San Juan Islands Without a Boat: Water Taxi Access to the Outer Islands and Parks.

Can you visit the San Juan Islands without a boat, and how do you get around?

Exploring the San Juan Islands doesn't require a private boat. State ferries connect the four major islands, water taxis act like on-demand shuttles for remote destinations. They provide direct access to outer island parks like Patos, Sucia, and Jones. These "Uber-style" boats land you and your gear at public park docks or beaches, making the entire area accessible.

Shelter and ADA ramps at Pelican Beach

It’s true. You don’t need to own or rent a boat to explore and camp in the marine parks of the San Juan Islands.

Most visitors enter the islands through Anacortes and follow the ferry routes to the larger communities. That works well — but it leaves out the smaller islands, marine parks, and secluded coves that aren’t served by ferry or road.

No Boat? No Problem.

Water taxi services and licensed outfitters operate throughout the area. They provide custom drop-offs and pickups to marine parks and islands that most visitors never consider.

Call it:

• Uber for boaters
• A marine shuttle
• A scheduled island transfer
• Point-to-point boat transport
• Your personal chauffeured yacht

The idea is straightforward. You choose your destination and your dates. They handle the boats.

Single hikers, groups, families, camping gear, and even kayaks can all be part of the plan.

Water Taxi at Blakely's

Starting From Anacortes

Anacortes is the primary mainland gateway. From there, you can:

• Ferry to one of the larger islands
• Arrange a direct water taxi to a marine park
• Meet an outfitter for a guided or supported trip

When you are not limited to ferry docks, you open up a new map of possibilities.

Destinations People Recognize — But Don’t Realize They Can Reach

Many of the most talked-about places in the San Juans are marine parks without road access.

For example:

• Sucia Island Marine State Park – with Fossil Bay and Echo Bay
• Jones Island Marine State Park – famous for friendly pygmy deer
• Matia Island State Park – an unspoiled rain forest without the rain
• Cypress Island –  including Cypress Head campground and Eagle Bluff
• Pelican Beach – waterfront camping on the  northeast side of Cypress Island

These places have docks, mooring buoys, campsites, and established trails. They’re well known among boaters, but less understood by visitors arriving by ferry.

In our travels, we have crossed paths with water taxis at Blakely’s, at Fossil Bay, and at Pelican Beach. And watched outfitters unload camping gear and transport organized youth groups, including Boy Scout troops, to overnight sites at Matia, Jones, and Stuart Islands. We’ve seen them many times — dropping off campers and returning a few days later to pick them up.

The system is established. It’s routine. And it works.

Marine Parks and maps

Kayaks and Supported Trips

Many outfitters support kayak-based trips. They transport your kayaks or rent them to you at your starting point and arrange to pick you up days later.

The logistics are handled in advance, or simply call a water taxi when you need a ride, leaving you free to focus on hiking, shoreline exploration, and camping.

When transportation is shared among several people, a water taxi can be a practical, even economical alternative. You arrange a drop-off and a pickup — nothing more complicated than that.

For many visitors, that’s all that’s needed.

No boat ownership or hassle required.

A Practical Alternative

Boat ownership in the San Juans has its rewards, but it isn’t the only path to exploring the islands. Renting a power or sailboat is another option, though not always necessary.

The Bottom Line

The San Juan Islands are often described as a boater’s destination and paradise. That’s true — but it’s incomplete.

With water taxis and experienced outfitters operating throughout the region, marine parks and secluded coves are accessible to anyone without owning or renting a boat.

No boat.
No problem.
Just plan a destination, a date, and go.

Note: On this website. To keep posts evergreen and relevant, names, prices, and phone numbers are left out.

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

San Juan Islands bucket list — What should you not miss when visiting the San Juan Islands?

  The San Juan Islands offer more than just well-known attractions, with must-see experiences on both land and water.

 Highlights include: 

• Whale watching at Lime Kiln Point State Park
• scenic harbors like Friday Harbor 
• hiking, quiet coves
• parks such as Jones Island State Park
• Slowing down and experiencing the islands fully

 “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, boat 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?”

Beach Camping in the San Juan's

    Is Beach camping alive and well in the San Juan island area?  

