Destinations

San Juan Islands

San Juan Island, the 2nd largest of the San Juan Islands, has 70 miles of shoreline and is a "must see" tourist destination.

San Juan Island is accessible by Washington State Ferries from Anacortes on the mainland and from Sidney, B.C. on Vancouver Island. Passenger-only ferries serve the San Juans to from Bellingham,Port Townsend (Puget Sound Express), Everett and Seattle during the tourist season.

Friday Harbor is the only incorporated city in the San Juans. On the island there are resorts, motels and B&B inns.

CAMPING: There are 154 campsites and 21 RV hookups on San Juan Island:Griffin Bay State Park, Lakedale Campground and San Juan County Park.

CYCLING: Friday Harbor has rentals for bicycles & Mopeds. From Friday Harbor to Roche Harbor there are good road surfaces and wide shoulders for cycling. Lakedale is a bicycle camp on Roche Harbor Road.

PUBLIC BEACHES: Lime Kiln State Park, Turn Point Beach, South Beach at American Camp, False Bay, Reuben Tarte Beach, San Juan Co. Park and Jackson Beach.

ATTRACTIONS: American Camp has over 1200 acres of grassland and beach with beautiful marine vistas. English Camp, on 520 acres, has restored buildings& displays.
Whale Watch Park, at Lime Kiln Lighthouse, is one place to see whales. The Whale Museum is in Friday Harbor.

ORCAS ISLAND

ORCAS ISLAND is referred to as the "Gem of the San Juans".It is the largest of the 172 islands with 56 sq. miles and 125 miles of saltwater coastline. It is a fun island to explore. If you arrive on foot,you can rent a bike or car to explore the island. Or better yet, contact a local guide service and explore the local waters and wildlife by kayak.There are charters available for whale watching and sightseeing.

EASTSOUND: Eastsound, 7 miles from the ferry terminal, is the main town on the island with stores, restaurants, craft shops, a theater and community center & medical clinic.

CYCLING: A great island for cycling. The roads are well-paved but hilly and sometimes narrow. Roads are less congested in the spring and fall than the busy summer months.

KAYAKING: Half-day, full day, overnight and even custom sea kayaking trips are offered by local outfitters who combine their skills in sea kayaking with their knowledge of the local natural history and marine environment to provide informative, fascinating and fun excursions. No experience necessary.Kids and adults welcome! Island Kayak Guides at Doe Bay Village Resort offer kayaking trips in the San Juan Islands. Call ahead to reserve kayaks and accommodations.

CAMPING: There are 50 RV hookups on Orcas Island, all at West Beach Resort. Tent camping is available at West Beach Resort, Doe Bay Resort,Moran State Park & by hiking into Obstruction Pass Park.

Moran State Park contains 5,000 forested acres and is about 10 miles from the ferry terminal. There are 140 campsites with 5 lakes and 29 miles of trails. There is a great lookout point on 2,409-foot Mt. Constitution.The lookout tower offers views of the Cascades, Olympics and the islands.Campsite reservations (14 days prior in summer); write Moran State Park,Star Rt Box 22, Eastsound, WA 98245

In the waters of the San Juans it is possible to see Orca whales (Killer whales). They are black and white and up to 30 feet long. There are 87 "resident"Orcas in the waters of the San Juans. Best viewing time is May through June.

ATTRACTION: Stop at the Orcas Historical Museum in Eastsound, open Tue.-Sun, 376-4859. There are 6 homestead log cabins and displays of Indian and pioneer artifacts.

ACCOMMODATIONS: For rooms on the island try West Beach Resort, and Outlook Inn.

CHARTERS: Eclipse Charters offers whale watching tours to see the local pods of Orca whales. Photographers and pleasure seekers will enjoy the guided tours through he beautiful San Juan Islands. Call ahead for reservations. Free Willy fans might recognize the Eclipse Charters boat from the movie.