What are some lesser-known places to visit in the San Juan Islands?
Some of the best, but less well-known San Juan Islands destinations include Matia Island’s rainforest trail, Eagle Bluff on Cypress Island, Turn Point Lighthouse on Stuart Island, and Vendovi Island Preserve. This article highlights fifteen unique stops—from quiet anchorages to scenic hikes—helping boaters and visitors discover uncrowded places beyond popular harbors like Friday Harbor.
These are special places to go and great things to do that our years of cruising in the San Juans have rewarded us with.
Friday Harbor - Turtleback Mountain - Jones Island - Sculpture Park at Roche Harbor - Youngs Hill - Turn Point Lighthouse - China Caves - Matia Island Rain Forest Trail - Patos Island Lighthouse Tour - Inati Bay & Lummi Island Campground - Vendovi Island Preserve - Eagle Bluff On Cypress - Fort Whitman On Goat Island - Rosario Beach & The Maiden of Deception Pass - Victoria & Butchart Gardens
Some of the very best places are walks or hikes that are off the beaten path and seldom visited. I have listed them in somewhat of a great circle to help you stay oriented, but you will not be able to visit all of them in one day. I suggest that you mark them on a paper map or chart for later reference.