   Yes, but it is not the same as camping in the dunes along the Oregon or Washington coast.

 It's much better except if you want to hear the surf lulling you to sleep, be mesmerized by endless rows of breaking waves, or have your entire body sandblasted from nonstop winds.  Instead, in the islands you will find gentle winds or none at all, still and flat water unless the wind pipes up against the tide. Of course, it is always warmer (not) with fewer clouds and no crowds in the San Juans.

    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

       Washington State Marine Parks:

       These parks are only accessible by boat or kayak, most are entire island. All have campgrounds with beachfront sites. None may be reserved or provide garbage service.

• 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

For detailed descriptions, maps and charts and pictures for all the parks in the San Juan Island area, click here. 

 maps and charts and pictures

Camping, Campgrounds and Parks, in the San Juan Islands

Where can you camp by boat in the San Juan Islands and what should you expect?

Boat-in camping in the San Juan Islands is mainly at marine state parks and small water-access-only sites, with simple campsites, mooring buoys, small docks, and few amenities. Boaters should plan to be self-sufficient, arrive early, and expect limited, if any, services in exchange for quiet, scenic locations.

 Sailing the Salish Sea   

     Nestled within the serene waters of the Pacific Northwest, the San Juan Islands offer a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a myriad of outdoor activities, the islands have become a sought-after destination for camping and boating enthusiasts.  Traveling in the San Juan Islands provides an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in nature's beauty while experiencing the unique charm of the Pacific Northwest.

 

The Allure of Camping in the San Juan Islands:

     The San Juan Islands boast breathtaking natural beauty and are characterized by lush forests, rugged coastlines, and sweeping views of the surrounding bays, coves, straits, and sounds.  This inland sea is sometimes referred to as the Salish Sea, honoring the first inhabitants of the region.  When campers pitch tents, park RVs, or tie up their boats, they are greeted by panoramic vistas and outstanding sights at every turn. Sunset views overlooking the water create an ethereal ambiance.  Evenings around the campfire become an unforgettable experience.

 

Reservations, yes or no?

When planning a car or RV camping trip to the San Juan Islands during peak seasons, it is essential to make reservations in advance.  But not if you are traveling by boat. 

There are approximately twenty plus campgrounds that are only accessible by boat, and none of them may be reserved.  There are about six or so public, county and state campgrounds accessible by vehicle, all of which take reservations.  It is strongly recommended that anyone planning car camping,  visit the appropriate state, county, or private website to familiarize themselves with rules and regulations. 

     Those going to water-access-only parks are advised to expect to be able to anchor, but do not plan on getting a space at the dock or an empty anchor buoy.

  Dock space and anchor buoys become available as boaters come and go without notice throughout the day, week, and month depending on the weather and an entire host of reasons.  It is always best to arrive prepared for anything.

Follow these links to complete park and campground listings on this website.

Marine Parks of the San Juan Islands Area:  Marine Parks

Waterfront vehicle access county parks: Car and hiking/biking campgrounds

State of Washington Parks website:   State Park website

Free camping:   Free camping

Kayak camping:  kayak launch points

More Kayak camping: Kayak camping

Bike and hiking campgrounds: beach camping

 

 Click below to see satellite view of  Sucia Island

First Timers Guide to the San Juan's

What is a good place to begin a boat trip to the parks of the San Juan Islands?

There are three choices for where to launch:

• Cornet Bay in Deception Pass Park

• Washington Park in Anacortes

• Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham

Matia Island

This post is written to help new cruisers headed to the San Juan's needing the same simple answers we needed.

From time to time, I refresh my thinking and remember our first visit nearly thirty years ago. Specifically, what a pain it was not knowing the simplest answers to questions we take for granted today. 

     I define the San Juan cruising area not by county or even country, but rather by places we want to visit and spend some time. But that also means, places we have the capability to get to without too much effort or time.  So that being stated, I think of Port Townsend and Deception Pass Park (Cornet Bay), and Swinomish Channel as our loosely defined southern boundary.  I think of Vancouver BC and Nanaimo as our northern most point, and everything in between Vancouver Island and the mainland completing the east west box. Keep in mind, with a day or two extra, you can run down to Olympia or up to Princess Louisa Inlet.

