Travel Guide, Itineraries, Maps, Charts, Parks and Camping Cruises. Places to go.
Things to do. Pictures, Reviews, Moorages, Marinas, Boat Ramps and Much More.
ATTENTION!
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2/20/2020
When is a bumper a fender?
I have always thought when I heard someone say bumpers when they meant fenders, that they simply aren't as nautical as they could be.
I came across a statement that I have no idea if it is valid, but sounds good, so I'm going to repeat it here. Here goes. "A fender is loose and may be moved around where as a bumper is permanently attached."
So, those horizontal fenders I see lashed, nailed or knotted permanently on the sides of some slips, floats and even a few swim platforms and dinghies too, are actually bumpers.
And those funny looking hanging steps are neither.
Just something to ponder.
2/12/2020
Bicycle Camping in the San Juan Island's Area
Here are the parks that are bicycle friendly. Many of the posts on this site refer to combining bike camping with boat camping. Marine parks for boat camping are a click away. marine parks
Hiker/biker/vehicle parks:
- Washington Park in Anacortes. This city park is a five minute ride to the ferry terminal. Tip. Consider reserving a campsite and leaving your land cruiser here in a campsite while biking the islands.
- Odlin County Park on Lopez Island
- Spencer Spit State Park on Lopez Island
- San Juan County Park on San Juan Island
- Moran State Park on Orcas Island
- Shaw Island County Park
- Obstruction Pass State Park on Orcas Island
- Deception Pass State Park on the mainland
1/09/2020
Farmers Markets on San Juan Island - Saturday Markets on Lopez Island, Orcas Island Saturday Market
If your running out of things to do and places to go when cruising the San Juans, try Saturday Markets, Farmers Markets and Craft Fairs. Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Island, all have regular scheduled markets in the summer months.
At Friday Harbor on San Juan Island you will find every Saturday morning, April through September the "San Juan Island Farmers Market" at the Brickworks Plaza. Bring your appetite for breakfast or lunch and feast on the island cuisine, then bring home locally made arts and crafts.
Tie up in a slip, or anchor out and use the dinghy dock, its a very short walk. |
In Lopez Village on Lopez Island look for the "Lopez Farmers Market" next door to the community center. Open 10am to 2pm mid May into September every Saturday. Plan on having lunch and picking up some local produce and seafood. Local crafts people and artists will be displaying their work.
Berth at a slip in Fisherman Bay and walk about a half mile to Lopez Village.
OR go by dinghy and land right in town - here's how >>> Lopez Village by dinghy
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Don't miss the "Orcas Island Farmers Market" in Eastsound on the Village Green, Open every Saturday from 10am to 3pm May through October. Crafts, arts, food, gardeners, museum and history booths, you will find just what you need.
Eastsound county dock |
Music festivals on the green |
Anacortes, Bellingham, and LaConner should be on your short list of things to do & places to go!
At Anacortes the Farmers market is at 611 R Ave in Anacortes, just a few steps from Cap Sante Boat Haven, and runs 9am until closing every Saturday beginning in May.
Don't miss the "Waterfront Festival," normally held in June
Bellingham boasts a Farmers Market that is just a one mile walk from Squalicum Harbor at Depot Market Square, Railroad and Chestnut streets, open 10am to 3pm April thru Christmas.
Lastly, LaConner on Swinomish Channel has several public docks downtown where moorage is on a first come basis. As of this writing there is no established close by Saturday Market, but they have an extensive menu of shops jus steps away on main street. Visit the chamber website calendar of events right here. http://www.laconnerchamber.com/chamber_calendar.cfm
12/18/2019
Where can you rent a boat for cruising the San Juan Islands
Ahoy savings |
Lets see why you would rent:
- you may not have a boat
- your boat is not trailerable from Kansas or Kentucky
- your drift boat is trailer ready but it sucks for camping
- renting is a chance to try something different, like a bigger boat
- because it doesn't make sense to own a boat and only use it once a year (unless your afflicted with boaters syndrome where you may own many boats you don't use)
- switch from power to sail or sail to power
- because you can't afford to throw your money into a hole in the sea
- to find out if sailing/boating is ok with your family pet, wife, kids, self
- renting is cheaper than owning - yes, with some exceptions
- you must have a competency certificate to rent - absolutely not but you must have your state issued boaters card anytime you operate any boat.
