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Residents Enjoy Island Living

An aerial view of Treasure Island surrounded by the waters of South Puget Sound.

by Pam Merrill

Fifty years have passed since Pope and Talbot, a Pacific Northwest forest and lumber company, began marketing the tiny 86-acre community of Treasure Island as a "Paradise on Puget Sound for your living or vacationing pleasure."

What these company officials knew back in 1954 remains true today: island living is unique. And with each passing year, it is becoming more rare. Treasure Island residents drive over a quaint, one-lane bridge to get home, waiting patiently for a 1970's era stoplight to turn green, signifying their turn to cross. Initially, the stoplight was located in the center of the bridge back in 1965! Traffic on this quiet island is minimal.

Surrounded by the ebb and flow of daily saltwater tides, a pleasant mix of year-round and summer residents inhabit the island's approximately 250 lots. Often referred to as Reach Island on state maps, the name "Treasure Island" appears to have originated when Pope and Talbot began its initial development and is the name most recognized by locals and road signs. This completely private island is open only to residents and their guests.

Treasure Island is located in South Puget Sound's Case Inlet off Grapeview Loop Road about three miles south of the village of Allyn and roughly 35 miles from Tacoma or Olympia. Majestic views of Mount Rainier can be seen from the east and are complemented by the shimmering waters of Puget Sound - where residents enjoy shellfish gathering, sailing, boating, fishing and swimming.

Pope and Talbot's early brochure touted Treasure Island as "one of the most versatile year-round playgrounds in this area. It is close enough to metropolitan centers to be developed as your permanent residence ... yet distant enough to provide the vacation haven city dwellers seek." No one in the last half century has said it better.

Symmetrically shaped and virtually flat, the island is approximately three quarters of a mile long by 330 yards wide. Three private access points for property owners and their guests include a sheltered picnic area facing the Sound with outdoor beach barbecue and restroom, a community dock with moorage and a small park overlooking the bridge on the inland side. Fair Harbor Marina is just across the water at the island's southern tip and offers deep moorage for larger pleasure craft (see www.fairharbormarina.us).

Perhaps the island's best known feature, the charming image of Treasure Island's gently arched 789-foot one-lane bridge is often the subject of local artists and photographers. The bridge is approximately 50 years old and constructed of sturdy wooden pilings with a concrete decking. At high tide, most boats can pass safely underneath. On the island side, a small park with a bench affords a scenic view for rest or contemplation.

Treasure Island residents take pride in their neighborhood. Velvet green lawns, towering fir trees, rhododendrons and flowerbeds bursting with color are common sights during a lazy afternoon stroll. One neighbor has even constructed a private putting green, which he meticulously maintains. Island covenants provide rules and regulations which owners buy into upon purchasing property. It's a very clean, attractive and pleasant place to live.

Treasure Island can generally be divided into two sections; waterfront lots and interior lots. Waterfront lots extend a depth of about 200 feet from the beach to Treasure Island Drive, the paved road that circles the perimeter of the island. Frontage of these lots is from 60 to 100 feet. Interior lots encompass the land bordered on both sides by the road and are mostly 60 feet wide, with depth ranging from 150 to 250 feet.

The bridge, water system, roads and dock are owned and maintained by the Treasure Island Country Club (TICC), a private organization with a locally-elected Board of Directors that manages the Club's assets for the benefit of all island property owners. The TICC water system consists of three wells and a 150,000 gallon storage tank that was constructed in 1967. Fire hydrants are located throughout the island and water is tested regularly to meet federal and state requirements. While all lots have individual hookups, annual TICC dues pay for the operation and maintenance costs. There are no water meters.

But what makes this island extra-special is its sense of community. Many activities occur throughout the year, organized by members of the TICC. Since 1976, the island's annual Fourth of July Parade has seen participants compete for awards and neighbors serve as helpers and judges. Part patriotic and part old-fashioned wacky fun, the parade's participants (many of them children) determine the theme or title of their entry, note the family represented and the entrant's relationship to club residents. Advance entry forms are often available on the bulletin board next to the big green water tank at the top of the hill from the bridge (you can't miss it). Following the judging, the whole parade traverses the island's main road, much to the delight of residents and visitors alike.

Potluck picnics, an annual three-mile fun run/walk to benefit the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Foundation and TICC board meetings provide more opportunities for neighbors to make friends. Notices are often posted on a signboard located next to the stop light on the island's side of the bridge.

An interesting history of Treasure Island is published on the island's website at www.treasureislandcc.org. Originally homesteaded in 1885, the entire island was sold for $900 in 1905 and then sold again to Pope and Talbot in 1952 for $50,000. Waterfront lots were initially priced at $3,600.

Minutes of recent TICC meetings, a calendar, and the newsletter are available online at www.treasureislandcc.org.

"As its name implies, there is wealth to be found on Treasure Island ... the lasting wealth of contentment ... the priceless pleasure of living in an island community. Here is more real worth than all the golden pieces of eight buried on Stevenson's Treasure Island ... and it's waiting for you. "

Quote from Pope and Talbot early marketing brochure for Treasure Island, 1950. Source: www.treasureislandcc.org

Driving Directions: Take State Route 3 to Allyn. Just south of the Sherwood Creek Bridge, turn on Grapeview Loop Road and travel approximately 2.7 miles to Treasure Island Road on your left (a sign is posted). You'll come upon the one-lane bridge to the island almost immediately, where you'll have to wait for the green light before driving across.

Story and photos courtesy of Tim Wing, Reid Real Estate - www.timwing.com

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