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This site has oodles of information about boating and the San Juans, it helps to use the search box BELOW to find what interests you.
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search - Sucia Island
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search - hiking or bicycling
try - kayak - try CAMPING - try Anchoring

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Current Posts Below

Oct 5, 2021

Places to go in the San Juan Islands

What is there to do in the San Juan Islands.

  All the places listed are accessible by boat, some by vehicle too.

    Almost every park has easy to lengthy hikes so  follow this link to all the parks  All the parks Below are San Juan area hikes not found in parks.

      Eagle Bluff on Cypress (My all-time favorite - Start at Pelican Beach)

Afterglow Mausoleum at Roche Harbor

Turn Point Lighthouse on Stuart Island

Young Hill at English Camp

China Caves from Fossil Bay

Vendovi Preserve on Vendovi Island

Fort Whitman on Goat Island

Turtleback Mountain, begin at West Sound County dock

Click here for >> Detailed instructions for the hikes

            
Eagle Bluff on Cypress Island
Eagle Bluff (Cliff) from Rosario Strait

Dining/eats:  I have never reviewed restaurants and won't here.  However a newbie to the San Juans has no idea where to go so here goes some locations.

Blakely's: Just inside Peavine Pass has a small deli bar  (great hard ice cream stop)
Eastsound: It's a one block walk from the dock to downtown with many bistros, and shops.
Rosario: Dock, restaurants
Lopez Village - Fisherman Bay: Restaurant at Islander Resort or click here for Dinghy beach landing at Lopez Village
Friday Harbor: many places are walking distance from complementary tie ups in marina
Deer Harbor: Deli on dock, restaurants on shore
Roche Harbor: several restaurants on shore, complementary dock
West Beach: north shore on Orcas, deli in store on dock Transient tie ups:  

All cities and marinas are well noted on this site but there are lots of docks other than parks that you may visit for short term, try this link, 16 public docks other than parks where you are welcome

Groceries, shopping: 

 The best advice here is to bring what you can before you head out, but the San Juans are not without good grocery stores.  You just need to know where they are.  This comprehensive post has them all >> Where are all the big stores?

Fuel: 

 Gas and diesel are readily available.  I would arrive with full tanks but not to worry if you don't.  This link will take you to all of them  >>  fuel docks 

Whale Museum in Friday Harbor is just up a flight of stairs from the marina office

Turn Point Lighthouse museum on Stuart Island

Patos Island Lighthouse Museum on Patos

Moran mansion has a third floor museum at Rosario Resort

English Camp at Garrison Bay on San Juan Island

Sculpture Garden at Roche Harbor

There are Saturday Markets at Lopez Village, Friday Harbor and Eastsound

Campgrounds, parks: 

For all the parks, click right here  >> Parks - Parks - Parks 

Special places we really like: Fifteen lessor known places to go



Click below for a satellite view of West Beach Resort on Orcas Island

Sep 20, 2021

Where are the mainland Boat Ramps for your San Juan Islands Vacation Cruise?


          Taking your boat for a camping vacation cruise isn't expensive or difficult if you know the places to go and what to do.

 If you're going to camp on the boat or on shore, I recommend that you start out in Bellingham or Deception Pass State Park.  But if you need or want a campground with a launch ramp for your home base, you should reserve a site at Washington Park in Anacortes.

Boat ramps with parking:

#1  Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham  -  unlimited free parking, fresh water rinse hoses, guest docks, restaurants, nice showers (you will be glad you began and ended your trip here) 

      • (updated 10/1/21) I just became aware that Squalicum Harbor has changed their free parking to FIVE days maximum. This is bad news for some of us that like to take 7-10 day cruises. I recommend calling them.  Cornet Bay requires payment but at least has longer parking.

#2  Cornet Bay at Deception Pass State Park -  lots of pay to park, guest docks, nice place to hang out before, after and during your vacation. Only minutes from Anacortes.

#3  La Conner (south end of Swinomish Channel) single lane city ramp, float, on street parking, cheap fees, nearby guest docks. Current to deal with.

