- Don't just show up with your bicycle or kayak without knowing where to go or what to expect, if you do you may miss out on something and not even know it.
- San Juan area kayak launching and campsites with gps coordinates plus vehicle parking places are just a click away.
- >>> park your car and launch your kayak <<< did you click?
- >>> Bike camping <<< Biker/hiker/vehicle friendly parks
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!
++++ ============================= All Posts Below
6/06/2020
Kayak and Bicycle Camping in the San Juan Islands
5/16/2020
Ten Best Parks of the San Juan Islands
Picking the best of anything is asking for an argument but I thought folks planning a visit would benefit from the discussion.
- parks with docks
- Jones Island
- Matia
- Fossil Bay on Sucia
- James Island
- Stuart Island (Prevost & Reid Harbor)
- Sharpe Cove and Cornet Bay at Deception Pass
- parks without docks
- Saddlebag Island
- Pelican Beach
- Turn Island
- Eagle Harbor
- Cypress Head
- Patos
- Sucia (Echo and Shallow bays)
- Spencer Spit
- Odlin County Park (has 2 hr dock)
- Clark Island
- Doe Island
- Obstruction Pass
- Sidney Spit Marine Park (Canada) (has overnight dock)
- Washington Park (launching ramp only dock)
- San Juan County Park
- Shaw Island Park
- Jones Island is my number one choice and here's why.
- bigger but not biggest dock
- protected bay
- great dinghy beach with a couple tidepools
- anchor buoys and lots of room to anchor
- running water and four nice nearby composters
- hiking the many loop trails at Jones never gets boring
- tiny deer, many tame, are unique to Jones
- dock is very close to camp sites for evening fires
- close to Deer Harbor for supplies
- crowds sometimes
- long ways back to the mainland
- open to north wind
- no bicycle trails
- very small intimate dock for four boats
- usually room when we arrive
- small protected bay holds about four more boats
- great gravel beach
- multiple coves for beachcombing
- puffins, seals and eagles and great sunsets
- unique rain forest one mile or less loop trail
- somewhat close to Squalicum Harbor (2-3 hours)
- restroom at top of gangplank
- Matia is a peaceful quiet special place
5/02/2020
Beach Camping in the San Juan's
There are no approved places that you may pull up your boat or park your car, or ride your bicycle to and then pitch a tent. That leaves parks and resorts and there are plenty to choose from including those with waterfront or beach camping sites.
County, City and State Parks:
These are the parks that are accessible by vehicle, bicycle or hiking, reservations are a good idea.
- Washington Park in Anacortes
- San Juan County Park on San Juan Island
- Odlin County Park on Lopez Island
- Shaw Island County Park on Shaw Island
- Spencer Spit State Park on Lopez Island
- Moran State Park on Orcas Island
- Deception Pass State Park near Anacortes
- Obstruction Pass State Park on Orcas island, (requires short hike)
Moran Park entrance on Orcas Island |
Cornet Bay transient dock and launch ramp at Deception Pass park |
- James Island
- Jones Island
- Clark Island
- Doe Island (possibly still closed)
- Pelican Beach on Cypress Island
- Cypress Head on Cypress Island
- Eagle Harbor on Cypress Island (anchor buoy field only)
- Matia
- Patos
- Sucia (campground reservations are availalbe)
- Stuart Island (Prevost & Reid Harbor)
- Saddlebag Island
- Sidney Spit Marine Park (Canada)
Jones Island State Park |
4/19/2020
San Juan Island's Map with Marine Parks - Marinas - Cities - Ferry Routes
If you find some useful places on the orientation map below, you will want to click this link of Parks and Islands to zoom in on details of specific parks.Up close look at all the Parks in the San Juan's(this map post stays on top - all new posts are below it) |
CLICK ON PIC - IT GETS BIGGER FOR SOME OF US Map data © 2015 Google Lets see, I missed Fort Whitman on Goat Island, Eastsound (city) is misspelled, Lime Kiln is missing, any more? |
3/15/2020
16 public floats and docks you should know about in the San Juan's
Fuel and store dock at Blakelys is long and you may tie up on either side to avoid wind or current issues. |
If you squint, looking under the main wharf at Deer Harbor, you can see the yellow painted county dock. |
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
|
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