Monthly Ferry Punch Card Sale Dates Set for 2nd Quarter 2023

The second quarter Whatcom County Ferry Division monthly punch card sales dates for 2023 are:

• Wednesday, April 5
• Wednesday, April 26
• Wednesday, June 7

All punch card sales are from 5:20 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. at the ferry office, located at the island-side ferry t...

Save the Dates: Whatcom Chief 2023 Dry Dock Outage April 29 – May 20

The Whatcom Chief’s annual dry dock outage is scheduled for Saturday, April 29 – Saturday, May 20, 2023. These dates are tentative and subject to change. The Dry Dock webpage will be updated as more information becomes available (it cu...

Whatcom Chief Returns to Full Schedule Jan. 26

The Whatcom Chief will now run a complete schedule on January 26 and 27.  

It was previously announced that due to emergency repair work at the Lummi Island Terminal, the last runs would be 9:10 pm from Gooseberry Point. This is no longer the case...

Update: Whatcom Chief Will Run Regular Saturday Schedule Jan. 21

Ferry schedule update:  The Whatcom Chief will run on a regular Saturday schedule for January 21, 2023.  

It was previously announced that the last run would be 8:10 pm from Gooseberry Point. This is no longer the case. The contractor con...

Lummi Island Ferry Fare Proposal: Next Steps

Whatcom County Public Works proposes increasing ferry fares in 2023 to comply with the farebox recovery rate mandated in Whatcom County Code. The initial fare proposal was released on December 1, 2022, and reviewed in the Whatcom County Council Finance an...

Updated Ferry Fare Proposal Documents Available Now

Whatcom County Public Works is proposing an increase to ferry fares in 2023 to comply with the farebox recovery rate mandated in Whatcom County Code. The proposal was released on December 1, 2022, and reviewed in the Whatcom County Council Finance and Adm...

Monthly Ferry Punch Card Sale Dates Set for 1st Quarter 2023

The Whatcom County Ferry Division monthly punch card sale dates for the first quarter of 2023 are:

• Wednesday, January 4
• Wednesday, February 1
• Wednesday, March 1 

All punch card sales are from 5:20 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. at the ferry office, located at the...

Paint Striping at Gooseberry Point Terminal September 27

Whatcom County Public Works crews are repainting the queuing lanes at the Gooseberry Point terminal on Tuesday, September 27th. The work will be performed mid-morning, weather permitting. No service interruptions are expected.

Ferry Tide-Related Weight Restrictions in 2022 for Tides Below Zero

The Whatcom Chief can't carry trucks over 40,000 GVW during tides below zero. 

• Visit the tide-related weight restrictions webpage for dates and times with weight restrictions in 2022: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/1924/Tide-Relate...

Proposed State Transportation Budget Would Benefit Lummi Island Ferry System

The proposed "Move Ahead Washington" transportation investment package is a positive step for the Lummi Island Ferry System. 

On Tuesday, February 8, the chairs of the Washington State Senate and House Transportation Committees introduce...

Whatcom Chief Back in Service

The Lummi Island Ferry is tentatively back in service after a system assessment. Please stay home today if you can in case additional issues occur. A specialist is coming tomorrow for more evaluations, and this specialist visit should not impact service.

October 20 Service Outage Planned for Lummi Island Ferry

The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 20, for inspection and maintenance of the ferry terminal facilities at both Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point. 

• The Lummi Island Ferry will be out of...

Whatcom Chief Back in Service After Repairs to Main Engine

The Lummi Island ferry is back in service. The boat will make continuous runs until the scheduled crew lunch. Big thanks to our mechanics, engineer, and captain for their quick response and great teamwork to get us back in service!

Lummi Island Ferry Dry Dock Outage Extended by One Day

The Whatcom Chief is expected to return to service on Sunday, 10/3. Equipment re-assembly took longer than expected, and sea trials have been postponed until tomorrow, Saturday, 10/2.