#4  Washington Park in Anacortes  -  limited pay parking, double ramps with float but open to swell and waves from Geumes Channel,  no guest docks,  very nice on site campground, easy bike ride or hike to ferry.

#5  Twin Bridges (north end Swinomish Channel) County ramp, limited pay parking, small float that's dry at low tide, security risk area  NOTE: It's just a little further to La Conner and well worth it!

#6  Oak Harbor  -  free ramp, $2/day parking, guest docks nearby, full marina services nearby, long walk to town!  long ways to San Juans for slow boats.

#7  Cap Sante in Anacortes should not be listed because they have a sling, not a ramp, Cap Sante would be a second choice if you want to sling your boat in. Guest docks and big RV or trailer pay parking lot. (you can spend a lot of bucks here)

Note: Taking your boat and trailer by ferry to the islands is probably a bad idea because ramps and parking are inferior or not available.  However, launching a skiff you can muscle around off the beach at a county park with no float is very doable.

San JUan Islands map showing boat ramps at Cornet Bay, Squalicum Harbor, Twin Bridges, Oak Harbor, Washington Park, La Conner,

Click on picture to make it bigger!
For first timers, see articles titled  "San Juan Islands for First Timers"
Click below

Click below for a satellite view of Squalicum Harbor








Jul 3, 2021

They say Canada visits are open after July 21st 2021

      I just read a website that says we can go back and forth after July 21st.  This is undoubtedly subject to change with current conditions and remember what the US says and Canada says may differ so check with both sides before you cross over.

     Interestingly,  the last time I had a passport problem (expired) and could not find the answer online.  I simply called the office in Friday Harbor and talked directly with an agent. He gave me the straight and current poop in a simple phone call.  It made me realize how much I had gotten away from talking to people who actually run the show.  Now if I can get certain people to quit texting for hours on end when picking up the phone is more expedient anyway.


San Juan Islands visiting Victoria, Butchart Gardens


Apr 23, 2021

Summer Cruising Plans - Do it now! - Ten resorts and phone numbers where you can reserve a slip

 Sometimes it is really nice to have a slip reserved just for you.

      After spending a few nights on the hook somewhere, or jostling for dock space at a park that only holds four boats and has no water or shower, I look forward to my guaranteed reservation.

If you have a firm date planned, 4th of July maybe, you can call or get online and reserve a slip.

La Conner 360 466 3118
Cap Sante  360 2930694
Squalicum Harbor 360 676 2542
Blakelys   360375 6121
West Beach  360 375 6121
Islander Resort  360 468 2233
Friday Harbor   360 378 2688
Roche Harbor   800 586 3590
Deer Harbor  360 376 3037
Rosario Resort  360 376 2152


Most of these places will be able to fit you in with short notice, but plan ahead to be sure.

Did you know?

For your landbound friends and relatives (children). They can make campground reservations.


Sucia Island State Park
Odlin County Park
San Juan Island County Park
Spencer Spit State Park
Washington  Park (Anacortes city park)
These five parks are boater accessible and take reservations for camping.


Think outside the box, and plan a combination land and sea adventure with your non-boater friends.
Follow this link to a post outlining a land and sea outing involving - cars - campgrounds - ferry rides - bicycles and one boat used as a taxi.
Outside the box cruising

Marinas and telephone numbers in the San Juan's
What are you waiting for - Winter?


Click below for a satellite view of Deer Harbor

Feb 1, 2021

Where is the Odlin Park Dock on Lopez Island



Odlin Park float on Lopez Island at high tide holds one big or two little boats

       This is one of those really handy but easily overlooked places you may be driving by.  San Juan County Parks allow two-hour tie-ups but I have left my dinghy all day, tucked in out of the way while bicycling the island or running to Lopez Village.


        You can anchor as close as you want and stay as long as you want. If you are really a rule stickler, simply drag the dinghy up above high water. The park bathrooms, fire pits, and parking lot are just a 200 foot walk away.  If you bring your bike like me you can ride into Lopez Village, it's only about 2 1/2 miles.