 For this discussion, we are sticking to the 

core San Juan Island area and what you need to get there.

Basic info for first time visitors to the San Juan Islands

Obvious (to some) Cruising Basics

You need a boat, but you can rent a sail or powerboat in Anacortes or Bellingham if you prefer, and it doesn't take much experience to qualify.

• Size matters? yes and no.  Bigger is more comfy, costly and feels imminently safer in a storm. As size goes up, so do your skill requirements. Once past about thirty five feet you will find you don't fit at some docks and fuel burns at over twenty five gallons an hour. Smaller is  better at times. Eighteen foot ski and fishing boats or day sailors are very easy to get in and out at virtually all places but with all your food and gear, you could be crowded on board. When packing and provisioning, be honest and admit you don't really need all that stuff you take car camping. Above all, don't let your lack of a perfect boat cause you not to go. Take what you have, you can make it work.

• Bring a dinghy, even a two person inflatable kayak is okay.  You need a way to get to shore where there are no docks. You don't have to carry the dinghy on board, you can tow it everywhere you go. Yes you can beach your runabout and let the tide leave you dry on a beach but bringing a dinghy is so much easier. (update 2025) Lately we have seen inflatable paddle boards used as dinghys and we have done it ourselves so we know they work. 

• Sleep on board, at anchor, at the dock, or in the many park campgrounds. (there are about twenty marine campgrounds, you can camp at a different park every night) If preferred, you can spend every night at a marina or resort and sleep on shore.

• The best weather will be in July and August, but the shoulder seasons have less people and okay weather too.

• I suggest you plan a week, but you can make a weekend work.  If you have a comfortable all weather boat, spend the summer.

• If you rent, don't forget you have to park your car(s) If you trailer, plan on a daily parking fee of around $12.  (Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham is free, even long term) Call harbormaster for current rules.

• See this posting for launch ramps. ---launch ramps with long term parking  This is probably the only real planning decision you need to make before you go, but we have changed our planned take off point as we drove up the highway.  Do not start your San Juan cruise down south in Olympia, Seattle or Everett or Port Townsend or Port Angeles. If you do you will spend much of your time motoring long distances (both ways) My advice is to start in Bellingham or Anacortes using one of the ramps from the list above.

• You need with you on the boat, a chart, or you will get lost, count on it. You should have a list of parks, marinas and resources preferably marked on your navigation chart. Get this chart. Noaa # 18421  -  We use noaa chart # 18421 you can see it by clicking here or anywhere charts are sold.  Navigation charts do not show what's on shore, (roads, city's, marinas, parks, etc) so we carry a highway map as well.

• Don't run out and buy an expensive chart plotter. At minimum, you need a paper chart, a  portable GPS and a compass, your smart phone will probably do.  All boats need a depth sounder or you are risking an expensive grounding.

Sample itinerary: #1. Begin at Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham (open 24/7).

2. Head for Friday Harbor and get a slip for your first night or every night (they take reservations).  

3. Use Friday Harbor as your base, returning every night to your own slip with power, water, restrooms, on shore restaurants and entertainment. 

This plan will work for virtually all boaters regardless of  gear, experience or creature comfort requirements. None of the Marine State Parks have reserve-able docks or anchor buoys, everything is first come first gets it. This means you should plan on anchoring and using your dinghy,  it also means when someone pulls out you may grab the spot at the dock. Rafting is the term  used when several boats tie together at anchor or the dock.

Sample itinerary: #2. Begin at Squalicum again but this time head for Matia or Sucia. 

• Tie up to the dock at Fossil Bay (Sucia) or anchor.  Sleep on the boat or camp on shore.

• Next, Jump over to Stuart, repeat and then Roche Harbor or Jones, then to Friday Harbor, then Fisherman Bay. This itinerary will make sure you have a shower and food store available (Roche and Friday) when you really need and want both.  

• Fuel is readily available but you should try to have a minimum range of seventy five miles just to be sure should you encounter adverse conditions.

• How many days you spend at each park is up to you, your car and trailer will be waiting in the free parking lot when you circle back to Bellingham.