- is it safe to do this as a novice that has good sense - yes
- is it safe to do this as a novice if some relatives that know you well caution you not to - no!
(listen to friends and relatives) they know if your an idiot and a menace to all around you - just kidding but bring a level headed 1st mate to help with tough choices like - red on the right! or red on left! or red on bottom? - can a power boater but non sailor rent a sailboat and have a great vacation and learn to sail - absolutely, but the competency thing may come up for bigger boats so bring a sailor friend
- can you rent power and sailboats in the San Juans - yes
- how much will it cost - small boat $100 - $200 a day (power or Sail)
- how much for a bigger rig - $500 and up, up and away
- should I get the added insurance offered - probably talk to your agent
- how many days should I plan for - 5 / 7 days is very nice but two weeks would be awesome
- only go in mid June to mid Sept. - yes, unless you can save big and don't mind a little snotty weather tossed your way, then go anytime but be prepared for unpleasant things.
Rent boats in Anacortes or Bellingham, but do some online research and find private rentals too.
12/03/2019
Camping, Campgrounds and Parks, in the San Juan Islands
Camping, Parks, and Campgrounds in the San Juan Islands:
Nestled within the
serene waters of the Pacific Northwest, the San Juan Islands offer a
picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its
stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a myriad of outdoor activities, the
islands have become a sought-after destination for camping and boating
enthusiasts. Traveling in the San Juan
Islands provides an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in nature's
beauty while experiencing the unique charm of the Pacific Northwest.
The Allure of Camping in the San Juan Islands:
The San Juan Islands boast breathtaking natural beauty and
are characterized by lush forests, rugged coastlines, and sweeping views of the
surrounding bays, coves, straits, and sounds.
This inland sea is sometimes referred to as the Salish Sea, honoring the
first inhabitants of the region. When
campers pitch tents, park RVs, or tie up their boats, they are greeted by
panoramic vistas and outstanding sights at every turn. Sunset views overlooking
the water create an ethereal ambiance. Evenings
around the campfire become an unforgettable experience.
Reservations, yes or no?
When planning a camping trip to the San Juan Islands, it is
essential to make reservations in advance, during peak seasons if you are car
camping, but not if you are traveling by boat.
There are approximately twenty plus campgrounds that are only accessible
by boat, and none of them may be reserved.
There are about six or so public, county and state campgrounds
accessible by vehicle, all of which take reservations. It is strongly recommended that anyone planning
car camping, visit the appropriate state,
county, or private website to familiarize themselves with rules and
regulations.
Those going to water-access-only parks are advised to expect to be able to anchor, but do not expect to get a space at the dock or an empty anchor buoy. Dock space and anchor buoys become available as boaters come and go without notice throughout the day, week, and month depending on the weather and an entire host of reasons. It is always best to arrive prepared for anything.
Follow these links to complete park and campground listings on this
website.
Marine Parks of the San Juan Islands Area: Marine Parks
Waterfront vehicle access county parks: Car and hiking/biking campgrounds
State of Washington Parks website: State Park website
Free camping: Free camping
Kayak camping: kayak launch points
More Kayak camping: Kayak camping
Bike and hiking campgrounds: beach camping
12/01/2019
San Juan Islands Travel Guide
Turn Point on Stuart Island |
Our best,
John and Linda
click here for the San Juan Islands Cruise Guide
click here for the Land and Sea Travel Guide
Main Street in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island |
Eastsound public dock on Orcas Island |
10/01/2019
San Juan Island Ferry shedule
9/30/2019
Five Easy Steps To Anchor Any Boat
your pride and joy will float away.
8/27/2019
Anchoring at Friday Harbor
New comers will be glad to know they have a free anchoring option other than paying for a slip.
BTW, when you arrive at Friday Harbor you may tie up at the breakwater for free for a short time while you run to the store or grab a shower. There is no need to request permission, simply squeeze in where you can. Try to get on the inside, the outside takes a real beating from wakes. (so will your boat) If you spend the night at the breakwater the harbormaster staff will come and collect payment eventually. There is no discomfort discount so you may as well get a slip (call on 66) for peace and quiet and water and electricity, none of which you will find out on the breakwater float.
Where to anchor in Friday Harbor |
8/22/2019
Seven important actions your Marine Radio performs, but do you need really need one?
If you have a radio you can:
- Call the harbormaster from the breakwater and proceed straight to your slip.
- Call the Coast Guard when you're sinking.
