San Juan Islands Northwest USA Family Adventure
Vacation in the Puget Sound Archipelago off the Coast of Washington
Apr 14, 2009
Travelers looking for an escape from city life are lured by lush forests, roaring waterfalls, salty sea breezes, windswept beaches and quaint shops. The San Juan Islands offer a refreshing getaway that's only a ferry ride away from the Washington or British Columbian mainland. These picturesque islands are located between Vancouver, British Columbia; Victoria, British Columbia; and Seattle, Washington.
Whale Watching Trips in the San Juan Islands
Orcas and gray whales from three pods return to these islands each spring. Whale cruises take vacationers directly into the habitat of these large mammals. Kids and adults thrill to see these behemoths of the sea leaping from the water or slapping a huge fin on the surface. Most cruises leave from Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Some of these boat trips also view coves frequented by harbor seals, sea lions and porpoises.
San Juan Island as a Base Camp
An hour's ferry ride from Anacortes, Washington, San Juan Island offers plenty of family adventure. On the west side of the island, Lime Kiln Point State Park, or Whale Watch Park, is one of the best places to watch orcas from land. Venture to the Whale Museum in Friday Harbor to find out more about the local orca pods and other marine mammals. Kid-friendly exhibits include Storm Boy, about an underwater kingdom of friendly orcas.
Sea kayaking is popular on San Juan, where guided tours are available as well as individual kayak rentals. Marine naturalists guide educational kayak trip--from 2 hours to week-long camps--offered by the many kayak guide companies. Experienced kayakers can rent kayaks and gear to explore the 172 islands in this archipelago that aren’t accessible by ferry.
Orcas Island Adventures
Moran State Park, at 5,252-acres, occupies almost half of Orcas Island. Hikers enjoy more than 30 miles of trails. Take the quarter-mile hike to Cascade Falls or the easy ascent to Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands, for views of the San Juan archipelago and the mainland’s Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. Canoe or paddleboat on Cascade Lake or Mountain Lake, the largest of the park’s five lakes.
Fishing charters are available on this larger, pastoral island. Sport fishermen and -women are guided to prime spots for salmon and halibut in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Back on land, visit the Rosario Mansion, which has been converted to the Rosario Resort—complete with an historic museum and Aeolian pipe organ.
Lopez and Shaw Islands
The flat terrain of Lopez Island is ideal for bicycling. Safe roads and manageable grades are perfect for family bicycle trips. Spencer Spit State Park, on the north end of the island not far from the ferry terminal, is a great place for beachcombing. Shark Reef Park, two miles south of the Lopez Airport, includes a forest that ends at a scenic promontory. Watch for hundreds of barking seals on the big rocks just offshore.
Shaw Island is the smallest of the four San Juan Islands serviced by ferries. A day trip to this pristine, quiet island offers beachcombing and the Shaw Island Historical Museum, housed in the island’s first post office. The Franciscan Sisters operate the island’s quaint general store, and often come out to greet the ferry.
The San Juan Islands, with their prime whale watching, kayaking, biking, hiking beachcombing, fishing and museum going, afford a family vacation with adventure as well as relaxation—all accessible by ferry from the coast of Washington.
 |
 |
 |