• You can do exactly the same cruise, but begin at Washington Park or Deception Pass  (Cornet Bay) and perhaps change the order.

• Search this website for other suggested itineraries.  The possibilities are endless.
• 
  

Get my San Juan Islands Cruise Guide, it  has all the parks, 

marinas, fuel, resources, phone numbers.

 The guide is written specifically for visitors coming by boat. The companion book, the San Juan Islands Travel Guide is written for visitors coming by car.

              San Juan Islands Cruise Guide     -----   San Juan Islands Travel Guide

         Don't be cheap, the books cost less than a meal and will pay for themselves in saved frustration,  making your cruise a real success.

• Lastly, I can't address everything you may want or need to know in a single post, so I suggest you search this site and read some more articles. There are several with detailed day by day itineraries. Next, after becoming more knowledgeable about what and where you want to go and do, set aside a week and go. It really is that easy. The central cruising area is small enough that you can completely change your plans on the fly. You don't need reservations, you don't need a plan, you don't even need to bring food, just grab your gear and boat and hit the road. OH - bring some cash or plastic for, fuel and park fees and that food I just said you don't need.

If you happen to see us on Kraken somewhere, please say hello. We hope to be anchored in Fisherman Bay for the Lopez Island 4th of July fireworks show.

 Feel free to use the e-mail contact form with your questions

Is disaster simply one little mistake away?

What common mistakes do San Juan boaters make?

It was a tranquil Sunday afternoon, the kind where the air feels warm and still, and the water gently laps against the hull

"Moments later, my attention was abruptly drawn away by the unmistakable roar of an engine revving at full throttle."

We were relaxing on deck, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, when the gentleman moored behind us untied his lines. As he cast off, he mentioned he was making a quick stop at the pumpout station on the adjacent dock before heading out. I gave him a casual wave from the cockpit and returned to my magazine, assuming it was just another routine departure.

Moments later, my attention was abruptly drawn away by the unmistakable roar of an engine revving at full throttle. A feeling of unease crept over me.

 “Something’s wrong,” I said to Linda, glancing up. “Look over there.”

Sure enough, the boater who had just left was now in the next fairway, visibly struggling against a powerful current. His boat, a thirty-footer, was being dragged toward the aluminum footbridge connecting the walkways. He was clearly in trouble. “He’s not going to make the turn,” I muttered, my concern growing by the second.

Then, to my astonishment, he made a desperate decision—he gunned the engine,

 slamming it into full throttle in an attempt to execute a rapid 180-degree turn before colliding with the walkway. For a moment, it seemed like he might succeed. The boat narrowly missed the footbridge and almost completed the turn, but the momentum was too great. Instead of cleanly maneuvering away, the vessel barreled into the dock adjacent to the pumpout station. With the engines screaming, the impact was forceful enough to propel the boat nearly three-quarters of the way onto the dock, its bow perched at a steep, precarious angle.

Panic seemed to set in. Desperate to correct the situation, the boater threw the engine into reverse,

 the sudden jolt pulled the vessel off the dock sending it sliding back into the water. Now facing the opposite direction, the boat roared backward—straight toward the footbridge. A heartbeat later, the sickening crunch of fiberglass meeting metal filled the air. The unmistakable sound of damage done. Then, finally, the engine fell silent.

The entire chaotic episode had unfolded in mere moments, as quickly as an engine could rev and a boat could collide. By the time I and a few other onlookers hurried over with boat hooks, the vessel was once again floating peacefully next to the pumpout, as if nothing had happened. But the damage was done.

What does one even say to someone who has just put their boat through such a disastrous sequence of missteps,

 each error compounding upon the last? There is no easy way to soften the blow of such an expensive and humiliating lesson.

Speaking for myself—and likely for many other seasoned skippers—I can admit that I, too, have misjudged currents or the handling of my boat. I have, in moments of desperation, gunned the engine to avoid a collision, and I may have even suffered a few minor bumps as a result. Fortunately, I’ve never caused significant damage—or perhaps I’ve just blocked those memories from my mind.

Experience is a relentless teacher, and sometimes, the lessons it imparts come at a steep price.

