Treble Point marks the western cape of Anderson Island in Pierce County, carrying a name that appears on the Wilkes Chart from Charles Wilkes' United States Exploring Expedition of 1841, though the specific reason for the designation "Treble" remains undocumented in available historical records. The same location also bore the name Richards Point on the 1846 Inskip Map of Puget Sound, honoring Lieutenant Fleetwood J. Richards of the Royal Marines who served aboard HMS Fisgard at the Nisqually Station of the Royal Navy from 1843 to 1847, reflecting the overlapping American and British surveying efforts in the region during the period when both nations maintained significant presence in the Pacific Northwest. Anderson Island itself received its name from Wilkes in 1841 as a gesture of gratitude to Alexander Anderson, chief factor at Fort Nisqually, who extended generous hospitality to the expedition members during their explorations of southern Puget Sound. The island remained sparsely inhabited until 1870 when Danish brothers Andrew N. and Christian F. Christensen became the first European settlers to establish permanent residence, initiating industries including wood sales to steamers calling at Amsterdam Bay, brick making that would leave lasting archaeological evidence along island beaches, farming operations, and commercial fishing. The island's southernmost position in Puget Sound and its relatively remote character—accessible only by the 20-minute Pierce County ferry from Steilacoom or private boat—have preserved its quiet, rural atmosphere even as surrounding areas of Pierce County experienced extensive development.
Treble Point provides access to Anderson Island's characteristic shoreline environments, where beaches feature the bricks, shells, driftwood, and diverse intertidal life that reflect both natural processes and the island's industrial heritage. Public beach access points throughout the island offer varied experiences, with Jacob's Point Park leading visitors to a beach scattered with bricks from the former Anderson Island Brick Works site, creating a unique landscape where industrial archaeology meets natural beauty. Andy's Marine Park features a 0.75-mile serpentine hiking trail through old-growth Douglas fir forest that terminates at a driftwood-strewn beach particularly spectacular during evening hours when apricot sunsets backlight the accumulated logs and provide views across the sound toward the Olympic Mountains. Other beach access areas include a three-quarter-mile public beach at a tidal inlet that serves as a salmon nursery, where visitors can observe aquatic life, search for shells and interesting rocks, and experience the dynamic intertidal zone during changing tides. Beachcombing attracts those seeking the bricks that occasionally wash up from historical kiln sites, along with agates, fossils, and the diverse shells of clams, mussels, and other mollusks that inhabit these productive waters. Kayaking around Anderson Island's 7.75 square miles of coastline rewards paddlers with opportunities to explore protected coves, observe harbor seals and river otters, watch for bald eagles and great blue herons, and experience the relatively undeveloped shoreline that contrasts with the more urbanized areas of central Puget Sound. The island's beaches, forests of enormous Douglas firs, and views across the water create a sense of stepping back in time to a quieter era of Puget Sound history.
Dining options on Anderson Island reflect the community's small size and remote character, with three establishments serving residents and visitors who make the ferry journey from Steilacoom. Riviera Lakeshore Restaurant sits a short drive from the ferry landing, offering comfy, hearty meals with views overlooking Lake Josephine and Mount Rainier visible on clear days, serving breakfast plates with eggs, bacon, and hash browns, lunch sandwiches including burgers and grilled cheese, dinner entrees featuring steaks and seafood, and hosting events like karaoke nights and live music performances that create community gathering opportunities. Anderson Island Café, located at the island's hub alongside the general store, provides meals for visitors including breakfast items, lunch sandwiches and soups, daily specials that change with availability, and beverages including coffee and soft drinks. Anderson Island General Store stocks groceries, snacks, basic supplies, and prepared foods, allowing residents and visitors to provision themselves for beach outings and extended island stays. Visitors should note that island businesses typically close by 8 PM, with weekend summer hours sometimes extending to 9 PM, requiring advance planning for meals and supplies. For those traveling to Anderson Island via the Steilacoom ferry, Steilacoom Pub and Grill sits up the hill from the ferry terminal, serving pub fare including fish and chips made with cod, burgers with various toppings, chicken wings with sauces, sandwiches and wraps, and local beers on tap, providing a convenient dining option while waiting for one of the 10 to 14 daily ferry runs that connect this peaceful island to the mainland and return visitors from their explorations of Treble Point and the other beaches scattered along Anderson Island's quiet shores.
