron Island Ferry. You're about to go to a VERY special place.
Property grounds
Orca whales off of our beach. We've been seeing  more whales than ever before.

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 81300 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Outdoor Space
    Outdoor Space
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Pet friendly
    Pet friendly
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Lakebay, WA
  • Phillips Lake
    80 min drive
  • Harstine Island State Park
    87 min drive
  • McMicken Island State Park
    90 min drive
  • Tacoma, WA (TIW-Tacoma Narrows)
    65 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Annex Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Annex Lounge

1 Double Futon

Open Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs Loft

2 Twin Beds

2 bathrooms

Annex Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Secret Island Beachfront Escape. Kayaks, Paddle Boards, Sunsets!

You'll see more deer, eagles, seals and whales than people.

A short 10 minute voyage on our private ferry brings you to our Beachfront Cabin and Annex that are available either individually or together. Pets are welcome!

You'll be perched on the western shore of Herron Island, a tiny private island in south Puget Sound, about 90 minutes from Seattle. Enjoy the view, deer, seals, porpoises, eagles, whales and all the beauty the Puget Sound has to offer. Kayak, paddle board, beach comb and experience the most amazing sunsets you'll ever see.

The property features 2 individual buildings, the Cabin and the Annex, available separately or together, that accommodate parties from 1 to 8 guests. The Cabin sleeps 4 guests and the Annex sleeps an additional 4.

Adding the Annex costs an additional $85 per night which will be added to your your bill after you make your reservation.

The 700 square foot Beachfront Cabin sleeps up to 4 guests. The cabin has an open floor plan with a downstairs open bedroom and an upstairs open loft.

For 5 or more guests, or if you just want more privacy, you can add the Annex. The 600 square foot Annex is in a separate building, just across the yard. This is an excellent option for two couples or families with children.

To add the Annex simply let us know at the time you make your reservation and we will send you a request for an additional $85 per night. The Annex is only available to parties who also book the Cabin. We do not rent the Annex to separate parties.

In the Beachfront Cabin you'll find a queen size bed in the downstairs open bedroom. Please note that the downstairs bed is open to the rest of the room, like you'd see in a hotel room. There are 2 single beds in the upstairs open loft. The loft is accessible by ladder. There is an open half wall that separates the loft from the rest of the cabin. It might not be appropriate for very small children.

The Cabin has a bathroom with shower, washer/dryer, TV/DVD and a fully equipped kitchen plus a propane outdoor grill.

If you add the Annex you'll find a queen size bed in the upstairs bedroom and a sleeper sofa downstairs. The Annex has it's own bathroom with shower, washer/dryer, TV/DVD and a fully equipped kitchenette. The kitchenette has refrigerator, induction hotplate and large microwave (no stove) ideal for smaller meals.

The Cabin and Annex combination are an excellent option for groups who want to be together yet still enjoy the privacy of separate buildings.

On the spacious deck of the Cabin you'll find a couple nice chaise lounges, Adirondack chairs, an outdoor dining table, propane fire table and a propane grill (we supply the propane). You can enjoy your meals outside or just take in the unobstructed ocean, island and mountain view. The sunsets are spectacular all year long. There’s a good chance you’ll spot Orca or Gray Whales. Our location on the west shore is one of the best whale sighting spots on the island. Sit around the outdoor fire pit, scanning the water for Orcas and watch the sun set behind the Olympic mountains. Inside you can enjoy the amazing view or watch a movie on our comfy couch in front of our cozy wood burning stove. Enjoy a level of peace that is hard to match anywhere else.

A short walk down the stairs brings you to your own private beach, one of the nicest on the island. You’ll find 2 kayaks and 2 stand up paddle boards at your disposal at no additional charge. We supply paddles and lifejackets but you'll need to bring your own lifejackets for kids under 6. There is no lifeguard at the beach.

The water in Case Inlet is exceptionally calm and makes for some of the best paddling you’ll find anywhere. An early morning paddle is a fantastic way to start your day. The water is fairly warm in the summer and excellent for swimming and floating.

You will have the cabin, grounds and beach all to yourselves. There are neighbors homes on either side of the cabin. Both have high fences so you'll have ample privacy anywhere on the property. Our hostess, who lives on the island, will stop by shortly after you arrive to make sure you get in OK. She'll be available most of the time if you have questions while you’re on the island.

Herron Island is a truly unique place. The atmosphere on island is very relaxed. The island is just over a mile long. Whether you bundle up in the winter or put on your flip-flops in the summer, a walk around the island on the beach is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the Puget Sound. You can walk all the way around the island on the beach in about 2 hours. Most of the homes on the island are vacation homes although there are about 150 permanent residents. There is an outdoor basketball and pickle ball court, swings, play area and baseball field at the community center at the top of the island.