 In this case, the takeaway is clear: Never attempt to turn around upstream of an obstacle you absolutely do not want to hit. And if you do, for the love of fiberglass, do not hit it at full throttle.

With hindsight, two alternative courses of action present themselves. First, the boater could have turned around outside the fairway and backed down toward the pumpout, though this would still have carried the risk of losing control in the strong current. A second, and arguably much wiser, choice would have been to seek out a different location or simply wait for a tide change. Sometimes, the best course of action is no action, or to acknowledge the conditions and exercise patience. When it comes to boating, luck should never be the primary strategy.

Puget Sound is not the San Juan Islands, but if you want to try cruising somewhere new, it's a logical choice.

What is a good boating itinerary in South Puget Sound?

A good South Puget Sound boating itinerary is a loop from Olympia’s Swantown Marina, visiting multiple Washington State Parks along the way, with options to extend into Lake Union and  Lake Washington. This easy cruise offers protected waters and an easy multi-day route for exploring the region.  

Puget Sound is different things to different folks.  If you read a few articles or listen to more than one traveler you will likely come away with some overlapping opinions. Lots of people think the San Juans and Puget Sound are the same.  They are not.

   On your NOAA chart, there is a place labeled Puget Sound, it's offshore from Seattle all the way up to Whidbey Island.  Virtually every body of water is named something.  Names sometimes include a descriptive hint, such as bay, passage, inlet, cove, strait, and of course sound. Did I miss any besides Canal and Channel? Oh yeah, bank, shoal, flats...

       Some of us consider, Puget Sound (as an area) to encompass everything salty, from the Strait of Juan De Fuca south.  So this means both sides of Whidbey Island are included, but not the northwest side that faces the San Juans and Vancouver Island, or Anacortes, or Bellingham. I like to think of Bellingham as on Bellingham Bay and Anacortes as up Guemes channel a bit from Rosario Strait. So where does that put Olympia or Friday Harbor?

     We started in Olympia, at Swantown Marina,
 and so should you. 

 There are numerous ramps scattered around the area, but nothing compares to the Port of Olympia facilities, they have the welcome mat out more than any (boating) city we have ever visited, bar none.  I haven't forgotten the praise I lavish on Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham, but the entire waterfront at Olympia is boater friendly, which bumps them to the head of my list.

       At Swantown, is a two-lane all-tide ramp, open 24/7 with a long-term parking lot for only $3/day.  Transient moorage is abundant, both at the ramp and a short walk away, at the old town waterfront.  Don't make a mistake and think of Olympia as simply a place to splash the boat and take off from.  Plan your trip to include one or more nights or days at the dock, and bring your bikes, you will be glad you did.

      Rather than gush over Olympia, let's get going north. On this trip, our turnaround point is Lake Washington.  This means we will wander a circuitous course to Seattle, visiting as many Marine State Parks as we can.  At Seattle, we will go through the Ballard Locks, through Lake Union (Lake Union is the downtown area you see from the freeway), and into Lake Washington to spend the night anchored at Seward City Park.  All total we will visit eleven parks, bike and hike most of them, spend seven nights at docks, one at anchor, and motor about 175 miles.  Wow-- when I write the specifics it sounds rushed, but we relaxed the entire time.

       Day One: We are in the water and on our way at 5pm, this may seem late to get going, but we only have 8 miles, maybe 16, to our first nights stop. 

We ran the 8 miles to Hope Island State Park, but all the buoys were taken so we continued to the dock at  Jerrel Cove State Park, another easy 8 miles, and with plenty of daylight, why not? 

 Sail-boaters should know that we encountered a low 31-foot fixed bridge providing vehicle access to Harstine Island. You can avoid the bridge by taking the long way around Harstine. Jerrel Cove has two docks, and across the way is a private marina with a store and transient space.  The park is well kept with onsite rangers, car campers, a mile or two of trails that are rideable, and of course, you can head out onto the island roads and ride to your heart's content.  Perhaps I should remind you that, unlike most of the San Juan destinations, all of the places we spent the night are car accessible.  This means you can plan a Puget Sound rendezvous with friends or family to re-supply or switch out crew members.

Jerrel Cove at low tide, the ramp is as steep as we have ever seen.

