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Archipelago in the Salish Sea in Washington, US
Photo: Lumpytrout, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The San Juan Islands are a scattering of forested islands in the serene waters to the north of Puget Sound in Washington state, adjacent to Canada's Vancouver Island. Ferries, private boats, kayaks, and orcas (killer whales) criss-cross the waters, while float planes and bald eagles soar overhead. The islands are rural, with a few small towns on the largest islands. The year-round population is small, but swarms of summer visitors come for the scenery and outdoor life, and a lucky and wealthy few have vacation homes tucked into the islands.
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This inland sea trail is a National Recreation Trail and designated one of only 16 National Millennium Trails by the White House. Suitable for day or multi-day trips, the Cascadia Marine Trail has over 50 campsites to visit including many in the San Juan Islands. People can boat to the campsites from many public and private launch sites or shoreline trailheads.
By bus
For travelers going to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal from Seattle, Everett or Bellingham without a car:
By public transit
By boat
The San Juan Islands are one of the most popular areas for cruising on small craft in North America.
By seaplane
By bus
San Juan Island has bus services that stop at most points of interest. Orcas and Lopez have taxi and charter services that need to be arranged in advance.
By ferry
The four largest islands are connected by Washington State Ferries. One vessel is dedicated to making several interisland loops throughout the day.
By boat
The San Juan Islands are the most popular sailing charter area in the Pacific Northwest and one of the most popular destinations for cruising on small craft in the United States.
By bike
The winding paved roads of the main islands are ideal for exploring by bike. This is particularly true of Lopez Island, the flattest of the large islands.
By foot
Many trails dot the various islands and state parks, giving travelers an insightful view of their surroundings.
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Friday Harbor · Regional · FRD
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Eastsound is the commercial hub and largest population center on Orcas Island, in the San Juan Islands of Washington State. Artists, craftspeople and chefs from across the island operate shops along its short waterfront and lively main street, while those seeking the quiet island life come here to outfit their stay.
Friday Harbor is the main city on San Juan Island, the most populous of the San Juan Islands. It is also the county seat of San Juan County.
Orcas Village (sometimes called Orcas Landing or just Orcas) is on the southern tip of Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands of Washington State. The village is built around the island's only Washington State Ferries dock, making it the primary entrance to the largest of the San Juan Islands, as well as a pleasant place to wait for the outgoing ferry.
Roche Harbor is a small town on the northwest coast of San Juan Island, namesake of the picturesque San Juan Islands group. This bustling yacht and floatplane harbor makes a good base for exploring the island.
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