        Since all of Odlin Park is  totally exposed to wakes from Upright Channel, anchoring is always very rolly polly and boats at the dock get smacked around too. You can use one of four  park buoys for a small fee and still flop around. Other than that, Odlin is a great place to expand your horizons.


Odlin Park dock on Lopez Island
I don't think bicycles and dinghy's work well together, what do you think?


Map showing Odlin Park and Spencer Spit park in the San Juan's
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



Click below for a satellite view of the Odlin Park dock

Jan 6, 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 Hobie 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.

                                              pontoon boat in the San Juans

Nov 21, 2020

What Happens When You Wind Your Dinghy Painter Around Your Propeller? Twice!

        It may have happened more than twice, but that's all I remember so I will relate just the two.

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
    wrapping rope around prop in the San Juan Islands, and drifting behind ferry
    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.

        So knowing this as an ongoing potential issue, I resolved to use only floating lines, and to shorten all lines so that they cannot reach the prop.

Plus I resolved to use painter tow lines that are small enough that they will break before they damage or bend my boat and shaft should another mishap occur.

      The problem is I have procrastinated for years and done nothing, in fact the rope that I  snagged, I'm still using it minus about eight inches I cut off.

         My advice to myself is to follow my advice.

        (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 $$$$)

Oct 12, 2020

Pictorial Hike to Eagle Bluff on Cypress Island

       repost from an earlier time

      Some readers of this blog will never get to hike to the top of Eagle Bluff on Cypress Island so I snapped a whole bunch of pics while I walked along.


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

Pelican Beach anchorage on Cypress Island, camping, hiking

Pelican Beach anchorage on Cypress Island, camping, hiking


Pelican Beach anchorage on Cypress Island, camping, hiking
The boardwalk quickly gives way to forested trail

Cypress Island hiking, camping, pelican beach

Many, many pictures yet to see

Aug 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.

     Re-posted from 2012

Fort Whitman and Battery Harrison were built on Goat Island in the early 1900's to defend Deception Pass and Sartoga Passage, thus protecting Puget Sound.


You can find Goat Island at the south end of Swinomish channel just before the dredged channel terminates in Skagit Bay.  ( a few miles from Deception Pass)

The battery  had four six inch guns, so the concrete structure is quite long. Originally designed to be  invisible from the water and now totally overgrown you can land your dinghy and hike up the trail in about ten minutes.


Directions:  From the dredged  navigation channel on the north side of Goat Island (Swinomish Channel) look for the many pilings grouped together marking the old wharf, all you will see is a lot of rows of close together pilings with steel brackets still attached at the top. (look for the rusty old steel brackets, that's your only clue that makes these pilings look different from all the others.)Anchor to one side or tie to a piling. and then run your dinghy to shore directly behind the old wharf pilings and scramble up the  bank looking for a trail heading westward.  At high tide the beach is pretty much submerged and may not look like a place to land.  Spotting the seldom used trail is really hard, you may do some bush whacking, just remember the battery is west of where you land and a couple hundred feet back from the top of the cliff.  
Have fun, its a fun and very short hike up to the old battery, oh and bring a flashlight.
Goat Island, Fort Whitman, Battery Harrison, Swinomish Channel
steel railings, doors, long gone

Goat Island, Fort Whitman, Battery Harrison, Swinomish Channel
trees have taken back the island and the fort

Goat Island, Fort Whitman, Battery Harrison, Swinomish Channel
the round pit is where one of four guns was anchored

Goat Island, Fort Whitman, Battery Harrison, Swinomish Channel
 rooms and hallways are  interconnected


If you want some  more off the beaten path places to explore, try this post.


Ten lessor known places to visit in the San Juan area






Click below for a satellite  view of Goat Island


Jul 31, 2020

Use the Friday Harbor Marina Camera

     On the left side of this website is a link to the Friday Harbor Camera. The live camera usually pans back and forth covering most of the marina.