Day two: click here

Fast Track to the San Juan's and Patos Island State Park

   What are quick answers to basic questions when planning a San Juan Islands boating vacation?   

Where to launch your boat and park your rig when heading to the San Juan Islands

In keeping with this sites purpose to help newcomers get to the San Juan's, you will find listed below selected posts and links.

These posts are the bare essentials needed to get you off on that trip to the San Juan's, the rest is up to you. (click on the links)

• Where to Launch your boat and park your rig

• First choice = Bellingham - (Squalicum Harbor)

• Close runner up = Deception Pass State Park (Cornet Bay)

• La Conner city ramp (Swinomish Channel)

• Washington Park - Anacortes

• Cap Sante - Anacortes (sling only)

Suggested Itinerary!

• Suggested Itinerary

All the Parks with complete descriptions and chart snips!

• All the parks with chart snips

1. Rent if you don't have a boat!

• Rent a boat in Bellingham or Anacortes

12 fuel docks- marinas - resorts - you should know about before you take off into the unknown!

• 12 Places you should know about

Is this all you need?

Of course not, but if you are a competent boater, the above posts will answer many questions you want answered.

Patos Island Anchorage
(Please don't drive  through this skimpy channel when arriving at Patos, go around, it's only five more minutes.)

Did you know you can ask silly questions? Use the e-mail box on the left side.

Click below for a satallite view of Patos Island

North to Patos Island

What is there to see at Patos Island? 

Patos Island offers a historic lighthouse tour and scenic views of Canada's Gulf Islands. The international border is about two miles to the west, making Patos the furthest north of the San Juan Islands. 

 Visitors can explore short hiking trails, walk the rocky beaches, and enjoy a peaceful, less-crowded setting that feels remote compared to more popular islands.

Patos is just north of Sucia, hardly two miles depending on where you measure, so if you are at Shallow Bay, you can run up there in just an hour or much less. 

Patos is as far north as you can get and still have some land to land on before entering Canada.(Okay, we all know Point Roberts has some land)

 What you will have when you get there is two islands, Patos and Little Patos, together they create a pretty cool little anchorage. Run your boat all the way to the north end and enter alongside the lighthouse, have your camera ready, its a picturesque  place for sure.  There are no docks so puttster up to the dinghy beach and drop anchor in front of the picnic area. Back in the woods 75 yards or so is a nice campground along the trail to the lighthouse.

         Basically there are two trails to hike.  There is a one-miler or so that makes a circle in the woods and is sort of boring, so you have been warned. 

The other is a ten minute walk out to the lighthouse and most of it is akin to a road.  Be sure to visit the lighthouse, recently volunteers have been holding open house during peak summer months. Inside they have old photos, scrap books, artifacts and you can climb the light tower.  (it's hot up there if the sun is out)

         If you want to keep your walking to an absolute minimum on perfect concrete pathways, run your dinghy ashore next to an old concrete thing with a post 
sticking out of it. 

 It's left over from when the coast guard needed a landing spot. This concrete thing is well inside the protection of the anchorage bay, but its at least halfway or closer to the lighthouse.  You will have to scramble up a rock or two, but right at the top begins a three foot wide concrete path that goes all the way to the lighthouse. We choose this route if we are only headed for the lighthouse, it saves rowing and walking, and if we are anchored right in front, why not!

         A little warning about the tiny channel

 between Patos and Little Patos:

         Yes you can run your boat through there but, there may be a current and at low tide it gets a little thin. It's kinda creepy when you can see bottom on both sides of your boat. We take our boats through, but only dead slow into the current, never with the current.  If you are the least bit concerned, just go around, it's only one or three minutes and you get to take a picture of the lighthouse to boot.

          I recommend visiting Patos for lunch or 
spend the night.

 On our last trip to points further north we used Patos as a jumping off point and a return point, it was like coming home.

 This is the concrete thingy,  (you have to see it) the teensey dinghy beach and the trail is to the left between the rock and the post.  BTW, you could anchor here and stern tie to that post.  You can see the picnic area and main dinghy beach way, way beyond the anchored boats, so this saves some walking and rowing.

