What and where is the best launch ramp with
long-term parking when heading to the San Juan Islands?
IMO, it is Squalicum Harbor. Places to go and places to travel are easy to find in the San Juans. But you need to know where to start. For me, cheap travel is part of the deal. What can be less expensive than going on a cruise with your own boat? It's like having your own condo rental or vacation house with you all the time. Okay, maybe boat camping is a little squeezed, but the big problem is, where do you launch, and where do you leave your car for a week or more? Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham is a resounding first choice and parking is free, (Update: better check with harbormaster) no others come close for time, distance, convenience, or facilities, none in my opinion.!
Marked on the chart above with red dots is a four lane two float, all tide modern 24/7 ramp, parking, and overnight visitor docks. The parking lot is huge and they have an overflow lot too. Freshwater wash-down hoses are free for you to use. The ramp fee is $5 and there is no parking fee, that's right it's free, even long-term is free. (call about free) How cheap can you travel, ( I mean less expensive) Next to the parking area is a restaurant, 24-hour bathrooms, and showers. Across the street is a marine store. Out on the floats, they have transient boater dock space. Payment is self-serve at the automated kiosks.
You may think by looking at maps that Bellingham is far from the Islands, but it is actually the closest jump-off point for travel to Sucia, Matia, Patos and Stuart. For those camping and traveling on a budget it's your only choice.link to really great map with parks marked, click here