Vehicles Vandalized on Gooseberry Point

While all our parking is 'park at your own risk,' we do want to warn drivers that a nationwide trend in catalytic converter thefts is also happening on Gooseberry Point during dry dock. We are sorry to hear that this is happening. Please...

Sink Hole Repairs Completed, Westshore Drive Has Reopened

Sinkhole repairs on Lummi Island's Westshore Drive are complete, and the road has reopened to traffic. Thank you for your patience during this road closure and repair project!

Ferry Dry Dock Vehicle Parking Maps Now Available

The Lummi Island Ferry Dry Dock webpage has been updated with vehicle parking maps. Remember that certain spaces are only available on certain days. Parking availability is driven by maintenance and contractor needs. Remember that if you park your car in ...

Lummi Island Ferry Info Booth A Success

A big thank you to everyone who came out to our booth at the Lummi Island Saturday Market last weekend! Representatives from Whatcom County Public Works, Elliott Bay Design Group (our consultant on the new ferry’s design), County Council Represe...

How to calculate Lummi Island ferry fares for motor homes and similar recreational vehicles

Summertime means travel time, and we want to take a moment to remind our ferry riders of the fare policy for buses, recreational vehicles, travel trailers, and motorhomes.

• If you drive a recreational vehicle, bus, or motorhome, your vehicle’s far...

The Lummi Island Ferry is Back in Service

The ferry is back in service after repairs to its steering system. Thank you for your patience during these necessary repairs!

Get to Know the Next Lummi Island Ferry Vessel at Aug. 7 Informational Booth

Lummi Island residents are invited to learn about the design and features of a new ferry vessel with Whatcom County Public Works. The county will have an informational booth at the Aug. 7 Lummi Island Saturday Market. In addition to informational displays...

The Whatcom Chief is Back in Service

The ferry is back in service after repairs were made to the island-side dock hydraulics. Thanks everyone for your patience during this outage!

July 21 Service Outage Planned for Lummi Island Ferry

The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 21, for repairs to the Lummi Island dock and apron. 

• The Lummi Island Ferry will be out of service Wednesday, July 21, from 10:10 a.m. – 3 p.m...

August 4 Service Outage Planned for Lummi Island Ferry

The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 4, for inspection and maintenance of the ferry terminal facilities at both Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point. 

• The Lummi Island Ferry will be out of s...

Next Monthly Ferry Punch Card Sale July 14

The next Whatcom County Ferry Division monthly punch card sale is from 5:20 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14, at the ferry office, located at the island-side ferry terminal. All types of ferry punch cards will be sold, including those for current n...

Public Works Reopening Guidance for Lummi Island Residents

Public Works offices will reopen to the public by appointment only on Wednesday, June 30, when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted state wide. Reopening our public buildings will be done gradually, and this is the first step in that process. We thank you in ...

Save the Dates: Whatcom Chief Dry Dock Outage Sept. 11-Oct. 4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 3, 2021

Contact: Ferry DivisionPhone: 360-778-6200Email: [email protected]

The Whatcom Chief’s 2021 dry dock outage will be Sept. 11-Oct. 4. Additional details about the 2021 dry dock, including any applicable COVID-19 protoco...

Ferry Tide-Related Weight Restrictions in June

The Whatcom Chief can't carry trucks over 40,000 GVW during tides below zero. View June tide restricted dates and times at: https://bit.ly/2Tp5biv

Sinkhole Closes West Shore Drive on Lummi Island

West Shore Drive on Lummi Island is closed to all traffic at the 2300 block due to a large sinkhole. The road will remain closed until further notice. The issue is largely below the pavement, and the majority of the problem can't be seen from the...

June 2 Service Outage Planned for Lummi Island Ferry

The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 2, for inspection and maintenance of the ferry terminal facilities at both Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point. 

• The Lummi Island Ferry will be out of ser...

