When people refer to Steamboat Island, they are generally refering to the penninsula leading to the Island and not the Island itself; although Steamboat Island really is an island with its own community. It can be reached by traveling north on Steamboat Island rd. to the end, and across the bridge (be forewarned, there isn't much room).
Steamboat Island Road is off of highway 101 about one mile after it splits from hwy. 8. If you are traveling from Olympia to Shelton, you can't miss it.
I believe that the appeal of this area is that it is rural, but 5 minutes to the westside of Olympia. The penninsula and Island feature saltwater views (and waterfront lots), as well as views of the Olympic's and Mt. Rainier.
The other piece of this that I haven't mentioned is Carylon Beach. Carylon Beach is a community at the end of the penninsula across from Steamboat Island proper. Carylon Beach is a well established community with a park, marina, and a very "hometown" "rural" feel; and it just got discovered by the rest of the world over the course of the last two years. Homes in Carylon Beach are very reasonably priced, below the average price in Olympia, and there are still many unbuilt lots available for those wishing to build their own home.
If you would like to learn more about the Steamboat Island Penninsula, the Island itself, or Carylon Beach, please contact me at my website, Olympia Property Sales, and get to know your realtor(C).