 By watching  the marina camera you can see the weather, the ferry terminal, vacant slips and even see if there are very many boats anchored in the cove.
 If you watch closely you can see at the bottom of the gangway, A-dock, Comm dock, Walkway C and the By-pass dock, all are side tie and available for transient use. (look at the Friday Harbor marina map to get your bearings,     marina map  ) This area is first come first served and is assigned or reserved via the harbor master on ch 66. Looking at the space available and the dinghy dock spaces directly below the gangway will give you a sneak preview of how crowded the marina is.   If you choose to stay at one of these side tie docks you will reduce your walk to shore by about a quarter mile. The Comm dock has electricity.

Jul 23, 2020

Watmough Bay Park / Preserve



     This secluded gem of an anchorage is at the far southeast end of Lopez Island. No, not at popular Iceberg Point or Agate Beach.

Watmough Bay Park is on the southeastern end of Lopez  facing Rosario Strait. The cute little bay is mostly rock-free, and well protected.  You may hook on to one of several buoys or anchor in two fathoms a short dinghy ride from shore. 

Mostly visited by vehicle and bicycle travelers the gravel beach is popular with paddle boarders and swimmers. The park boasts standard upgraded outhouse restrooms a quarter-mile walk up a level trail where the ten-car parking lot is located. Two easy hiking trails complete this worthwhile destination, there are no onshore campsites so you will have the place to yourself when the day-use people head for home.

Watmough Bay Lopez Island


     Tips for Visiting:

  Bicycle-Boating Rendezvous: 

Although there is no dock, Watmough Bay can be an excellent drop-off or pick-up point for a combined bicycle and boating tour of Lopez Island.

Timing: Point Colville and Davidson Rock buoy

Large swells can be encountered offshore near where the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Rosario Strait intersect. To avoid rough waters, it’s best to time your visit for near slack water on a low wind day.

Fog Considerations: 

Fog is a common occurrence and can linger for days, so be prepared for reduced visibility.

Rewarding Visit:

 Despite the challenges, a visit to Watmough Bay is highly rewarding for those who make the effort to reach this beautiful and secluded spot.


Click below to see a satellite view of Watmough Bay

Jul 10, 2020

Excellent Anchoring Etiquette and Proper First Impressions at State Marine Parks

        Oh yeah!   Everyone remembers when you anchored, you were the one saying eff'g this and eff'g that while instructing your crew in dealing with your short comings.

 Yeah, we remember you calling your wife an idiot and moron.  Idiot for not pushing you over the side tied to the anchor is more accurate.

Loud, obnoxious, boisterous, yelling and foul language are no way to announce your arrival to the anchorage.  You should be on your good behavior, you will never get another chance to make that first impression.

It's entirely possible that there is no room where you want to anchor, and you have no choice but to move along to your second choice.  You can't squeeze in where you wont fit, and if you do force the issue, and there is an incident causing damage, you will be responsible financially.  I think most boaters are a forgiving and helpful bunch, but not if your an inconsiderate dweeb to begin with.  Hint: Ask the other boaters already anchored for help in anchoring before you anchor in their yard.  They may just move over a little to help you out.

The old adage first come first served is true when you anchor, meaning the guy there ahead of you has claim to his spot, and you need to respect his anchor location and swing of his boat. The guy that comes in after you will stay out of your way, 

and so forth.


Stern anchor plus bow anchor:

Many hot spots will have more boats than can hang and swing safely so skippers have taken to hooking out both directions, and stretching the boat in the middle to limit swing, thereby cramming more boats in safely.  This is perfectly acceptable provided the weather agrees.  If you arrive in one of these places and don't follow suit you're being somewhat within your limited boater rights, however taking an exorbitant amount of room to anchor your yacht spoils the fun so  you may not be invited to sun-downers.   When it gets really crowded, skippers will raft boats together, usually anchoring just the biggest boats.  Let the party begin.

Defensive boating

is just like in your car, you need to be prepared to move when a boat comes at you dragging its anchor.  Watch others upstream of you when they anchor, if they don't have much scope out, or didn't set their anchor, watch out.  Its better to move your boat in the daylight before they drag into you in the dark.

What about private anchor buoys?

Most of the harbors and resorts around the San Juan's have private buoys scattered around. You should leave them alone unless you have permission to use them. They may be not maintained and unsafe, the owner may show up after dark and tell you to leave.  Emergency's are different, but your emergency may not matter to the owner.