Next Monthly Ferry Punch Card Sale June 9

The next Whatcom County Ferry Division monthly punch card sale is from 5:20 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday, June 9, at the ferry office, located at the island-side ferry terminal. All types of ferry punch cards will be sold, including those for current ne...

May 26 Planned Service Outage for the Lummi Island Ferry

The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 11:10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26, for the 2021 dry dock shipyard pre-bid meeting onboard the boat.

• The Lummi Island Ferry will be out of service from 11:10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wednesday, M...

Remember: Ferry Trips Increase by $1 Starting on May 17; Here are Some Important Upcoming Dates

With ferry trips increasing by $1 starting on Monday, May 17, Whatcom County Public Works has some important dates and key pieces of information to remember:

• The last on-island punch card sale before the $1 price increase is Wednesday, May 12. 
• All...

Ferry Tide-Related Weight Restrictions in May

The Whatcom Chief can't carry trucks over 40,000 GVW during tides below zero. View May's tide restricted dates and times at: https://bit.ly/2Pzz51P

Updated Fare Sheet Added to Whatcom Chief's Website

The Lummi Island Ferry's fare sheet has been updated with a new chart showing both the current costs and the new costs that will start on May 17, 2021.

Lummi Island Ferry $1 Fare Surcharge Begins May 17

A $1 surcharge on most ferry trips on the Whatcom Chief will begin on Monday, May 17. Student, needs-based, and qualified senior/disabled fares are exempt. All ferry punch cards purchased before May 17 will be honored at face value, Per Whatcom County Cod...

Next Monthly Ferry Punch Card Sale May 12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 14, 2021

Contact: Chantelle HilsingerPhone: 360-778-6200Email: [email protected]

The next Whatcom County Ferry Division monthly punch card sale is from 5:20 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday, May 12, at the ferry office, located...

April 14 Service Outage Planned for Lummi Island Ferry

The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 14, for inspection and maintenance of the ferry terminal facilities at both Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point. 

• The Lummi Island Ferry will be out of s...

Whatcom County Council Passes Ferry Fare Surcharge Ordinance

On Tuesday, March 23, the Whatcom County Council unanimously passed, with the support of the Lummi Island Ferry Advisory Committee, a $1 surcharge on most ferry trips. The surcharge will begin later in 2021. No start date has been set.

Needs-based senior/d...

Next Monthly Ferry Punch Card Sale April 7

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 15, 2021

Contact: Chantelle HilsingerPhone: 360-778-6200Email: [email protected]

The next Whatcom County Ferry Division monthly punch card sale is from 5:20 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday, April 7, at the ferry office, locate...

March 10 Repair Outage Planned for Lummi Island Ferry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 3, 2021

Contact: Rich Hudson, Ferry Senior MasterPhone: 360-778-6200Email: [email protected]

The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10, for repairs of the Lummi Island ...

Next Monthly Ferry Punch Card Sale March 10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 1, 2021

Contact: Chantelle HilsingerPhone: 360-778-6200Email: [email protected]

The next Whatcom County Ferry Division monthly punch card sale is from 5:20 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10, at the ferry office, locate...

February 24 Service Outage Planned for Lummi Island Ferry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 1, 2021

Contact: Rich Hudson, Ferry Senior MasterPhone: 360-778-6200Email: [email protected]

The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 24, for inspection and mainten...

Next Monthly Ferry Punch Card Sale February 10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 1, 2021

Contact: Chantelle HilsingerPhone: 360-778-6200Email: [email protected]

The next Whatcom County Ferry Division monthly punch card sale is from 5:20 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday, February 10, at the ferry office, ...

Ferry Increased Weight Limits for Personal Vehicles on Jan. 1

On January 1, 2021, the Ferry Division increased the maximum gross vehicle weight for personal vehicles on the Whatcom Chief from 8,000 lbs to 11,000 lbs. The increased weight limit applies to all $13 single ride round trips, and all multi-ride punch card...

