Raft Island is a private island in the Pierce County community of Rosedale, Washington, USA. Gig Harbor, Washington is the nearest incorporated town, although unincorporated Artondale is much closer. There are 1,694 housing units and a population of 4,107 persons on the island as of the 2010 census. [1]
Raft Island contains parks, roads, several private beaches, a private tennis court, private boat launch, and a church camp. Because of its picturesque setting, Raft Island has been the subject of many artistic pursuits. The island is connected to the outskirts of Gig Harbor by a 0.5 km (0.31 mi)-long bridge.
Raft Island is located at . It is 201.1 acres (813,910 m²) in area, and is oval in shape. It is located in Henderson Bay within Puget Sound.
According to Edmond S. Meany, Raft Island was probably named from its appearance. In 1841 Charles Wilkes of the United States Exploring Expedition gave it the name "Allshouse Island", probably for Joseph Allshouse, a member of his crew. [2]