- Call other boats and arrange drinks at sundown.
- Listen to others and be entertained for hours, days, even weeks on end.
- Get weather forecasts in several languages for areas you've never heard of.
- Tell your mate not to worry, help will always be just a radio call away.
- Call vessel assist and have them bring you some very expensive fuel.
8/01/2019
What is the best time of year to visit the San Juans
4th of July at Roche Harbor |
7/06/2019
When a boat comes in to the float, should you offer your assistance?
This is a re-post I have moved to 2019 |
would you offer this guy a hand? |
Heck yes!
That's just basic thoughtfulness, if a boat was sinking you would offer aid, (that's the law) give them a lift or pull them from the drink. Right! I certainly hope so. This would be a good time and place to check out a post called "Paying it Forward" click to rush away and read it!>>
Welcome back, you can now read the rest after the jump >>
5/09/2019
San Juan area campgrounds with boat ramps
On the mainland:
- Washington Park in Anacortes - located one mile past the ferry landing.
- Deception Pass State Park - roughly ten miles south of Anacortes. It is important to note some of the differences between Washington Park and Deception Pass Park. While Deception Pass camp sites exceed three hundred in three different campgrounds, none are walking distance to the four lane boat ramp at Cornet Bay. However the modern well designed boat ramp claims to have two thousand feet of side tie moorage and overnight at the dock for up to three nights is allowed. Anchoring close by is simple and free. The ramp parking lot is massive and long term is allowed for a fee.
Four lane all tide - Cornet Bay ramp at Deception Pass Park is open 24/7 |
- Odlin County Park on Lopez Island
- San Juan County Park on San Juan Island
- Moran State Park on Orcas Island is a State Park as is Deception Pass. They boast over one hundred campsites, some suitable for RV's. Moran park is not ocean front and does not have a salt water ramp, however it is only five miles to the county boat ramp at Obstruction Pass.
- San Juan Island: If you take your skiff to San Juan Island and stay at a private residence, rental or hotel you can put the boat in at Jackson Beach day use park. The ramp is well designed, has parking and a dock. Jackson Beach is about two miles from Friday Harbor.
Don't forget to check the ferry schedules and fares, hauling trailers on the ferry can get expensive and frustrating - very few do it!
4/28/2019
First Timers Guide to the San Juan's
Matia Island |
- You need a boat, but you can rent a sail or powerboat in Anacortes or Bellingham if you prefer, and it doesn't take much experience to qualify.
- Size matters, bigger is more comfy, costly and feels imminently safer in a storm. As size goes up, so do your skill requirements. Once past about thirty five feet you will find you don't fit at some docks and fuel burns at over twenty five gallons an hour. Smaller is better at times. Eighteen foot ski and fishing boats or day sailors are very easy to get in and out at virtually all places but with all your food and gear, you will be crowded on board. Above all - don't let your lack of a perfect boat cause you not to go. Take what you have, you can make it work.
- Bring a dinghy, even a two person inflatable kayak is okay. You need a way to get to shore where there are no docks. You don't have to carry the dinghy on board, you can tow it everywhere you go. Yes you can beach your runabout and let the tide leave you dry but bringing a dinghy is so much easier.
- Sleep on board, at anchor, at the dock, or in the many park campgrounds. (there are about twenty marine campgrounds, you can camp at a different park every night) If preferred, you can spend every night at a marina or resort and sleep on shore.
- The best weather will be in July and August, but the shoulder seasons have less people and okay weather too.
- I suggest you plan a week, but you can make a weekend work. If you have a comfortable all weather boat, spend the summer.
- If you rent, don't forget you have to park your car(s) If you trailer, plan on a daily parking fee of around $12. (Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham is free, even long term)
- See this posting for launch ramps. ---launch ramps with long term parking This is probably the only real planning decision you need to make before you go, but we have changed our planned take off point as we drove up the highway. Do not start your San Juan cruise down south in Olympia, Seattle or Everett or Port Townsend or Port Angeles. If you do you will spend much of your time motoring long distances (both ways) My advice is to start in Bellingham or Anacortes using one of the ramps from the list above.
- You need with you on the boat, a chart, or you will get lost, count on it. You should have a list of parks, marinas and resources preferably marked on your navigation chart. Get this chart. Noaa # 18421 - We use noaa chart # 18421 you can see it by clicking here or anywhere charts are sold. Navigation charts do not show what's on shore, (roads, city's, marinas, parks, etc) so we carry a highway map as well.