The island is home to a wide variety of friendly animals. You'll see bald eagles, porpoise, seals, deer and the occasional pod of Orca and humpback whales. Orcas have been visiting the island far more than ever before. Our abundant and friendly deer will undoubtedly pay you a visit. They love to be hand fed.

You won't find Herron Island's sort of peace and relaxation anywhere else. Leave the chaos of the city behind and head for the island!

Herron Island is only accessible via our private ferry. Drive your car on the ferry. Round trip ferry toll is $25.00 for a car and driver plus $5 for each additional passenger. Ferry lines can get long particularly on Holidays and weekends. Please help us keep our ferry lines short by arriving in as few vehicles as possible. Once you arrive on the island there's not much need for a car. You can walk anywhere you want to go. There is no public transportation that can bring you to Herron Island. If you're flying in from out of town plan on renting a car at the airport.

PLEASE NOTE:
-Cell/internet service is sporadic on the island but generally very good in the vicinity of our cabin.

-We require a copy of the person who makes the reservation's government issued ID. Please send once reservation is made.

THERE ARE NO STORES, RESTAURANTS OR MEDICAL SERVICES ON THE ISLAND. YOU'LL NEED TO BRING ALL YOUR FOOD. We supply all towels, linen, foil, soap and paper products. The tap water is fine for drinking.

Herron Island is a very peaceful place. Please respect our neighbors peace, privacy and property at all times.

Property manager

Donn Bennett
Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor Space

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
Steep stairs going to sleeping loft

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking, including vaping and marijuana.
Please respect of our neighbors peace, privacy and property. Walk anywhere on the beach but picnic and play on the beach in front of our house.
No loud voices or music outside from 10:00PM to 8:00 AM. Please no potentially offensive language or music.
Fires only in propane fire pit. No wood fires, fireworks or firearms anywhere on island.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Lakebay

Located in Lakebay, this cabin is in a rural area and on the beach. Trillium Creek Winery and Horseshoe Lake Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Penrose Point State Park and Rocky Creek Conservation Area. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Lakebay, WA

What's nearby

  • Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium - 70 min drive
  • Phillips Lake - 80 min drive
  • Joint Base Lewis-McChord - 81 min drive
  • Harstine Island State Park - 87 min drive
  • Little Creek Casino - 92 min drive

Getting around

  • South Tacoma Station - 60 min drive
  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) - 97 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Spencer Lake Bar & Grill - ‬72 min drive
  • ‪Brooklyn Deli - ‬71 min drive
  • ‪Salish Seafood Company - ‬83 min drive
  • ‪Lakebay Marina - ‬33 min drive
  • ‪Trillium Creek Winery - ‬31 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Secret Island Beachfront Escape. Kayaks, Paddle Boards, Sunsets! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

What time is check-in at Secret Island Beachfront Escape. Kayaks, Paddle Boards, Sunsets!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Secret Island Beachfront Escape. Kayaks, Paddle Boards, Sunsets!?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Secret Island Beachfront Escape. Kayaks, Paddle Boards, Sunsets! located?

Nestled on the beach, this Lakebay cabin is within 9 mi (15 km) of Trillium Creek Winery, Bay Lake, and Penrose Point State Park. Joemma Beach and Joemma Beach State Park are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 96 out of 105 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 105 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 105 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 105 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 105 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lauren H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great view
Lovely setting with a wonderful view
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

