About Paxhia Farm

Our island paradise in the Puget Sound is a 12.5 acre park-like sanctuary for horses, dogs and students. With accommodations on and near the farm, you can immerse yourself in your learning experience in our inviting classroom, barn and dog areas.

We are excited to announce that we now have a limited number of campsites on campus during summer and fall. There is also a campground a short distance from the school and numerous B&B lodges in close proximity. A few locals also offer rooms in their homes seasonally. See the listings below, contact the school for more information or visit the Vashon Island Chamber of Commerce for a list of accommodations.

Paxhia Farm is located at 9704 SW 156th St. Vashon, WA 98070

Students can reach the new campus by ferry from downtown Seattle, West Seattle or Tacoma. A passenger-only ferry travels from nearby Pike Place Market on the Seattle waterfront to the north end of Vashon on weekdays. A car ferry travels frequently from West Seattle’s Fauntleroy terminal and arrives at the north end in approximately 18 minutes. From the south, Tacoma’s Pt. Defiance ferry delivers riders to the south end of the island, about 8 miles south of campus. From the peninsula, the Southworth ferry cruises to the north end. Students can arrange to be picked up at the ferry terminal or can drive the short 3.5 miles from dock to class.

A few things to consider when preparing for the week:
  • Make sure that you have your travel and hotel accommodations made if needed.
  • Please plan to arrive on time and ready to stay at the facility throughout the day.
  • Personal pets and children are not allowed due to liability reasons.
  • Dress accordingly; layered clothing is best as part of the class will be held outdoors. If you are attending a LAMP Practical, NO OPEN TOED SHOES are allowed. You may want to consider slippers or another set of footwear for your time in the classroom.
  • Class begins with attendance taken promptly at 9:00am and ends at 5:00 pm. Please remember that on weekdays the traffic will be a little different than on the weekend. Please plan accordingly. (If you should get lost, please call our office at 206-463-1425 and then call the farm directly at 206-550-2677).
  • Bring your Workbooks and all materials including S.O.A.P. Charts.
  • Cell phones are discouraged during class. You will be given ample time to check messages during breaks. Please plan accordingly.
How to get to Paxhia Farm

The farm is located just 17 miles from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and can be accessed via ferry from West Seattle (Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal to Vashon Island), Tacoma (Point Defiance Ferry Terminal to Tahlequah) to the south and from the peninsula (Southworth to Vashon Island) to the west.

Ferry Schedules: 

Ferry schedules and fees changes seasonally. Click the following links to open the Washington State Department of Transportation ferry schedules for the following lines; West Seattle (Fauntleroy)Tacoma (Point Defiance)Southworth .

Public Transportation:

From SeaTac Airport you can take the light rail into downtown and from there you have the option to take the pedestrian-only ferry from pier 50, or take the bus (routes 118 & 119) onto the island. We can arrange for those students who do not drive onto the island to be picked up at the ferry terminal or the nearest bus stop.

Where to stay

For a complete list of lodgings on the island, please visit the Vashon Chamber of Commerce website.

Vashon Garden Cottages
16529 91st Ave. SW, Vashon, WA 98070-4213
206.463.2583

Located just 1 mile from the NWASM campus, the Artist�s Studio Loft is a quaint collection of rustic northwest inspired cottages. Six distinct cottages are nestled on five acres within walking distance (or a short bicycle ride) from Paxhia Farm. Each cottage is complete with a private entrance, private bath, television, ceiling fans and warm soft robes. Not pet friendly and has a strict no-refund policy.

Betty MacDonald Farm
11835 99th Ave. SW, Vashon, WA 98070
206.567.4227
Toll Free: 888-328-6753

Betty MacDonald was an American author of humorous autobiographical tales who is best known for her book The Egg and I. Her book Onions in the Stew recounts her years on Vashon Island during World War II. The Betty MacDonald Farm is located on six acres where Betty lived with her husband Donald and their two daughters. The farm library still has memorabilia from the days when Betty lived here. Today the farm is owned by Judith Lawrence and is available for overnight accommodations. There is a Cedar Loft with panoramic views of Mount Rainier and the Puget Sound, and a Cottage with sweeping views as well. A trail from the yard leads through wooded areas to the beach below. The farm is located on the north end of Vashon; just minutes from the ferry from West Seattle. Staying on the farm is a memorable experience to take away from your trip to Vashon.

Lodges On Vashon

17205 Vashon Highway SW
Vashon, Washington 98070

206.641.4717
stay@lodgesonvashon.com

Modern boutique hotel with communal kitchen and outdoor areas, conveniently located in the heart of downtown Vashon with nearby shops and restaurants.  Use Code NWSAM for a special student discount.

Point Robinson Lighthouse
PO Box 1608, Vashon, WA 98070
206.463.9692
lodging@vashonparkdistrict.org

Play lighthouse keeper for a week! Grab some classmates and rent one of two keeper’s quarters while here on Vashon. Beautiful beachfront out your window under the watchful gaze of the Point Robinson lighthouse. Located on the south end of the island (Maury) so be sure you have transportation to and from class. The keeper quarters rent out far in advance so plan ahead for this great experience!

Waterfront View Suite

Your proprietress at this lovely waterfront property likes to share that past students that have stayed here have had a 100% pass rate! We know you will do your part to keep her stellar record going while enjoying this pleasant suite in close proximity to campus.

Island Wanderings

A list of things to do and places to stay on island.  Vashon is a unique community of artists, farms, boutiques and restaurants. While you are here, take time to stroll the beaches, enjoy the many delicious restaurants and take some time to just step back in time.

Vashon Chamber of Commerce

Our Chamber keeps an updated listing of island lodging and events for your stay.