- Don't run out and buy an expensive chart plotter. At minimum, you need a paper chart, a portable GPS and a compass, your smart phone will probably do. All boats need a depth sounder or you are risking an expensive grounding.
- Sample itinerary: #1. Begin at Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham (open 24/7). 2. Head for Friday Harbor and get a slip for your first night or every night (they take reservations). 3. Use Friday Harbor as your base, returning every night to your own slip with power, water, restrooms, on shore restaurants and entertainment. This plan will work for virtually all boaters regardless of gear, experience or creature comfort requirements. None of the Marine State Parks have reserve-able docks or anchor buoys, everything is first come first gets it. This means you should plan on anchoring and using your dinghy, it also means when someone pulls out you may grab the spot at the dock. Rafting is the term used when several boats tie together at anchor or the dock.
- Sample itinerary: #2. Begin at Squalicum again but this time head for Matia or Sucia. Next, Jump over to Stuart and then Roche Harbor or Jones, then to Friday Harbor, then Fisherman Bay. This itinerary will make sure you have a shower and food store available (Roche and Friday) when you really need and want both.
- Fuel is readily available but you should try to have a minimum range of seventy five miles just to be sure should you encounter adverse conditions.
- How many days you spend at each park is up to you, your car and trailer will be waiting in the free parking lot when you circle back to Bellingham.
- Get my San Juan Islands Cruise Guide, it has all the parks, marinas, fuel, resources, phone numbers, etc. and is written specifically for visitors coming by boat. My companion book, the San Juan Islands Travel Guide is written for visitors coming by car or boat.
- Lastly, I can't address everything you may want to know in a single post, so I suggest you search this site and read some more articles. There are several with detailed day by day itineraries. Next, after becoming more knowledgeable about what and where you want to go and do, set aside a week and go. It really is that easy. The central cruising area is small enough that you can completely change your plans on the fly. You don't need reservations, you don't need a plan, you don't even need to bring food, just grab your gear and boat and hit the road. OH - bring some cash for, fuel and park fees and that food I just said you don't need.
John and Linda
feel free to use the e-mail contact form with your questions
3/29/2019
Here's how to get to the Alpaca Ranch and gift shop on San Juan Island
Here is an excellent suggestion for a half day outing. This is what we did. We swung into Garrison Bay, off Mosquito Pass (we were headed for Roche Harbor) and motored right to the little dinghy dock at English Camp. We squeezed in just long enough to unload our bicycles and then moved over fifty feet and anchored, paddling back in the dinghy. So far so good.
Next we peddled to the interpretation center for a two minute look around, but there was nothing new, so we pushed our bikes up the trail and through the parking lot and back onto the trail, until we got to West Valley road and the trail-head to Young Hill. Don't quit on me now, you have only walked 1,900 feet so far.
We padlocked our bikes to the gate and hiked to the top of Young Hill. This is a killer hike and you can do it in under an hour, but bring lots of water. Search this site for Young Hill to see pictures and the hike. You can skip the hike if you want or skip the bike part.
When we got back down from Young Hill we unlocked the bikes and coasted down West Valley road all the way to Krystal Acres Alpaca Ranch and gift shop. Thankfully we coasted the entire way because our legs needed a break.
All total, the distance to Krystal Acres from the dinghy dock is about one mile, so this is not a difficult or long bike ride, in fact, you could make it an easy two mile round trip walk if you don't bicycle.
I know some of you are thinking, but what about the ride back up all the road you just coasted down. It wasn't that steep, we were able to peddle the entire way back. There are no bike lanes or even much of a shoulder but there also isn't much traffic.
That's it, an easy relaxing way to spend the afternoon on shore and when you get back to the boat, you can stay anchored right where you are, or run the 3 1/2 miles over to Roche and get a slip for the night.
krystalacres.com - (360) 378-6125 - The folks there gave me this great picture to show. Visit the gift shop, get some yarn.
