For a brief escape from Seattle, the half-hour ferry ride across Elliott Bay to Bainbridge Island provides a relaxing, scenic experience. Washington State Ferries leave from Pier 52 ($4.50 round-trip for foot passengers; $8 round-trip per car and driver, or $10 during peak periods; hourly - avoid rush hours; tel 206/464-6400) for the 35-minute journey, docking in the town of BAINBRIDGE ISLAND (formerly Winslow), which is small and charming but provides little reason to linger. This green and rural island, occupying less than fifty square miles, is mostly private land, but if you want to pitch a tent, there's camping at the far end in Fay Bainbridge State Park ($12; tel 206/842-3931). Otherwise, accommodation is limited to B&Bs , details of which can be obtained from the visitor center at 590 Winslow Way E (tel 206/842-3700, ). The Streamliner Diner , 397 Winslow Way (tel 206/842-8595), with its huge breakfasts and sandwiches, is the best place to eat in the daytime.

Nine daily Washington State Ferries from Seattle and West Seattle also make the short trip to pleasant, bicycle-friendly Vashon Island . Ferries from downtown Seattle's Pier 50 are passenger-only ($5.50), while West Seattle trips are also for vehicles (car and driver $10 round-trip, or $13 during peak hours; passengers $2.90 round-trip). A few beaches lie along the coast of this island, where the community of VASHON is little more than a hamlet. The AYH Ranch Hostel at 12119 SW Cove Rd (tel 206/463-2592, ; up to $35/$35-50), six miles from the Seattle-Vashon ferry dock at the north end of the island, is in an amiable wooded spot and features log cabins, covered wagons or tepees as accommodation. Phone ahead to make a reservation and arrange a free pickup at the jetty. There are also a number of good B&Bs , among them Artist's Studio Loft , 16592 91st Ave SW (tel 206/463-2583, ; $100-130), and the Swallow's Nest Guest Cottages , 6030 SW 248th St (tel 206/463-2646, ; $100-130). Good places to eat are Emily's Café , 17530 Vashon Hwy SW, an espresso bar and bakery with good vegetarian meals, Casa Bonita , 17623 100th Ave SW, offering solid Mexican fare, and Rock Island Pub & Pizza , 17322 Vashon Hwy SW, which has gourmet pizzas and microbrews.

Bainbridge and Vashon islands

• Bainbridge and Vashon islands
• Onward to Canada and Alaska

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