Credit Card Fees Will Apply to Single-Ride Ferry Fares Starting Jan. 1

Starting on Jan. 1, 2021, the Ferry Division will charge a .50 cent credit card fee on all single-ride fare transactions. Multi-ride passes purchased with a credit card already pay a credit card fee. This change adds consistency by also charging a credit ...

Next Monthly Ferry Punch Card Sale January 13

The next Whatcom County Ferry Division monthly punch card sale is from 5:20 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13, at the ferry office, located at the island-side ferry terminal. All types of ferry punch cards will be sold, including those for current n...

Annual US Coast Guard Inspection Dec. 16 Could Affect 1pm Ferry Sailing

The US Coast Guard will conduct an annual safety inspection of the Whatcom Chief on Wednesday, Dec. 16. This may delay or cancel the round trip 1:00PM run from Lummi Island. The Public Works Department would like to thank everyone in advance for their coo...

Next Monthly Ferry Punch Card Sales December 2

The next Whatcom County Ferry Division monthly punch card sale will be from 5:20 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday, December 2, at the ferry office, located at the island-side ferry terminal. All types of ferry punch cards will be sold, including those for c...

Electrical Issues at Lummi Island Dock Cause Ferry Schedule Delays

Electrical issues at the Lummi Island dock are causing ferry schedule delays. County crews are on-site and assessing the situation. The ferry is still operating, but not able to maintain the posted schedule at this time. Riders should expect delays. Addit...

December 9 Service Outage Planned for Lummi Island Ferry

The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, December 9, for inspection and maintenance of the ferry terminal facilities at both Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point. 

 The Lummi Island Ferry will...

Monthly Lummi Island Ferry Punch Card Sales Resume November 4

Whatcom County’s Ferry Division will resume monthly punch card sales with a November sale from 5:20 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. Wednesday, November 4, at the ferry office, located at the island-side ferry terminal. All types of ferry punch cards will be s...

Lummi Island Ferry Expands COVID-19 Sailing Schedule Oct. 26; Punch Card Procedures Also Changing

After running on a reduced COVID-19 schedule since March, the Whatcom Chief will resume a more traditional weekday schedule starting on Monday, Oct. 26, with a regular, pre-COVID schedule for the morning and daytime hours, and a revised schedule from 3pm ...

October 21 Service Outage Planned for Lummi Island Ferry

The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21, for inspection and maintenance of the ferry terminal facilities at both Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point. 

• The Lummi Island Ferry will be out of...

Whatcom Chief Scheduled to Return to Service Oct. 3

The Whatcom Chief is scheduled to return to service at 6pm on Saturday, Oct. 3, after three weeks in dry dock. This scheduled return is dependent on upon successful completion of the remaining shipyard repairs and sea trials.

Any vehicles parked in driving...

High winds could cause ferry service disruptions Thursday night and Friday

Windy conditions have already delayed or canceled ferry service to Lummi Island this week, and forecasters are predicting that a stronger system will arrive Thursday night and Friday. Travelers should prepare for ferry delays due to weather associated wit...

Final COVID-19 Passenger Only Ferry Use Policy Available Online

Whatcom County Public Works appreciates everyone who took the time to make public comment on our passenger-only ferry and shuttle van COVID-19 policy while it was in draft form. We have made some modifications and published a final policy document on our ...

Public Comments and Responses to Ferry's COVID-19 Policy Now Available

Whatcom County Public Works created a draft COVID-19 policy for the Lummi Island passenger-only ferry and shuttle van service while the Whatcom Chief is in dry dock. Anonymized comments and agency responses are now available online.  

• View public ...

Ferry Dry Dock Update: Additional Vehicle Parking Map Added

The Lummi Island Ferry dry dock webpage has been updated with a new map showing additional parking locations on the mainland for vehicles to use during dry dock. 

• View the map online 
• Visit our dry dock webpage.  

