Being the sailors that we are the San Juan Islands in Washington of course hold extreme appeal but like the Seattle Space Needle post yesterday I again had to have them brought to my attention before remembering them.
What brought the San Juan Islands to my attention this time? Why none other than my March 2009 “Sail” magazine. Their article entitled the same as my blog post by Robby Robinson was great but I want to expand upon it.
I started laughing when I read his opening paragraph of how he did not expect to have to use the in-cabin heater and put on layers of clothing in August. I laugh because after living 30+ years in the State of Washington it is common knowledge that the “Wet West Side” (or in other words the western side of the Cascade Mountain Range) is well WET! Whereas the eastern side of the cascades is hot, arid and dry farmland. We are called the evergreen state but truly only about 1/3 of the state is green, the rest is brown sagebrush or farmland, but the San Juan’s are definitely on the green side.
I found it awesome that Mr. Robinson luckily discovered something that would take away all of his grumblings of the chill in the air. He beheld the beauty of the area.
Growing up here I can commiserate with him, the scenery is truly majestic. The islands in the San Juan’s are not your typical beach islands. They are frequently covered in lush deeply wooded rocky forest’s, they have green meadows and and you may also find a few small beaches.
The San Juan Islands are nestled 60 to 100 miles north of Seattle, Washington and south of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. There are over 450 islands at high tide but fewer than 1/6th are permanently inhabited and there is ferry service to only 15 of them.
The image to the left shows some of the major islands.
To maneuver around the San Juan Islands you use channels, straits, passages and sounds instead of open sea and everywhere you turn your breath will be taken away with beauty.
In addition to the spectacular beauty you will see wildlife you can only dream of, Orca Whales, Harbor Seals, Bald Eagles, Porpoises, Kingfisher, Swan, Loon, Grebe and Blue Heron. While hiking you may even sight Red Fox, Sika Deer, Mouflon Sheep, Raccoons and European Rabbits perhaps if you look really really hard you may even see one of my favorite little birds, the hummingbird. There are tons more animals, I simply can not list them all right now.
Be ready for some wind. What may seem like a little breeze at first can turn into a swirling wind making even the most experienced sailors hustling to reef the sails. It simply is a sailing heaven.
While in the area be sure to make a stop at Orca Island. Orcas Island is known as the Gem of the San Juan Islands. The people how live and visit here do it for a variety of reasons but the most common reason is the natural beauty that the island possesses.
Orcas Island is best described as rural. Opportunities for outdoor activities abound. Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan archipelago, promises splendid vistas from its 2409-foot summit. Moran State park features several lakes which host various activities and to top it off there are miles and miles of shoreline with numerous beaches, both public and private.
This beautiful island has something for everyone … kayak in the Puget Sound; climb a mountain trail to enjoy the beautiful vistas; see Orca whales and marine wildlife; stroll through Eastsound village, exploring the small town shops; enjoy a wide array of superb dining choices; or simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty of Orcas Island.
Not only all of this, but Orcas Island is also the home of Rosario Resort and Spa (See where it is located in relation tot he islands on the map image above). Moran Mansion as it is historically known was built between 1906-1909 by Seattle mayor and shipbuilder Robert Moran, the Moran Mansion is listed on the National Historic Register. FYI the mansion is open for public viewing on Saturdays in March, April, May, and October and daily from June through September. 
The Rosario has a marina, a spa, a wedding area, meeting rooms, overnight accommodations and many wonderful activities. Definitely a place to see on your journey through the San Juan Islands.
Some of the Islands have weekend farmers markets with local crafts and goods. Definitely watch for the locally grown Blackberries. Blackberries grow wild in the Puget Sound and they are large, juicy and simply scrumptious. If you do not taste them wild, are unfortunate enough to not be able to find them at a local farmers market then be sure to visit a local restaurant and order them on any dessert.
In Mr. Robinsons article he pointed out that “Rumor” abounded that you could pick up oysters right off the sand on one of the northern outer islands called Sucia Island.
Sucia island is not reachable by car or served by the Washington State ferry system yet it is one of the most popular marine parks on Puget Sound with more than 100,000 visitors recorded each year. The unique terrain of this 564 acre island park accommodates its visitors in 6 different bays and coves- each of which has its own unique personality. The unique shoreline around Sucia island makes exploring the coastline in a dinghy a favorite past-time. Every nook and cove has something special to discover like eroded sandstone cliffs and shorelines with patterns and shapes that are both beautiful and bizarre. Sucia is also teaming with wildlife.
Many of the islands have perfect bike and hiking trails. You can kayak just about anywhere and roam through various museums, gallery’s, novelty shops, theaters and parks. There is almost always an author or artist in the area doing book reviews or discussing the emotion surrounding a painting.
I have barely even touched on the items available to do here and only once did I mention food. The food in the San Juan Islands is some of the best in the world. Obviously from its location you realize you will be eating some of the most favorable fresh seafood than anywhere else in the world.
Many of the restaurants in the area are converted homes and bistros. They have a homey and romantic feeling as you sit down to eat, frequently having art displayed all around, sometimes you get serenaded by a local group and occasionally there is even candlelight and a breathtaking view. But regardless of it all you will be amazed with the flavors that your pallet gets to experience.
So as you plan your trip the the San Juan Islands in Washington USA, there are a few musts:
P.S. The only thing you truly have to watch out for as a sailor in the San Juan Island’s is the Ferry’s. They get on their targeted course and do not move for anything and their wake can be a little disturbing, however they only visit 15 of the 450 islands so feel free to skip those ones, or try another port on the far side away from the ferry’s port.
Overall though, you will not find a more relaxing and laid back vacation destination.
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