What should you not miss when vacationing or cruising in the San Juan Islands

 

 “Not to Miss” Doesn’t Mean Just the Famous Spots

• It means not to miss the magic of the islands — whale-rich waters, quiet coves, ferry rides, friendly harbors, and abundant wildlife.

• No list can cover everything, but some experiences are simply not to be skipped.

• Sometimes, just being somewhere instead of reading about it, is what makes it special.

• Highlights for both land travelers and boaters.

On Land:

Whale watching at Lime Kiln Point (aka whale watch park)

Summiting Mount Constitution –  (by car) the best panoramic view in the islands

Strolling Friday Harbor or Eastsound – small towns worth walking

Picnicking at South Beach – raw, open storm-tossed shoreline

Visit Pelindaba Lavender Farm in July (news has it that it has shut down)

Roche Harbor - stroll among million dollar yachts and whimsical garden art

Explore Moran State Park’s  trails, swim and boat the lakes

Hike or bicycle to Watmough Bay for a relaxing serene afternoon

On the water:

If You’re Cruising by Boat – Don’t Miss These Anchorages & Harbors

Sucia Island – Horseshoe-shaped island with many fingers and coves, great for hiking and kayaking. Anchor out or use one of two docks.

Stuart Island & Turn Point Lighthouse – reachable only by boat and hike-worthy. Anchor or use the park floats in Reid and Prevost Harbors.

Patos Island – for solitude and night skies and lighthouse turned museum

Jones Island – trails, wildlife, pygmy deer, and raccoon visitors

Roche Harbor Marina – full service, history, and sunset flag ceremony with cannon firing

Rosario Resort Marina – dock-and-dine with historic mansion and music

Blind Bay or West Sound – for a quiet anchorage, dinghy over to Skull or Massacre Island

Friday Harbor by water – fuel, groceries, entertainment, a real town you can walk to, anchor or take a slip

Tips for Making the Most of  Land or Sea Visits

• Best months to visit (May–September; July for whales and lavender, September for fewer crowds)

• Packing smart – layers, water shoes, dry bags for boaters

• Book ahead – ferries, campsites, airbnb's, and marinas fill up

• Combine land and sea – rent kayaks, take day sails, or ferry-hop for free with bikes

• “Even if you’re cruising, don’t miss hiking Mount Constitution, Young Hill or Turtleback. 

• Even if you’re on land, take a wildlife or whale boat tour.”

Don't miss out by going too fast or doing too much

• Slow down and explore. “You’ll miss more by rushing than by staying put.”

• In comments, add your special ideas and suggestions. “What did you find unmissable?”

Dog Parks in the San Juans

Off-leash areas for boaters (pun intended)  in the 

San Juan Islands 

This may seem like an almost useless bit of knowledge to visitors on a boat, but there are a few dog parks within walking distance at these ports.

Friday Harbor:

Eddie & Friends Dog Park is located on Mullis Street near the airport.  It's about a one-mile walk.

Roche Harbor:

 Another option on San Juan Island is Pup Town Dog Park, located at Roche Harbor

Eastsound:

This off-leash area in Buck Park is a one mile walk from the county dock.

Lopez Village:

Unfortunately, Lopez Island does not at this time have a designated dog park or an off leash area, however, there are several suitable leash areas with easy cruiser access.

• The Spit preserve is adjacent to the entrance of Fisherman Bay and requires a dinghy.

• Lopez Village Park has restrooms and large lawn areas. There is no dock access but you may come ashore by dinghy   Dinghy access to the village 

• Odlin County Park has a dock and large grassy play fields.

There are several other areas where dogs are welcome but not any we want to walk to.  Of course, all the parks except Matia Islands (trails) welcome pets on a leash.

 

Click below to see the Spit Preserve on Fisherman Bay

The Best Hike in the San Juan Islands is Next Door — and You Can Only Get There by Boat

Naming anything as the best is a trifle subjective, and calling the San Juan Islands as only the islands of San Juan County excludes much of our cruising area.

 In fact simply getting your boat to the San Juans requires beginning the journey in Whatcom, or King or Island, or even Swinomish County.  The San Juan ferry terminal is in Skagit County. So cruising the San Juans is not really limited to one teeny group of islands.

That brings us to the best hike in the San Juans, actually being on Cypress Island

This sign is among a group located on the Eagle Bluff trail

If you’re seeking a truly unforgettable hiking experience near the San Juan Islands, the Eagle Bluff trail on Cypress Island should be at the top of your list. 

Though it’s technically just outside San Juan County, this trail offers jaw-dropping views and a peaceful escape that rivals any hike in the archipelago.

Getting There

The Eagle Bluff Trail begins at Pelican Beach, accessible only by boat, making it a special adventure from the start. Whether you’re arriving by kayak, private boat, or water taxi, the journey adds to the excitement of this secluded trail.     .Pelican Beach on Cypress Island

The Hike

This moderately easy hike is about 2 hours round-trip, perfect for a half-day outing. Along the trail, you’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of Rosario Strait, Orcas Island, and on clear days, views all the way to Deception Pass. Most of the San Juan Islands are visible from the bluff, offering a panoramic backdrop that’s perfect for photos or just soaking in the natural beauty.

