An Insider’s Guide to Washington’s San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands, which are located in the Salish Sea off the northern coast of Washington state, epitomize the best of the Pacific Northwest with their plethora of species, verdant surroundings, amiable fishing communities, and breathtaking vistas of the ocean in every direction.
The San Juan Islands consist of around 172 identified islands and reefs and are located about 160 kilometers northwest of Seattle. The four islands that have ferry service are the most visited: Lopez, Orcas, San Juan, and Shaw. The San Juan Islands are among the top whale-watching locations in the world, but they also offer a lot of land-based activities, such serene beaches and meadows that are perfect for strolling or biking, as well as a ton of art galleries.
Commence in Seattle
As Seattle serves as the entry point to the islands, spend a day or two getting to know this unique metropolis. While seeing the top of the Space Needle and witnessing the fishmongers at Pike Place Market are definitely worth doing, you should also think about seeing the enormous waterfront artwork at the Olympic Sculpture Park and exploring the underground passageways of the city with the Underground Tour of Seattle.
Half the enjoyment is taking a road trip from Seattle to the islands known as the “San Juans.” The travel to the Washington State Ferries station in Anacortes takes less than two hours. Take a brief detour along Interstate Highway 5 North to admire the state’s most photographed marvel, the 8.5-meter-wide Deception Pass Bridge, and then return to Anacortes via State Route 20. You can choose to stroll on or bring your automobile on the ship.
In either case, remember to bring your camera along. You might even spot a seal or whale among the stunning vistas. In most cases, ferry captains alert passengers when they spot wildlife. Four islands—Lopez, Orcas, Shaw, and San Juan—have ferry stations. Make sure to book ahead from April to October, when business is at its peak.
Lack a vehicle of your own? The Victoria Clipper provides daily passenger-only ferry service to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island from mid-May to early October, making it an easy way to go to the San Juans from downtown Seattle. There are options for both day and overnight excursions, both with and without whale watching schedules.
Stay in the gateway city of Seattle for a couple days to see attractions like the EMP Museum and the Space Needle before traveling to the San Juan Islands.
Which Island Is the Best to Visit?
Every island has a distinct character. San Juan is the most visited island, and Friday Harbor is home to a number of quaint stores and eateries.
There are lots of hiking trails in Moran State Park and a flourishing art culture on lush Orcas Island.
Lopez Island, the least steep of the San Juans, is a cyclist’s dream come true. You can rent bikes from Village Cycles or Lopez Bicycle Works, or you can bring your own.
Shaw is the smallest of the four San Juan Islands that Washington State Ferries services, covering around 20 square kilometers, thus it’s a laid-back day trip. Visit the working farm operated by nuns at Our Lady of the Rock Monastery or have a picnic at the University of Washington’s Cedar Rock Preserve on Shaw.
On San Juan Island’s Friday Harbor, a seal emerges to play.
Observe the Whales
Visit the San Juan Islands between May and October, when the salmon flows are at their peak, to catch a glimpse of killer whales, also referred to as orcas. Chinook salmon from the area is the mammal’s favorite food. Although the orcas are the main attraction, the onboard naturalists will highlight other animals that can be seen during the same time of year, such as humpback and minke whales, seals, otters, and bald eagles.
For those seeking excitement, whale-watching companies can provide Zodiac-style boats, which are akin to the inflatable vessels utilized by the Coast Guard in search and rescue operations. These make it possible to see the wildlife from the water’s edge. Choose larger boats with heated cabins where you may have hot chocolate for a more comfortable experience. At Lime Kiln Point State Park, which is also home to a famous lighthouse constructed in 1919, you may even see the orcas from shore.
The weather and the best time to travel
Situated in the “rain shadow” of the Olympic Mountains, the San Juans experience around half of Seattle’s rainfall and 247 days of sunlight annually. The average summer high temperature on the islands is rarely more than 24 degrees Celsius, and the average winter high temperature is around 7 degrees Celsius. The islands enjoy a mild year-round environment.
So grab your binoculars and explore the San Juan Islands’ natural treasures up close.