Ferry Dry Dock Shuttle Service and Vehicle Parking Information Available Online

Our Ferry Division is preparing for the annual dry dock maintenance of the Whatcom Chief, scheduled to begin on Sept. 12. We have updated our Dry Dock Webpage with additional information on our island shuttle van service and personal vehicle parking maps ...

Pavement Striping Operations Rescheduled for Aug. 25-26 on Lummi Island Roads

Pavement striping operations are scheduled from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 25-26, on paved Lummi Island roads. This is the final step in the chip seal road work project. This work was originally scheduled Aug. 17-18 but was rescheduled...

Ferry's Draft COVID-19 Dry Dock Policy Available; Public Comment Open Through Aug. 28

We are creating a COVID-19 policy for the passenger-only ferry and shuttle van service that will provide transportation to and from Lummi Island while the Whatcom Chief is in dry dock.

We are balancing the prevention requirements of operating a ferry durin...

Lummi Island Supplemental Parking Lot Closes for Maintenance Aug. 22

The supplemental Lummi Island ferry parking lot will close for maintenance from Saturday, August 22, through Friday, August 28.

• All vehicles must be removed from this parking lot no later than Friday evening, August 21.
• Vehicles in the parking lot on Saturd...

Public Works Gravel on Lummi Island to be Used for Additional Projects

Whatcom County Public Works has had a number of people ask about purchasing potential surplus gravel from our island maintenance projects. A large portion of the gravel we brought over to the island was used for chip seal road work. Now that the chip seal...

Public Works Gravel on Lummi Island

We’ve had a number of people on Lummi Island ask about potential surplus gravel from our island maintenance projects, and if that material would be available for purchase. First, we do still have some work left to do on the island that will use ...

Lummi Island Ferry Tide-Related Weight Restrictions in August

Trucks over 40,000 GVW are prohibited during tides below zero. 

• View the August table of excluded times due to low tides.
• Contact the Whatcom Chief with questions at 360-815-5629.

Lummi Island Chip Seal Road Work Update

Chip seal operations on Lummi Island are complete. Islanders will notice that all our signage is still up. The project isn’t officially done quite yet. The paint striping machine will come through soon and re-stripe the roadway markings. Re-stri...

August 19 Service Outage Planned for Lummi Island Ferry

The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, for inspection and maintenance of the ferry terminal facilities at both Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point. 

• The Lummi Island Ferry will be out of ...

Chip Seal Road Work Scheduled on Lummi Island and Lummi Nation July 27-30

Whatcom County has scheduled the following roads for chip sealing from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. starting Monday, July 27, and continuing through Thursday, July 30.

Lummi Island Roads:

• BLIZARD RD
• LANE SPIT DR
• NUGENT RD

Lummi Nation and Other County Roads:

• BOYNTON ...

Roads Scheduled for Chip Seal Work July 20-23 on Lummi Island and Peninsula

Whatcom County has scheduled the following roads for chip sealing beginning Monday, July 20 and continuing through Thursday, July 23 from 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Lummi Island Roads:

• Blizard Rd• Cedar Pl• Centerview Rd• ...

Heavy Truck Traffic on Lummi Ferry July 16

Ferry passengers should expect long wait times for the Lummi Island Ferry from 8am-5pm on Thursday, July 16, due to heavy truck traffic.

Additional Lummi Island Roads Scheduled for Chip Seal Work Starting July 13

Whatcom County has scheduled additional roads for chip sealing on Lummi Island. Work on the following roads will begin on Monday, July 13, and continue through Thursday, July 16, from 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

• Antoinette Lane
• Blizard Road
• Centerview Road
• Consti...

July Weight Restrictions on the Lummi Island Ferry

We impose vehicle weight restrictions on the Lummi Island Ferry during tides lower than zero to prevent damage to our docks. Any vehicle over 40,000 GVW is prohibited on the ferry during these low tides. Read our July weight restrictions letter with speci...