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

What is the best hike in the San Juan Islands?

 Many consider the Eagle Bluff Trail to be the best. However, some of the best hikes in the San Juan Islands combine shoreline views, wildlife, and easy access. Trails like those at Lime Kiln Point State Park offer coastal paths with chances to spot orcas, while other island trails provide forest hikes and scenic overlooks, helping visitors choose a rewarding hike based on views, difficulty, and location.

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

Here's how to get to the Alpaca Ranch and gift shop on San Juan Island

How do you get to the Alpaca Ranch?    

Traveling by boat around the San Juan's will get very boring if you don't go ashore once in a while. Here is an excellent suggestion for a half day outing.  

This is what we did.  We swung into Garrison Bay, off Mosquito Pass (we were headed for Roche Harbor) and motored right to the little dinghy dock at English Camp.  We squeezed in just long enough to unload our bicycles and then moved over fifty feet and anchored, paddling back in the dinghy.  So far so good.

   Next we peddled to the interpretation center

 We spent two minutes looking around, but there was nothing new, so we pushed our bikes up the trail and through the parking lot and back onto the trail, until we got to West Valley road.  Directly across the street is the trail-head to Young Hill.  Don't quit on me now, so far, you have only walked 1,900 feet from the boat.  Even less if on a bicycle.

    We padlocked our bikes to the gate and hiked to the top of Young Hill.  This is a killer hike and you can do it in under an hour, but bring lots of water. Search this site for Young Hill to see pictures and the hike.  You can skip the hike if you want or skip the bike part.

    When we got back from hiking up Young Hill

 We unlocked the bikes and coasted (no pedalling at all) down West Valley road all the way to Krystal Acres Alpaca Ranch and gift shop.  Thankfully we coasted the entire way because our legs needed a break.

     All total, the distance to Krystal Acres from the dinghy dock is about one mile, so this is not a difficult or long bike ride, in fact, you could make it an easy two mile round trip walk if you don't bicycle.

    I know some of you are thinking, but what about the ride back up all the road you just coasted down.  It wasn't that steep, we were able to peddle the entire way back. There are no bike lanes or even much of a shoulder but there also isn't much traffic.

    That's it, an easy relaxing way to spend the afternoon on shore and when you get back to the boat, you can stay anchored right where you are, or run the 3 1/2 miles over to Roche and get a slip for the night.

krystalacres.com  -  (360) 378-6125 - The folks there gave me this great picture to show. Visit the gift shop,  get some yarn.

Visit Vendovi Island Preserve

Where is Vendovi Island?

 If you are thinking Vendovi sounds familiar but can't quite place it, I will tell you - it is the little 200+ acre dot on your chart due south from the southern tip of Lummi Island.      

 For years all of us have been going around Vendovi  Island on our way to Sucia or the inner islands.   200 acres is about the size of Jones Island if that comparison is of any help.  The map clipping below should help you zero in on Vendovi's location.

        The San Juan Preservation Trust has owned and protected Vendovi Island since 2010. 

 Visiting  days are  April 1st through Sept. 30.    Open hours are 10 am to 6 pm, Thursday through Monday. They are closed Tues. and Wed.

        Access is a small cove at the north end.  There is a 70 foot, first come no reserve dock behind the breakwater, or you may beach kayaks and dinghy's in front of the caretaker home if the dock is full. No anchoring in the cove or overnight stays at the dock are allowed.

      Bring your hiking shoes and plan to immerse yourself in unspoiled wilderness, but you should stay on the trails if you  truly respect the wilderness and the SJPT mission to preserve.  No camping, fires, bicycles, or hunting, pets are to be on leash.  Enjoy!

      Learn about the many San Juan Preservation Trust  preserves  here
  >> Map of SJPT preserves

click below to see Vendovi Island satellite view