Important Note: Trail Closure

Due to nesting eagles, the trail is closed until July 15 each year. This closure helps protect the local wildlife and preserves the serene environment that makes Eagle Bluff so special. Plan your visit accordingly!

Land Management

Eagle Bluff and the surrounding area are managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which maintains the trail and protects this pristine landscape.

See for Yourself

For a closer look at the stunning views and trail conditions, check out the Eagle Bluff pictorial here.    Eagle Bluff hike pictures

San Juan Islands map and mileage chart

Popular Parks, Cities and Destinations With Distance Mileage Chart

Use the chart below the map to find the approximate distance between points.  Sea miles were calculated by plotting the most direct route.  Tides and currents may dictate following a different route.

Click below for a satellite view of  Cattle Pass

Cruise the San Juan Islands – Sample Itinerary, Trip Plan, Vacation Guide

"Where are the best places to go and best things to do in the San Juan's?"       

Talk to ten San Juan Islands cruisers and you will get ten different answers to the question,  Each will be correct, or mostly correct. To support their answers, they will offer first-hand exciting personal experiences.  That is why you must gather  the best information, inject your wants and quirks, and then chart your own course to the San Juan's.  
     Our experiences and local knowledge have been earned the old-fashioned way – one cruise at a time. Sailing, hiking, biking and gunkholing, all while immersed in nature have been our reward. 
     This website is a compilation of our travels in five sailboats and two trawlers spanning three decades.
     Along the way we published a cruising guide, “San Juan Islands Cruise Guide,” followed later with a Land and Sea Guidebook, “San Juan Islands Travel Guide.”  My goal for this website and these books is to help boaters, travelers, sailors, and families enjoy the good times we have enjoyed for many years.
     What is the best five-day itinerary?  That's like asking what's the best color.  But there are certain things that our experience and local knowledge will help with.  Sometimes, one just needs a little push in the right direction to get on the right tack, so to speak.  It is impossible in an essay or article to cover everything important to everybody or all the possible places to go.  However, this website does cover every state park, every county park, every public dock, and much much more.  
     You will find many links to pictures and specific posts, all composed for San Juan Island boaters.  Be sure, while reading to click the links and follow your interests. Be sure to use the search box at the top of this page on the left side.

You're invited!

     To help you muddle through this dilemma and provide some interesting reading, please come along with us on our summer cruise in the San Juan Islands.  Of course, you will be taking your own boat since ours is full.  

     Today, we use our laptop as a chart plotter. The program was free online Free chart plotter software but I had to buy a USB antenna for $19.95.  You can get by with a small handheld GPS or even your cell phone but I enjoy the big screen.   I don't want you to get lost if we get separated, or your battery is dead, so you should pick up a paper chart and a compass.   chart #18421 I carry a colorful roadmap with us as well.

    Let's get on the same page and assume this is your first boat trip to the San Juan's, and you are in a trailerable sailboat with a 5-6 mph speed.  There are five or six starting points we have used but only three are preferred.  They are Cornet Bay in Deception Pass, Cap Sante in Anacortes or Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham.  If you have a fast powerboat or are coming up from the Seattle direction you will want to make time and distance adjustments.  We will plan  to sleep on board but use bathrooms on shore. Okay, let's go. ----- We have narrowed it down to about twenty parks to choose from for the first night, and that's not counting the marinas at Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, or Rosario.   Not to worry, I have a plan >>>  all the parks and then some

      Sometimes when we plan a vacation trip to the San Juan's,  we try to make a great circle route because it saves time and resources. But this time we're going to decide where we go, as we go. We will see how that non-plan works out.  Certain people on the boat have expressed a desire for hot showers, I guess we will see how that works out too. Since we may travel all the way across the San Juan's and back, your boat will need a minimum 75-mile range. Fuel is readily available everywhere but smart skippers figure one-third of the miles out, one-third back, and a third as a cushion.  If your fuel tank is a little small you can tie a five-gallon can on deck.  Knowing you have reserve fuel will ease anxious thoughts and ensure you have a great visit.  Shall we also assume that you have a seaworthy vessel with all safety gear?  If not, correct it before we head out, or stay home.  Life jackets for all

Plan as we go itinerary:

Cornet Bay Launch Ramps

        Let's begin at Cornet Bay in Deception Pass Park.

  However, after reading this post, I suggest that you search this website and check out the other launch locations. Some may fit your plans better. launch points Also, search the other parks and marinas and things to do.  It is easy to overlook a great place or mini adventure that will make your cruise the best of all.  I chose to launch at Cornet Bay this time because I really enjoy the pass scenery.  The dock and the long-term parking are ideal.  Plus being able to take off or return from both directions 24/7 opens up even more possibilities when not having a firm plan. If I was heading for the Sucia, Patos or Matia Island area first off, I may have chosen Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham but where we end the cruise may dictate where to begin.

Read the rest?