An estuarine, freshwater, and terrestrial conservancy preserve located on the Northwest end of Vashon Island, off Westside Highway Southwest. The site includes 13.5 acres of forested uplands, 2 creeks, and 730 linear feet of Puget Sound shoreline encompassing an estuary complex and marine fan delta. It is the former home of Dr. Belle Baldwin.

Belle Baldwin became one of the state’s first female physicians in 1912 and featured prominently in the study of women in America. Baldwin practiced medicine with her father in Seattle.

Now a State Historic Landmark, the Belle Baldwin house may be the only known intact example of the residential work of Harlan Thomas, a renowned architect whose buildings (such as the Sorrento Hotel) are distinguished Seattle landmarks.Vashon Park District’s ‘green’ restoration process has returned the house to its 1912 glory, creating a relaxing, natural environment that honors the park and the past.       

 

Fern Cove Park is immediately south of the property. The park is open to the public during the day for passive uses such as beach walks and bird watching, but please do not intrude onto the lawn area of the house. 

Acres: 13.5

Fern Cove is situated on the northwest part of the Island on SW Cedarhurst Rd. It comprises 750 feet of shoreline with two year-round streams and a 100-year-old second-growth riparian forest. Both Chum and Coho salmon, as well as Cutthroat Trout, have been observed at Fern Cove when they return to spawn upstream in Shinglemill Creek.

- See more information about access on the King County Parks map for Shingle Mill Creek.
Situated on 13.5 acres, Fern Cove has 750 feet of shoreline with two year-round streams and a 100-year-old second-growth forest. Salmon and Cutthroat Trout have both been seen spawning at Fern Cove in Shinglemill Creek.

* Address: 11408 SW Cedarhurst Rd., Vashon, WA 98070
* Parking lot just inside the gate entrance at this address. Trails leading to Fern Cove Preserve, beach, and Shinglemill trail leads west off the parking lot.
* Please do not pass through the second gate for park access! The house is off limits.
* If accessing by kayak, the nearest Vashon boat launches are the North End Boat Ramp (just south of the ferry) or Jensen Point.