Around 5,000 acres, Shaw is the smallest island served by the Washington State ferries.

Only about 170 people live in 96 dwellings in this most private and close-knit of ferry-served communities.

Shaw Island is more known for two orders of Catholic nuns than for public facilities. Benedictines at Our Lady of the Rock operate a large farm, selling many handmade and homegrown products.

Franciscan nuns operate the island's only store and roll up their sleeves to operate the ferry landing.

Shaw Island was the home to many Coast Salish Indians and their village locations are under study by archeologists.

There were nearly 750 Indians living here in the 1700s. Many of them on Shaw and other islands, died from diseases brought by Europeans. Many also died or were kidnapped during raids from the more aggressive Haida Indians.

Some remained on the islands and a few Salish women married American and British settlers.

Most of the island roads are inland, with few views of the water and surrounding islands.

There are few public services and only one park, the South Beach County Park.

In addition to the general store, Shaw has a lovely little schoolhouse in a lush setting and a small post office. There are no medical facilities, restaurants or hotels. It's very private and quiet, in a natural way, just how Shaw Islanders like it.

 

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