 This trail was built to US Coast Guard standards, it's probably a foot thick.

There is a lot of old foundation concrete out in the grassy areas on both sides, with a little sleuthing you can figure out where the buildings were, and imagine much of the original installation. Pictures and drawings inside the building show where everything was.

 Volunteers camp in the campground and maintain hours for visitors, you could spend several hours inside learning the history, it's well on its way to being a museum.  Don't forget the Stuart Island lighthouse has a similar setup and they do call it a museum. 

Click below for a satellite view of  the Patos Island anchorage

Good News & Bad News - boat camping fees in Washington's San Juan Islands

     Who can resist a headline stating "Good News" or is it the bad news part that draws us in?

No matter. The good news is that anchoring is still free, the other news is that Washington State Park fees for boaters have gone up.

      The reported new fee for using park buoys is $15 per night.  Staying at the float has been increased to 70 cents per foot.  So your 30' mega yacht is now $21 per night.

      On this subject, you may remember an old post where I pondered float etiquette -  Case #1 - a 30' boat hogs the middle of a 50' float leaving no room for other boats, should he pay for 50' or 30'?  Case #2 - the same 30' boat scoots way down and hangs over the end leaving room for more boats, should he be rewarded and only pay for the 20' he uses?  Case #3 - and we all know the answer to this one - do you include the bowsprit, swim step, and dinghy davits or go with the much smaller boat length stated by the boat builder, come on be honest, no one is watching.

      Other thoughts on fees:  Park fees are a very small part of our overall boating experience, and yet provide us with tremendous benefits. The Washington marine parks are top-notch. Why wouldn't you want to support them?

Click below for a satellite view of  Blakely's and Peavine Pass

Best Dinghy Beaches (and worst) in the San Juan Islands

     What makes a good dinghy beach?    

• In my opinion, being able to get to shore without getting wet feet is a big plus.
• Rowing a short distance is high on my list, too.
• Having a way to tie up the dinghy is very handy, but not a deal breaker.
• Protection from wakes and rogue waves is obvious.
• Pea gravel is much better than sand or rocks or sea grass.

Scroll to the bottom for my number one and number two choices when sailing the San Juan Islands

When planning a trip to the San Juan Islands, choosing the right dinghy beach can make or break your experience. At first, I was simply going to list key features of good dinghy beaches, but then I realized that newcomers might need a heads-up—not all "good" dinghy beaches are worth visiting, and some "bad" ones might still be worth a stop.

Why the Right Dinghy Beach Matters

Even if you plan to stay at a dock, remember that dock space in the San Juans is not reservable. More often than not, you’ll need to anchor and go ashore by dinghy—and if the beach isn’t dinghy-friendly, it could seriously impact or even ruin your visit.

Considerations for Different Activities

• Camping – A poor landing spot could make unloading gear difficult or even dangerous.

• Hiking – If you're leaving your dinghy for the entire day, you'll need to ensure it's safe from rising tides, strong currents, or theft.

• Precautions – Some beaches require extra planning, such as a long rope, transport wheels, or even a chain and padlock to secure your dinghy properly.

Being prepared can make all the difference. A little foresight ensures that an inconvenient beach doesn’t turn into a major headache. Forewarned is forearmed!

       In my opinion, a good dinghy beach simply allows you to get to shore and back to the boat with a minimum of fuss and bother, but there is a lot to consider

In no particular order, lets make a list of likes and dislikes.

• not getting feet wet getting into and out of the dinghy is really nice.

• ditto for all tide levels, so the angle (slope) of the beach is crucial

• gravel versus mud is a no brain-er 

• sand is better than mud, but both track into the dinghy and back to the boat (gravel doesn't track)

• something nearby to tie the painter to, like a massive old log

• a cool view of my boat when I turn around

• a nearby restroom is handy

• not smelling like dead seaweed is a plus

• fires permitted and driftwood is always nice for evenings

• nearby tide pools for exploring

• security is something some spots lack (theft of dinghy or contents)

• free-roaming dogs! or other wildlife

• how about a lack of bugs and bird droppings

• what about a western view of the setting sun

• protection from weather-driven waves and nasty wakes

click on -read more- to find my two best dinghy beach choices