Summer is almost here again. And while this year’s summer won’t be quite the same, you can still enjoy the beautiful season from your own backyard. The Pacific Northwest has arguably the best summers in the country, often reaching temperatures just high enough to warrant a swim. This year, head out to Anderson Island and check out the swimming hole at Lowell Johnson Park.
Anderson Island, which is accessible by boat or a 20-minute ferry ride from Steilacoom, is the southernmost island in Puget Sound.
Rose Garvey / Google Lowell Johnson Park is one of the most popular spots on the island, especially when the weather is pleasant.
The park has two separate, cordoned off swimming areas on Florence Lake.
Jonathan Juan / Google One is meant to be more of a place for young children to play, while the older kids and adults are encouraged to enjoy the other.
It’s easy to identify the “big kid” swimming area, as it has its own floating dock with a tower for jumping.
TakingItIn / Google This park doesn’t have lifeguards, so if you go, make sure everyone is accounted for at all times.
The park is sometimes called The Ol’ Swimmin’ Hole by locals, probably because of its history.
Dave Porter / Google This has been a gathering place for years, and it actually might have been used for bathing before electric power was introduced to the island in the 1960s.
Of course, this is a popular place to be on a warm summer day, and it can get busy here.
Dave Porter / Google If you’d rather avoid a potential crowd, come on a weekday and go for a swim before lunch.
Lowell Johnson Park has a sandy beach perfect for relaxing or enjoying a picnic and a sand volleyball court in addition to this secluded swimming hole.
Ashlyn Kahlke / Google And since the ferry ride to this little island is such a beautiful one, it’s a pleasure to travel to Anderson Island.
When you visit Lowell Johnson Park, please remember to leave your dogs at home and keep your physical distance from other families. Enjoy this little piece of Pacific Northwest paradise.
Rose Garvey / Google
Lowell Johnson Park is one of the most popular spots on the island, especially when the weather is pleasant.
Jonathan Juan / Google
One is meant to be more of a place for young children to play, while the older kids and adults are encouraged to enjoy the other.
TakingItIn / Google
This park doesn’t have lifeguards, so if you go, make sure everyone is accounted for at all times.
Dave Porter / Google
This has been a gathering place for years, and it actually might have been used for bathing before electric power was introduced to the island in the 1960s.
If you’d rather avoid a potential crowd, come on a weekday and go for a swim before lunch.
Ashlyn Kahlke / Google
And since the ferry ride to this little island is such a beautiful one, it’s a pleasure to travel to Anderson Island.
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Address: 9717 114th Ave, Anderson Island, WA 98303, USA
