What You Need to Know about Puget Island

According to history, the British explorer, Lieutenant Broughton was the first ever white man to laid eyes on the Puget Island, after Lieutenant Peter Puget. More than a decade after the discovery, Lewis and Clark named it as Sturgeon Island and Sea Otter Island. But the first settlers on the island are the Norwegians Johanes and Frances Ostervold who came to Puget Island to farm and fish, which it was famous for being “Little Norway”. 

When the first road opened in 1925, it connected two important ports and ferries, Westport and Cathlamet. Measuring about 3 miles wide and 7 miles long, it houses about 800 residents as per 2000 US census report. The island is teeming with natural resources, with reserves, and great fishing spots. But there are more to it than that; here are some of the best places to visit in Puget Island. 

Wahkiakum County Ferry 

Your trip would not be completed until you set foot to its famous passenger ferry. Considered as the last operating toll passenger ferry on the Lower Columbia River, it has one of the most beautiful routes drive loop. Operating for every day of the week, it leaves Puget Island going to Westport and vice versa. As waters in the island are pretty much calm, your kids will surely love a change of scenery for a change. 

Jasper’s Store 

Established in 1919, Jasper’s Store is like an icon in Puget Island, it was built as an apartment in the back with a boarding house on its second floor. Many considered it as a heritage site, where you can still glimpse how the residents built their houses to accommodate their lifestyle back in the days. It’s a perfect place to stretch those legs after a quick trip with the ferry as its located next to the ferry landing. 

Sons of Norway Helgeland Lodge 

Located at 444 State Route 4, this lodge is another great place to visit in Puget Island. As Norwegians were the first settlers in the island, they built the place as their center to meet and mingle with each other, with a lot of throws with their cultural dance. When the early settlers finally had their own lives, they formed the Sons of Norway Helgeland Lodge where they built the Norse Hall in 1937. Up till now, they celebrate festivities here especially their Scandinavian events. The lodge also serves as a popular venue for weddings, reunions, and other family gatherings. 

Two Islands Farm Market 

But before leaving the island don’t forget to drop by at their Two Islands Farm Market. It’s a great way to know more about the locals and their produce. Founded in 2006, this farmer’s market provided locals a way to expand and cater their best local produce. Who knows you might find one of a kind souvenir back home.