T H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful time out
Just lovely, hope to return!
Stayed 8 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Melissa E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Peaceful Spring Break Getaway
Cute, small footprint cabin directly on the water with a beautiful view of the mountains. We had a relaxing stay and had the beach to ourselves for nearly the whole time we were there. We fed deer by hand, saw a dolphin and some seals from our deck, and found countless treasures on the beach. A few things to note- it is a studio a frame set up- much smaller than we anticipated from the pictures. The main bedroom is really in the living room right behind the front door with no door or privacy screen, the loft upstairs has a very low slanted roof maybe 5 ft at the highest point - fine for smaller kids but not for adults. No drawers or closets to store clothes so be prepared to keep in your luggage. Couch only seats 3 people, we couldn’t get the TV/dvd to work, kitchen didn’t have any space except the counter top to store non refrigerated food, dishwasher only has a bottom rack and sliding back door has a broken handle so a little tricky to open. Plenty of towels and paper products- but no coffee filters so be sure to bring your own. These were all small things and the view and the cleanliness, comfy beds, and direct access to the water overrides them and still makes this a 4 star rental. Ferry process was easy to get on/off the island. Communication with host was quick and easy. We didn’t use the kayaks or SUPs but they looked to be in good working order. All in all a cute little cabin that is worth the stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lauren V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Herron Island Getaway
Had a wonderful weekend getaway at Herron Island! The views over looking the bay and Olympic mountains were beautiful, and we enjoyed being able to use the kitchen/grill to cook all our own meals. Check-in was easy. Lots of friendly deer came to visit and we enjoyed their company :) We stayed in the mainhouse & annex (be sure to request the annex when booking if you are booking for more than 4 people). No wifi, but cell service was great. Overall, had a great time!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Out annnul long weekend away-amazing.
We love Herron isalnd, this cabin/s are in a amazing location, right on the water. There are a few stairs to get there but easy trip to launched at boat ramp and come over. I would add the the loft in the main house property not middle aged adult friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

melissa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Wonderful little cabin get away. Prime spot for peach and quiet with tons of wildlife.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stunning views and Awesome stay
I hate writing an amazing review because now everyone will stay here and we won't be able to get back in! Seriously, you will NOT regret staying here. From the ferry ride over to seeing the house and views, it's a hit. Kayaks! Deer! And yes -- seals, eagle, whales, ... Kitchen is well-equipped. BBQ grill works great. Fire pit? Super! If stairs are your nemesis, as they are mine -- it's hard but not impossible. It's worth it! Sunsets... surreal. No wifi, no worries! Too much else to see and do! (And yes, you have cell coverage.) We rented both -- the cabin and the annex. Loved every minute. Thank you for sharing your houses with us!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shasta M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Stay
We absolutely loved our stay on private Herron Island. Even the ferry workers were super nice and hospitable. We stopped at a grocery store prior to the ferry to get stocked up on food. As soon as we arrived at this adorable loft style home, we saw dolphins from the back porch and soon after that we were feeding the neighborhood deers. The weather was absolutely perfect. We walked down to the beach from the private stairs and enjoyed our walk completely around the island at low tide. Baby crabs for days. The views were amazing. Definitely would recommend to anyone!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amanda A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Get away from it all
Me & my husband wanted to go somewhere beautiful, quiet and peaceful. This checked all the boxes. No cellphones, no tv, no interruptions. Now we feel recharged and so relaxed. Feeding the deer was a very beautiful experience. We already miss them. We saw seals and a few whales. Meditation was amazing here.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Valerie V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful Haven!
Flying in from Dallas to spend some time in Washington, we were not sure of what to expect staying at Herron Island. We were pleasantly surprised:). The tranquil state of the island, the deer, the bay and the ferry are things we shall cherish from the visit. We learned on day one to pay attention to the ferry schedule because we did not want to miss going to the mainland and likewise returning to the island. Because it was still cold there, we appreciated the wood burning fireplace/stove, which warmed the entire home. The home has a well equipped kitchen and bathroom, and even has a pair of binoculars to look out into the water. If it were warmer, we would have gone canoeing. I can rumble on about this home and Herron island:). Overall a very pleasant stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

sara s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Weekend bliss
Location location location!! the place was so sweet, just as described in listing . I only wish we could have stayed longer🌺
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patricia S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Getaway Weekend
Definitely more than what we expected. From the amazing view to our new friends, the deers. Super relaxing. A total bliss.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joel N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay
This was great memory making for my children with the deer, even my 13-year-old. I had just messaged my mom that she seems to thinks she is Snow White with the deer. Sure enough, moments later, she said, “I’m living out my Snow White fantasy!” The accommodations are great and it’s right on a beachfront. Who could ask for anything more? 😊
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Steven H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome getaway
This place is so peaceful! This was the second time staying at this property, and both times, as soon as I get there, I feel instantly at peace.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

kym w., michigan

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peace and quiet
Very nice relaxing vacation. We enjoyed our stay on the island. The cabin was clean and comfortable. The friendly deer were an amazing experience! Bring apples, they love them.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jean A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Fit
Mom with some mobility issues, two adult daughters on a getaway trip. This cabin suited us perfectly. Main level bed and bathroom for mom, everything beautifully clean. The deck was where we spent a lot of time since the weather was fine. Lots of birds and animals to identify and enjoy, and the view couldn’t be better. Something for everyone, and everything we needed, with the kayaks and pickleball court nearby, as well as the beach for walks… and the lovely setting for just hanging out together. It was grand.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Doris D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Anniversary gift
Everything was perfect, the cabin,deer, views and the people who own cabin on the island were wonderful. They were over the top welcoming. Our hostess and her husband were so caring and kind. We had a fabulous time.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

judy n.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful, Nurturing, Perfect
We are two retired ladies, good friends who have traveled together for 20 years. This place was ideal. I took the main cabin; she had the annex. We fed the deer, walked through all the roads on the island, kayaked the full perimeter of the island (my friend's first time in a kayak), and sipped wine on the deck as we watched the sunsets. Such friendly people on this little gem!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

