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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12/17/2021
Troubling winter time thoughts
10/05/2021
Places to go in the San Juan Islands
Places to go and things to do in the San Juan Islands. All places listed are accessible by boat, some by vehicle also.
- Hikes: Pretty much every park has easy to lengthy hikes so instead of making a long list you may follow this link to all the parks All the parks
- Eagle Bluff on Cypress (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 listed above
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 what to expect or where to go so here goes some locations.
- Blakely's: Just inside Peavine Pass has a small deli bar
- Eastsound: It's a one block walk from the dock to downtown with many bistros, shops.
- Rosario: Dock, restaurants
- Lopez Village - Fisherman Bay: Restaurant at Islander resort or 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
- Museums and points of interest:
- 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
9/20/2021
Where are the Boat Ramps for your San Juan Islands Cruise Vacation?
- Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham - unlimited free parking, fresh water rinse hoses, guest docks, restaurants (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 much longer parking.
- Cornet Bay at Deception Pass State Park - lots of pay to park, guest docks, nice place and float to hang out.
- La Conner (south end Swinomish Channel) city ramp, float, on street parking, cheap fees, guest docks.
- 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.
- 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!
- Oak Harbor - free ramp, $2/day parking, guest docks nearby, full marina services nearby, long walk to town!
- Cap Sante in Anacortes is not listed because they have a sling, not a ramp, Cap Sante would be 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)
Click below
7/03/2021
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.
5/26/2021
Summer is upon us - Memorial Day kick offs are this weekend
and we don't know what to expect regarding Covid 19 closures - openings or anything else. Are we allowed to visit Canada, what about our regular haunts and favorite hideouts?
I was hoping to give everyone a heads up for Fourth of July plans around the San Juan's but I am in the dark. I know that earlier this month we dropped in on a scheduled rendezvous at a local dock and only three boats showed up, all stating they didn't know anything about approved summer activities.
Well, all I can say is, we will be heading out as often as we can, trying our best to enjoy cruising in 2021 and beyond.
John
4/23/2021
Summer Cruising Plans - Do it now! - Ten resorts and phone numbers where you can reserve a slip
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
Did you know?
For your land bound 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)
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
What are you waiting for - Winter? |
2/01/2021
Where is Odlin Park Dock on Lopez Island
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 |
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.