Travel to San Juan Island Washington

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A Trip to San Juan Island

This is one of my favorite trips in Washington State. It is definitely off the beaten path and not the easiest place to get to, but definitely worth the effort.

Where is San Juan Island? 

San Juan Island is located in the beautiful San Juan Island Archipelago Northwest of Seattle, Washington. It is only accessable by boat or plane.

How to Get There - Way #1 

Take a Washington State Ferry!

One of the best ways to get to San Juan Island is
by Washington State Ferry

The ferry serving San Juan Island departs from Anacortes, WA which is about 95 miles north of SeaTac Airport. The ferry takes a beautiful 1 to 1.5 hour trip through the islands.

You can take your vehicle on the ferry but to save a considerable amount on the ferry fare, you can also leave your vehicle in the parking lot at the Anacortes ferry terminal and walk on the ferry or take your bike. If you want to take your vehicle, reservations for the ferry are recommended.

For current fares, schedule and reservation information go to the Washington State Ferry website.
Moped, bicycle and car rentals are available on the island.

How to Get There - Way #2 

A faster more convenient way to get to San Juan Island is by a scenic 30 minute flight.

You can choose betweeen two different flights. One departs from Seattle's Boeing Field on a small plane which lands at the San Juan Island Airport.

The second choice is by float plane which departs from Lake Union in Seattle and lands in the Friday Harbor marina!

Things to do on San Juan Island 

Orca Whale Watching! 

Rent a kayak or make a reservation for a whale-watching boat tour

San Juan Island is one of the best places to see Orcas in their natural habitat. July is usually the best month for whale viewing.

Visit Lime Kiln Point State Park 

The park is for day use only, but is a great spot for a picnic or to see whales from the land. There are also 2 hiking trails to explore.

Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse 

Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse began operating in 1914 and in it's remote outpost on San Juan Island was the last lighthouse to be powered by electricity in the late 1940s. The lighthouse flashes it's light every 5 seconds. Whale researchers use the lighthouse to track the movements and behavior of the orcas in the area.

Places to Stay! 

If you want your visit to last longer than just a day there are campgrounds, a hostel and numerous hotels, Bed & Breakfast Inns, and Resorts on the island. Here are links to some of your choices:

Helpful Links to plan your trip to San Juan Island 

Washington State Ferries Website
Information about the Washington State Ferry System, including routes, schedules and fares.
San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce
Lind to the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce with a large amount of information about the island.
The Whale Museum
Link to the Whale Museum located in Friday Harbor.
Lime Kiln Point State Park
Official Washington State Parks website page featuring information and pictures of Lime Kiln Point State Park.
Lighthouse Friends Website
Information, history and pictures about the Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse.
Town of Friday Harbor
Official Website of the Town of Friday Harbor.

Read about the San Juan Islands & Orca Whales 

Hidden Washington: Including Seattle, Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Olympic Peninsula, Cascades and Columbia River Gorge (Hidden Travel) by Eric Lucas

Hidden Washington: Including Seattle, Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Olympic Peninsula, Cascades and Columbia River Gorge (Hidden Travel) by Eric Lucas

Completely revised and updated, this new edition c more...0 points

The San Juan Islands (Afoot & Afloat) by Marge Mueller, Ted Mueller

The San Juan Islands (Afoot & Afloat) by Marge Mueller, Ted Mueller

The popular guide to boating and other recreationa more...0 points

Essential San Juan Islands Guide by Marge Mueller, Ted Mueller

Essential San Juan Islands Guide by Marge Mueller, Ted Mueller

Beauty, tranquility and a wealth of recreation, ma more...0 points

Lighthouses of the Pacific Coast: Your Guide to the Lighthouses of California, Oregon, and Washington (Pictorial Discovery Guide) by Randy Leffingwell

Lighthouses of the Pacific Coast: Your Guide to the Lighthouses of California, Oregon, and Washington (Pictorial Discovery Guide) by Randy Leffingwell

Stunning photography captures the beauty of the cl more...0 points

Lighthouses of the Pacific by Jim Gibbs

Lighthouses of the Pacific by Jim Gibbs

History and good, entertaining reading are combine more...0 points

Orca: The Whale Called Killer by Erich Hoyt

Orca: The Whale Called Killer by Erich Hoyt

"Hoyt's passionate sense of kinship with orca more...0 points

Listening to Whales: What the Orcas Have Taught Us by Alexandra Morton

Listening to Whales: What the Orcas Have Taught Us by Alexandra Morton

In Listening to Whales, Alexandra Morton shares sp more...0 points

Orca: Visions of the Killer Whale by Peter Knudtson

Orca: Visions of the Killer Whale by Peter Knudtson

The orca, also known as the killer whale, is one o more...0 points

Killer Whales: The Natural History and Genealogy of Orcinus Orca in British Columbia and Washington State (Updated Edition) by John K. B. Ford, Graeme M. Ellis, Kenneth C. Balcomb

Killer Whales: The Natural History and Genealogy of Orcinus Orca in British Columbia and Washington State (Updated Edition) by John K. B. Ford, Graeme M. Ellis, Kenneth C. Balcomb

Watching killer whales in the wild in British Colu more...0 points

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by VickiSims

Hello!

I'm Vicki and I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest near Seattle, WA. I enjoy the outdoors,hiking, camping, birdwatching, gardening, tra...

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