WHITTAKER S., Prosser, WA USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Puget Sound paradise
We loved our stay at this cabin on Herron Island. The cabin itself is cozy and clean. I have to add the shower and the large refrigerator were impressively SPOT-LESS and if you like to cook there is a great set of knives and cookware. The on-island hostess was great to check in with us via text a few times, but the cabin was well stocked and we never needed anything. The very best thing about this little place is the island itself though. “Serene” is the word we kept using to describe our time sitting at the water’s edge with the binoculars watching for wildlife. Clearly, the animals like it too because we saw seals, otters, herons, osprey, cormorants, bald eagles and two varieties of starfish. And, of course, up at the cabin there were often deer happily hanging out and willing to eat gently from our hands. What we rarely saw were people but when we did they would give a friendly wave and seemed happy to share their special island with us. Taking our time, it was an easy and enjoyable 2 hour walk around the entire island on the beach at low tide. We thought the private beach at the bottom of the steps from this cabin was one of the prettiest on the whole island with some interesting shells and that gorgeous madrona tree growing out over the beach. The weather was perfect during our week there and we fell into the gentle rhythm of the island with our days forming around beach walks at low tide and watching the beautiful sunsets from the deck. If you like action-packed vacays this probably isn’t your place. If you want to remember how to breathe again, you won’t do better anywhere else.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jeff C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Still Wonderful
We had a relaxing week and everything was as wonderful as we remembered it. It had been a few years since our last visit, and I appreciated the upgrades since then, especially the grill. As usual, we didn't want to leave. Thanks again.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Wendy P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location
It’s so much fun staying on the puget sound! We rented both the cabin and anex, and it worked out well giving us ample amount of space but the deck was hands down our favorite place to be!! With nice seating and a large table we spent all day out side visiting , watching the tides and eating.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joanna C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I want to stay here forever!
We loved our stay on Herron island. What a friendly community. We saw whales, eagles, sea lions, right from the back deck. We walked around the island each day during low tide and we saw tons of starfish and clams. We had everything we needed for cooking in the kitchen. The grill was great too. It took our kids awhile to get used to no internet and no tv. But good problems! There is nothing better than sitting on the deck with a glass of whisky, looking at the snow capped mountains while watching whales. I left my heart on Herron Island.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Island
My wife, my 2 children (11 and 9), and I had a wonderful time on Herron Island. The beach home was very cozy with great views. The check-in process was smooth and the ferry was spot on both times we had to use it. The locals were very friendly and helpful. The community park was a great addition to our trip. We played pickle ball each day and the kids also enjoyed the playground. The kayaks and paddleboards were fun activities for all of us. The home also had some good games and movies we were able to enjoy. The water is so calm and peaceful. We saw tons of seals out in the water. Our last full day we finally saw a whale. To our shock, it actually jumped fully out of the water. An awesome experience! The deer were very friendly, though still skittish. Some of them will eat from your hand, but most did not. The cabin was great and we fully recommend it to anyone seeking nature and solitude.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Crispin M., Seattle

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Heavenly AF
Pure bliss, R-n-R just what the doctor ordered.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

About the host

Hosted by Donn Bennett

Host profile image
My wife and I have lived in the Seattle area all of our lives. We enjoy all the excitement and quality of life that comes with living in the Pacific Northwest. Among other things, my wife loves to read and is a film buff. I'm a musician and can bore you to tears rambling on about the completely irrelevant intricacies of my favorite music.

Why they chose this property

We have loved traveling all over the world but find that we really enjoy spending time closer to home. We discovered Herron Island in southern Puget Sound about 5 years ago and immediately fell in love with it. In less than 90 minutes from our Seattle home we can be on our beautiful little island and feel like were a million miles away. We were amazed that such a beautiful place could be so close without us ever even knowing about it.

What makes this property unique

The view of the Puget Sound, the islands and Olympic mountains will change your life. One sunset and you'll never look at a mountain the same way ever again. You can see the view from almost everywhere in the cabin. We love being right on the beach.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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