Ferry Loading Guidelines
Updated: July 1, 2019
- Loading lanes fill left to right. Loading will take place in the same order.
- Do not leave gaps. Pull as close as you can to the vehicle in front of you.
- Do not leave your vehicle unattended in the lanes, except to purchase tickets.
- Be in your vehicle with the appropriate tickets at least 20 minutes before boarding.
- Gates close two minutes prior to departure.
- Please show ID for seniors or people with disabilities when purchasing and loading.
- Traffic cones are used to block closed lanes. If lane is blocked, move to next lane or overflow parking along Martin Street.
- Vehicles may only load from the ferry lanes.
- Do not park behind a full lane or drive up behind the end of a lane that is loading—that’s cutting in line and we may deny you passage on that run.
- Line cutting violations may result in a $48 ticket.
- Oversize vehicles will be loaded to best balance the ferry.
- Be respectful to staff and other ferry users. Hostile or abusive behavior may result in denied passage on that run.
- Please do not block private driveways or public streets within the loading lanes.
- Motorcycles arriving before boarding begins may park in designated areas below loading lanes. Motorcycles arriving during boarding must get behind vehicles already in lanes and may not pull to the front.
Download Ferry Loading Guidelines poster file.
Line cutting may result in $48 fine
As of July 1, 2019, cutting in the ferry loading lanes may be subject to $48 fine. Line cutting is defined as a vehicle pulling into a gap when the ferry has begun loading, or pulling into the end of a lane that is loading when there are additional lanes that need to be loaded. If the ferry has not begun loading and there is a gap, a vehicle can pull into the gap. For this reason, we encourage all passengers to park directly behind the vehicle ahead of them without leaving a gap, and staying with your vehicle. Matching codes were enacted by Pierce County and the Town of Steilacoom to manage all loading lanes on the route.
Using the Ferry
Walk-On Passengers
- Must be aboard five minutes prior to departure time.
- While disembarking, wait in the designated area until directed.
Vehicles- Must be in line 20 minutes prior to departure time.
- Keep railroad tracks clear at all times.
- For loading lanes, fill Lane 1 first, Lane 2 second, and Lane 3 last.
- Please turn off cell phones when loading and disembarking.
- Follow all crew instructions.
- Drive 5 mph or less.
- Please turn car headlights off and use only parking lights when loading.
- When parking on the ferry deck, pull as close as you can to the vehicle in front of you, set the emergency brake, and turn the engine off.
- Motorcycles arriving before boarding begins may park in designated areas below loading lanes. Motorcycles arriving during boarding must get behind vehicles already in lanes and may not pull to the front.
Extreme low tidesOversize and low vehicles may be restricted during times of extremely low tides – these are tides of zero feet and below. Vehicles with low-hanging parts (bumpers, hitches, etc.) and extended overhangs from the rear axle (such as recreational vehicles) may be denied access to the ferry during extreme low tides. View
NOAA tidal information to plan your travel.
Groups and events
Please email the ferry system at [email protected] at least two weeks in advance of planned events that will bring 10 or more people to Anderson Island. This is not a requirement, but it is helpful for other ferry riders. Events can cause ferry service delays due to more people needing access to the island. We may be able to provide input to help make your event a success. For groups of 10 or more, please help your guests with carpool and shuttle options to reduce ferry service impact.
Steilacoom Dock
Anderson Island Loading Lanes
Anderson Island Dock