Anchor lights:

If you're in an established anchorage, (all parks are ) you don't need to have a light, but if you think someone may run into you in the dark, turn it on, that's the smart call.  We use a battery powered light run up a halyard, plus if we are on shore after dark, it makes finding the boat easier.  It is disconcerting paddling the dinghy into the darkness and not being able to see your boat.

Article on first time anchoring,  

How to anchor that yacht 




Click below for a Satellite view of Spencer Spit State Park

Jun 6, 2020

Kayak and Bicycle Camping in the San Juan Islands



  • San Juan area kayak launching and campsites with gps coordinates plus vehicle parking places are just a click away.

    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.

kayak campsite in the San Juan Islands on Jones Island
Kayaker campsite on Jones Island

kayaker campground on James Island
Kayak and raccoon campsite on James Island

Kayaks - this way  >> 

marine trail campsite in the San Juan's

marine trail kayak campsite in the San Juan's

park your car and launch your kayak     did you click?



Click below for a satellite view of Rosario Resort

May 16, 2020

Ten Best Parks of the San Juan Islands

What and where are the San Juans 

ten best parks?

Ten best San Juan Island parks
      Picking the best of anything is asking for an argument but I thought folks planning a visit would benefit from the discussion.

     Let's start by listing my choices in order of best first, first because they have overnight docks,  followed by some pros and cons and a few real world comments.  (hopefully I haven't omitted your favorite)  Keep in mind, we go to all the parks and don't dislike any but  there is no doubt some parks are five star and some are not depending on what we are doing or the weather during that particular cruise.

     For a more detailed review of the San Juan area marine parks including maps try this post.  marine parks

    parks with docks

      • Jones Island   
      • Matia
      • Sucia - Fossil Bay
      • 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

    1 - Jones Island is my number one choice and here's why

           Pros:
    • 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

            Cons:
    • crowds sometimes
    • long ways back to the mainland
    • open to north wind
    • no bicycle trails

      2 - Matia Island never disappoints us.

            Pros:
    • 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


    click here for the rest

    May 2, 2020

    Beach Camping in the San Juan's

         Beach camping is alive and well in the San Juan island area but let's be clear,  it is not the same as camping in the 

    dunes along the Oregon or Washington coast.

     It's much better. Except if you want to hear the surf lolling you to sleep or be mesmerized by endless rows of breaking waves or have your entire body sandblasted from nonstop winds.  Instead, in the islands you will find gentle winds or none at all, still and flat water unless the wind pipes up against the tide. Of course it is always warmer (not) with less clouds and no crowds 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 State Park entrance arch, Orcas Island
    Moran Park entrance on Orcas Island

    Cornet Bay dock San Juan Islands Deception Pass
    Cornet Bay transient dock and launch ramp at Deception Pass park

           Washington State Marine Parks:

           These parks are only accessible by boat or kayak, most are entire island. All have campgrounds with beachfront sites. None may be reserved or provide garbage service.


    • 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 marine park dock and campground in the San Juan Islands
    Jones Island State Park

    For detailed descriptions, maps and charts and pictures for all the parks in the San Juan Island area, click here. 


    Apr 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


    San Juan Islands map showing parks, citys, Canada, Gulf Islands



                                                  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?


     


    Click below to see a satellite view of Cypress Head Campground on Cypress Island

    Mar 15, 2020

    16 public floats and docks you should know about in the San Juan's

              Obstruction Pass           Blakely's                   Deer Harbor          Roche Harbor                 
              Friday Harbor               Jackson Beach           Hunter Bay           Prevost Harbor
              Washington Park           La Conner                 Eastsound             Odlin Park
              West Sound                   English Camp           Orcas Landing      Olga

         When visiting the San Juan's many of us  head for the great marine state parks, and for good reason, that's where the floats, campgrounds and amenities are located that vacationers desire.

        However,  if you want to get off the boat and see something other than campers and boat people you have two choices. #1 dinghy ashore somewhere or #2 find a public dock and head out.  This list and description of San Juan area docks excludes the state parks because most marine state parks are landlocked or waterlocked leaving visitors with no opportunity to explore beyond the park.