2/28/2019
San Juan & Gulf Islands Current Atlas - Strait of Georgia - Haro - Rosario - Juan De Fuca
If your serious about working the San Juan currents to your advantage you will want to purchase this current atlas, produced by the Canadian Hydrographic Service. The Atlas is available at West Marine as well as many retailers for about $30
When cruising, having this information handy can save you time and fuel and make the difference whether you get to your planned destination. For instance a boat heading north up Haro Strait near San Juan Island will get a big boost, however by checking the next several hours one would see that the free ride is going to end soon and the train will come roaring back. As a rule of thumb the currents flow north on a flood tide and south on ebb tides but as you can see, rules have exceptions. This forecast is just before the flood tide reverses and becomes ebb, an apt description would be "confused" The confusion will soon end, get your ticket to ride, its free.
This is what the currents looked like on July 13th at 7:49 am, also July 14th at 8:39 am and July15th at 9:26 am. As you can see, your vessel will get a free ride south just about everywhere, but each day at a slightly different time. When planning your passages and your cruise it would be very helpful to consult the Current Atlas first, a simple free ride one week will be the wrong direction the next week. You may want to choose a different departure date.
While were on subject of currents, picture in your mind these big arrows meeting opposing winds and you should then visualize big, steep (dangerous) waves slamming your boat. Then after a few hours the current changes, and all is well in Camelot once again.
this post should be read if big waves bother you >>>wind-versus-current-and-predicting waves
Lately, I have made it part of my cruising to use as little fuel as possible, one cruise we covered about 120 miles over 8 days and used 6 gallons of gas, and most of the fuel was used battling an opposing current between Jones Island and James Island. Unfortunately my schedule dictated the time.
2/06/2019
Lessons of a lee shore
1/16/2019
Get your Camping, Resort, and Marina Reservations in the San Juans -NOW- before it's too late
Enough with Valentines, by the time you read this, you're either in the dog house, living on your boat, or should be making summer cruise plans. In any case its probably not too late to get that reservation at a campground or marina.
When planning a San Juan cruise you don't need any reservations to have a great vacation, but some people feel better knowing there is an open slip or warm bed waiting their arrival. As a suggestion you might consider making a reservation at a popular stopover for just one or two nights in the middle of your cruise, leaving the rest of your time free to go where the wind blows you, simply staying where you happen to dock or anchor. With a speedy power boat all the San Juan islands and parks are within an easy run no matter where you start or plan to end up. A more sedate pokey sailing type vessel may be somewhat limited how far it can run before the sun sets.
Even if you don't reserve some fancy resort for a stopover visit you can still make a day time visit to Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, Deer Harbor or many others, park that yacht for free, or anchor and dinghy to the dinghy dock, then armed with a fistful of quarters enjoy a wonderful, blissful, rejuvenating, hot shower. You will get back to the boat refreshed and ready to continue your vacation anew.
Hot showers are still free at Lopez Village.
Check it out here >>> Lopez Village Free Hot showers
12/13/2018
How to Secure Your Yacht Like You Want To Keep It Forever
Enough with the rants, every boat needs four or more lines going from the boat to the float. I know, people make exceptions sooner or later, such as, “It was just a five minute stop over to get ice, or the water was so smooth,” that’s fine, you’re the skipper and it’s your call.
Don't forget to have oversize fenders, but even that wont save your boat if you park somewhere you shouldn't.
Ahoy! |
11/09/2018
Deception Island
9/30/2018
Two Perfect, Almost Secret Coves
The problem is that our charts do not show all there is to know.
Lummi Island Campground:
This is a small five site waterfront campground within the 650 plus acre Lummi Island Conservation Area. It is a very hard to find place, the picture posted and my description will be your best resource for finding your way.
For those of you new to the area, Lummi Island is that big land mass blocking your way to just about everywhere when you put in at Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham.
The campground is near the south end of Lummi on the east side. Your NOAA based chart will show Smugglers Cove, Inati Bay, Reil Harbor in that order, just south of the small Reil inlet is an even smaller cove. There is no name but your chart should have a little boat symbol which is the icon for a mooring area but don't get your hopes up, this is a dinky little cove that will require a stern tie or anchor to keep you from swinging onto the rocks. You can pull off a 2 to 1 rode lunch stop if your lucky. It is unlikely two boats can coexist unless they raft.
By now you should have figured out this place is perfect for kayakers, but you can squeeze in. The dinghy beach is gravel. Use the campfire rings and composter outhouse. There is even a loop trail to hike.
Look for this sign as you coast along the shore, it is high up on the bluff on the right side of the cove facing somewhat southward.
The pic looks big but from the water the sign is small and easy to miss. |
For spending any time here you will want to tie to shore or drop a stern anchor |