Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blake Island?
Blake Island State Park was an ancestral campground of the Suquamish and Duwamish Indian Tribes believed to be the birthplace of Chief Seattle. The island was named after Captain George Blake, commander of the US Coast Survey vessel in 1837. Blake Island is located between Vashon Island and Bainbridge Island, eight miles west of Seattle in Kitsap County.
What is there to do on the island?
Blake Island is not only home to Tillicum Village, but it is also the perfect place for hiking, camping and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Northwest. The island is densely wooded with many forested walking and hiking trails and 5 miles of beaches. There are 15.5 miles of both hiking and biking trails, as well as many recreational options such as diving, fishing, clamming, crabbing, beachcombing, bird watching and mountain biking. There are 51 campsites for overnight campers.
What does Tillicum mean?
Tillicum Village was named from the Chinook Indian jargon meaning "friendly people" or “friends”.
What will I be doing for the 4-hour Tillicum Village experience?
Your 4-hour adventure begins with a narrated Argosy cruise on Puget Sound to Blake Island. Here, you'll enjoy an appetizer of clams and nectar before entering the Longhouse for your buffet dinner. Guests can watch whole salmon being cooked on cedar stakes over an alder-wood fire in the traditional NW Coast Indian Style. As you finish your meal, you will enjoy a wonderful new performance in the spirit of the Coast Salish Tribes. After the show, you have approximately 30 minutes of free time when you can browse through the gift gallery featuring artwork of local artisans or stroll along the pleasant beaches and forest trails.
How long is the boat ride to Tillicum Village?
The cruise from Seattle's Pier 55 to Blake Island State Park and Tillicum Village takes about 45 minutes.
Can I take my own boat to Tillicum Village?
Blake Island is accessible only by Argosy or private boat. Please note: Argosy does not reserve the moorage for private boats. All moorage at Blake Island is first come, first serve.
Can I just take the boat out to the island and not do the salmon dinner and show?
Yes, tickets are available for the boat ride only to Blake Island at a cost of $40 per adult. Please be aware that frequently there is only one boat per day, or per week, that returns back to Seattle so if you miss the boat then you are stuck on the island until the next scheduled trip (space permitting)! It is your responsibility to catch the return boat at your reserved time. Please call Argosy Cruises at 206-622-8687 to reserve space and foravailability.
What is the cost to have the meal and show if we find our own way to the island?
If you plan on bringing your own private boat to Blake Island and have reserved moorage through Washington State Parks, you can still purchase tickets for the salmon meal and show only at Tillicum Village.
Rates are: $39.95 per person, show and meal combined.
Please call Argosy Cruises at 206-622-8687 to reserve space.
If I'm just riding the boat, do I have to specify which departure back from the island I want to take?
Yes. If you will not be purchasing a ticket inclusive of the 4-hour experience including the boat ride, meal and show you will need to reserve a specific departure back to Pier 55 when making your reservation.
Please be aware that often there is only one boat per day that returns back to Seattle. If you miss the boat then you could be stuck on the island until the next scheduled trip (space permitting)! It is your responsibility to catch the return boat at your reserved time. To purchase tickets for the boat only, please call Argosy Guest Services at 206-622-8687.
Do I have to pay to camp on the island?
Yes. This is a first-come, first-served park. No reservations are available. Please refer to our page Camping on Blake Island State Park for more information.
What restrictions do you have when camping on Blake Island and taking the Argosy boat over?
For individual campers, we kindly ask that you bring only camping gear that fits in a backpack or in your hands as there is limited space available on the boat. Please be considerate to those guests around you and place your camping gear out of the walkways. Explosives, weapons, firearms and propane tanks are not permitted.
My child won’t eat fish, is there a separate children’s menu available?
A children’s menu is not available at Tillicum Village. Click here for our current menu.
Can we bring dogs on the boat ride over to Tillicum Village?
No. With the exception of service animals, dogs and other pets are not allowed on the Argosy boat ride over to Blake Island and Tillicum Village. For those providing own transportation to the island, please observe State Park rules regarding pets.
Can I take pictures during the dance show?
Flash Photography or video is not permitted during the dance show.
Can I upgrade my City Pass to Tillicum Village?
Yes, you may upgrade your City Pass to visit Tillicum Village for only $45. Please call Argosy Guest Services at 206-622-8687 for additional information and availability.
What is the menu at Tillicum Village?
Click here for the most recent menu.
Is there a vegetarian option ?
Click here for the most recent menu, which does include a number of items that are vegetarian. In addition, with advanced notice, we can create a corn polenta tamale.