    Sixteen public docks, organized and listed in no particular order.


         Obstruction Pass, 

    This county float and boat ramp is located just inside Obstruction Pass on the southern tip of Orcas Island.  Nearby pass traffic wakes make this a punishing place to tie up even for just the two hours allowed, however rendezvousing with friends on shore or heading out on bicycles for a strenuous ride to the top of Mount Constitution may be just what's needed to round out a perfect cruise. Tip: For longer visits, anchor nearby after dropping off passengers and bikes, then drag the dinghy up onto the float or shore. Your boat will thank you when you return

    Obstruction Pass county dock Blakelys fuel dock
    Obstruction Pass county dock in red circle at top
    Blakely's at bottom

         Blakely's 

    Blakely's is a conveniently located fuel dock about halfway between 

    everywhere we go in the San Juan's. 

    They are just inside Peavine Pass on Blake Island. On shore is a small store and deli bar famous for ice cream cones to savor on the lush waterfront lawns. Grazing deer share the lawn so watch your step. The dock is rather long with plenty of room on both sides to tie up big and little yachts and still not interfere with those getting fuel. They offer overnight marina slips in a very protected tiny cove. The island and roads are private so boaters may not leave the resort property.
    Blakely island fuel dock and taxi
    Fuel and store dock at Blakelys is long and you may tie up on either side to avoid wind or current issues.

         Deer Harbor

     Deer Harbor is on the west end of Orcas Island at the end of the road is diminutive Deer Harbor community and marina. 

     You may purchase fuel and snacks, get ice and rent a slip. The county dock is actually the same dock as the fuel float. Simply tie up out of the way just past the fuel dispenser.  The county section is painted yellow and accommodates several runabouts or one large yacht. This is an excellent jump-off point for kayakers heading for Jones Island or dropping off people catching the San Juan Transit minibus. The bay out front is calm and rogue wakes are few, anchoring room is abundant, restrooms, showers and laundry are on the wharf.
    Deer Harbor on Orcas Island, fuel dock, showers, laundry, public county dock
    If you squint, looking under the main wharf at Deer Harbor, you can see the yellow painted county dock.

    Feb 20, 2020

    When is a bumper a fender?

           Sometimes I run out of useful boating and San Juan stuff to write, this is one of those times.

    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.

    Feb 12, 2020

    Bicycle Camping in the San Juan Island's Area

          Yes yes and yes, you can bicycle camp in the islands.  However, campsites are limited.  Basically, there are two choices.

     #1 spend some real money and go to a resort that has set up a campground which will likely be a lawn area behind some rental cabins or #2 go to a county or state  park that has set aside walk in sites. Most walk in are group sites where you will share with others but you can reserve private sites at all the parks.

           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:
    1. 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.
    2. Odlin County Park on Lopez Island
    3. Spencer Spit State Park on Lopez Island
    4. San Juan County Park on San Juan Island
    5. Moran State Park on Orcas Island
    6. Shaw Island County Park
    7. Obstruction Pass State Park on Orcas Island
    8. Deception Pass State Park on the mainland
         Our family has enjoyed many multi generational, multi interest outings where we combine boating, biking, kayaking, hiking and car camping all in a week or two in the San Juan's. Think outside the box.  Often, we meet up with our children coming by bike or car and transport them and their gear to the marine parks. Days later we drop them off at a ferry landing or back to Washington Park. Remember,  inter-island ferry service is free for foot passengers and bikers. Kayaks on transport wheels may be charged a minimal fee if at all.

    Waterfront boat accessible bicycle camping, Washington Park, Odlin county park, Spencer Spit State park, San Juan county Park, Shaw Island Park, Obstruction Pass, Deception Pass Park

    So, don't hesitate to embark on a bicycle camping adventure in the San Juan Islands. With the right planning and a spirit of adventure, you can have a fantastic experience exploring the islands by bike.

    Search this website for "bicycle"


    Click below for a satellite view of Smallpox Bay & SJ County Park