Jones Island is the Absolute Best Marine Park in the San Juans - Period

This is a reposted post I think is very worthwhile.

Jones Island offers a wonderful experience for boat camping and exploring the San Juan Islands. Its proximity to major marinas and harbors, such as Deer Harbor, Roche Harbor, and Friday Harbor, makes it a convenient and attractive destination.

Starting your kayaking adventure from Deer Harbor, with its calm waters, can be a great option for exploring the surrounding areas. Roche Harbor, known for its resort and as a departure point for trips to Canada, is another nearby destination that adds to the appeal of Jones Island. Additionally, Friday Harbor, the largest city and port in the San Juan Islands, is relatively close, making it easily accessible for supplies or further exploration.

With its strategic location and the variety of neighboring destinations, Jones Island offers a great balance between tranquility and accessibility. It can be an ideal choice for families looking to enjoy boat camping and explore the beauty of the San Juan Islands.

         All of Jones is a state park, the north cove is preferred by power boaters and sailors alike, inside you will find a protected bay with docks and anchor buoys, plus room to anchor if the five buoys are in use.

        The south cove is favored by kayaker's, there are several campgrounds and the island has running water, fire pits and picnic tables. On a sunny summer weekend it would not be unusual to find several large groups camping with many first time kayakers in guided tour groups.  Offshore are a few anchor buoys.  The south cove is not protected from San Juan Channel traffic or winter storms so the beaches are piled with sun silvered driftwood.

        The North Cove is absolutely wonderful, There is a brand new dock, anchor buoys, a steep gravel beach (good for dinghy's), and room to anchor. The cove is protected from all but the worst north winds (very infrequent) On shore are lots of tent sites, each with picnic table and fire rings.  There is a nice mowed lawn area for games and grazing deer.  Bathrooms and running water are clean, cool, clear and convenient. 

            The island has several hiking trails, rated, easy and moderate. From the trails are magnificent views of the surrounding islands, and waters.  Bring your camera to Jones, you will want to preserve the memories to show your friends that aren't as fortunate as you.

NEW -  NORTH COVE DOCK AT JONES ISLAND

IDEAS for this summers cruises in the San Juans

   

      Readers remind me that some places I suggest and visit myself are technically not part of the San Juan's.  When I look at my list I see only three or four

 that are truly San Juan Island's destinations. That's why the web site title includes "Surrounding Area"

Note:  these are not ideas I am suggesting for you, they are places I am thinking about for me.
If you are a newbie, you should go to tried and true hot spots like Roche - Friday - Jones - Sucia - La Conner - Deception Pass. Use the search box - it's all there and then some.

If you have been around the San Juan's awhile you may be looking for new ideas, that's what my list is about.

       My short list for 2018

• I would like to spend a few days anchored at False Creek in Vancouver (we really enjoyed Granville Island and Stanley Park) (60 miles, one way) - ouch
• Explore West Sound,  we haven't entered West Sound for fifteen years. I guess it has been a drive by sound for us. I want to check out the marina and possibly see about making a bike/hike ride to one of  the Turtleback Mt trailheads.
• Hike Vendovi Preserve. This little jaunt will happen for sure.
• Visit Lummi Island (we biked it in 2017, it's really flat and easy, I want to do it again)
• Visit Victoria -  Last time we had three little kids with us and lots of pea soup fog,  just the two of us should be easier if we can avoid any fog.
• Hike Eagle Bluff  (closed every year until after July 15)
• Take a shot again at bike hiking up  Mt Constitution, probably start at Olga this time
• I am thinking of skipping 4th of July, but Lopez is on my radar if we go anywhere
• maybe go see Nanaimo or some Gulf Island Parks (means a lot of motoring) I doubt this will happen. (we went to  Newcastle Park many years ago and had fun, but like Vancouver, it's a lot of motoring) maybe we can ride the current both ways.  
• Might want to anchor at Smallpox Bay for a night and do some orca watching.

Okay, that's about it. It's not much to choose from. Because of the miles involved, I don't see us visiting Victoria, Vancouver and Nanaimo on the same trip.  I'll let this simmer for awhile and see what floats to the top.  Lately we have fallen into the trap of repeating what we are comfortable with. I don't know if that is good or bad, but now I'm thinking of adding Jones Island to the list.  So should I not go to Jones because I really enjoy it and feel comfortable there?  Seems counterproductive to avoid visiting somewhere you really like.

To see what we ended up doing, click here