Since parks aren't marked on charts, this snapshot may help you find Odlin Park. Update: We have dropped the kids here again (Odlin Park). This time they had reservations for a campsite (smart idea). They left their car at Washington Park in Anacortes, and came by bicycle on the ferry to Orcas. I know that may seem confusing since Odlin Park is on Lopez. So here is the quick low down. We started at Squalicum Harbor - Bellingham and anchored at Jones Island. Two days later we picked them (our adult children) up at the county dock in Eastsound (Orcas) Went back to Jones where they camped on shore. The next day we ran over to Stuart and rode bikes to the lighthouse, then came back and camped at Jones again. The next day we dropped them at the county dock at Odlin Park on Lopez, and we took a slip at Friday Harbor. Two days later, we picked them up off the beach at Odlin Park (bikes in dinghies), had an ice cream break at Blakely's, and then hiked Eagle Bluff on Cypress. We tried to camp at Cypress Head, but because of wind ended up anchored for a calm night at Saddlebag Island Park where they slept on shore again. On the kids last day we dropped them and their bikes at the dock at nearby Washington Park where their car was parked. We then ran back to Bellingham and slept at the dock in Squalicum Harbor. If you have read this far, you should see that mixing ferries, foot passengers, bicycles, and camping on shore, can all come together for a custom outing in the San Juan's. Did I mention the visit to the brewery in Eastsound? If Lopez Village is on your bucket list (free showers) try this link. How to land your dinghy at Lopez Village |
Travel Guide, Itineraries, Maps, Charts, Parks and Camping Cruises. Places to go.
Things to do. Pictures, Reviews, Moorages, Marinas, Boat Ramps and Much More.
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2/01/2021
Where is Odlin Park Dock on Lopez Island
1/06/2021
Pontoon boats, Hobie Cats, Wave Runners
Why are some boats seldom or never seen in the San Juans? I'm going out on a limb here and speculating because I really don't know why I have never seen a pontoon boat in the islands. I may have seen a small cat once but I don't remember when.
I have read that jet skis and pwc's are forbidden in San Juan county so that explains their absence on the water. I have seen them many times on the decks of larger yachts or being towed. Small cats with limited or no storage don't lend themselves to cruising but I would think that if a kayaker can get by with minimal gear so can a wet and wild sailor in a wet suit. This leaves me with pontoon boats. Party barges as they are sometimes called are common on lakes and rivers and easily trailered. They can certainly carry camping gear and some have cabins, so why aren't they seen in the San Juan's?
I'm guessing that pontoon boats don't do well in big waves. Except with suitable weather windows big waves might be avoided (this is a big maybe). Big wakes are another thing but they happen everywhere including lakes and rivers, especially with the advent of ballast shifting wake boats. My next thought is that party barges are the boat of choice for the younger crowd and much of the cruising crowd is a more seasoned bunch preferring beds, fridges and galley sinks.
I will be on watch.
11/21/2020
What Happens When You Wind Your Dinghy Painter Around Your Propeller? Twice!
- We towed this guy and his big dog in his dinghy from Orcas Landing across to Blind Bay. In our haste we snagged the tow rope before we got started. We wound it up on the prop killing our outboard motor and then, since we had already cast off, we drifted dead behind the ferry that had just arrived. For a few worried minutes I was glancing up at the ferry pilothouse, I was wondering if the captain saw us or was he looking down at us and laughing. I was close to making a radio call, but we got the line loose and moved on a few minutes before the ferry departed.
- More recently in another boat, our dinghy line was tied to the stern rail and I unknowingly dragged it through the water all the way from Stuart to Jones Island. And then, wound it up around the prop when I used reverse while attempting to anchor. All hell broke loose with everyone yelling what to do or not to do as the line wound up tighter and tighter. By the time I put it in neutral our rail had begun bowing and creaking. We dropped the anchor and luckily were able to rotate the shaft freeing the line but someone almost had to go for a dip.
(update, I think the last little snafu where we wound it up may have bent something because I might be detecting a little vibration at wot. Its not too late to follow my own advice before I do it again and make the boat unusable costing some real boat $$$$)
10/12/2020
Pictorial Hike to Eagle Bluff on Cypress Island
I'll try to keep the text to a minimum
We took the dinghy to shore at Pelican Beach, which is a Department of Natural Resources Site (DNR) see Pelican Beach >> Read about Pelican Beach on Cypress right here
The boardwalk quickly gives way to forested trail |
8/25/2020
Things to do in the San Juan's - Explore Fort Whitman and Battery Harrison on Goat Island
If you like to explore ruins and go on easy hikes, this is the place for you.
steel railings, doors, long gone |
trees have taken back the island |
the round pit is where one of four guns was anchored |
rooms and hallways are interconnected
If you want some more off the beaten path places to explore, try this post.
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7/31/2020
Use the Friday Harbor Marina Camera
7/10/2020
Excellent Anchoring Etiquette and Proper First Impressions at State Marine Parks
6/06/2020
Kayak and Bicycle Camping in the San Juan Islands
- 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
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
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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 |