These Stunning Islands In Washington Offer Scenic Views That Are Well Worth A Day Trip

From Anacortes, Washington — two hours north of Seattle — there's a scenic ferry service run by the state's Department of Transportation. The Anacortes terminal runs services to four different destinations that are all part of the beautiful San Juan Islands about 14 nautical miles from the coast. The archipelago comprises over 100 islands and reefs, but not all are accessible to visitors. However, there's plenty to see on those that are. San Juan's wildlife, beaches, and views of the Pacific Northwest's waters and mountains also make these hidden-gem islands worth adding to your bucket list.

Much of what drew settlers to the archipelago was thanks to the traditional custodians of the islands who first inhabited them. Many credit the Coast Salish First Nations tribes for practicing stewardship mindful of land and marine ecosystems and resources. Their descendants still call the San Juan Islands home, with artwork and other landmarks paying tribute to their history and ancestors. 

There are four main islands that visitors can typically access: Lopez Island, Orcas Island, San Juan Island, and Shaw Island, which is the smallest one accessible by ferry. Choosing which island to visit for a day trip depends on preferred activities. Shaw Island's more diminutive stature arguably offers the "least" to do in terms of modern recreational activities, but it's an ideal destination for a tranquil place to take in nature. Beyond its single general store, there aren't many commercial businesses, but Shaw is home to multiple nature preserves and at least one secluded beach. Country Park's campsite is the only overnight accommodation on Shaw Island. If you don't plan on camping, check ferry schedules to ensure you return on time.

Shaw Island's undisturbed nature is part of what makes it a relatively undiscovered and incredibly scenic. Lush greenery from trees seems to surround everything, even its sole modest Library & Historical Society. The University of Washington owns several of the island's biological preserves, some of which offer a rare glimpse at wildlife, including mink, sea otters, and river birds. Washington state is also one of the best destinations for whale-watching. 

Though not as sparsely populated, San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez offer plenty of solitude. Orcas Island arguably offers the best of both worlds, with ample nature preserves and hiking areas with stunning views. Visitors can "go to town" on Orcas Island; some areas have more shops, restaurants, and bars. One commercial center is Eastsound, a small village located just north of the bay that separates the two sides of Orcas Island. It's even got a bit of an arts scene, with several galleries in its central area.

That leaves Lopez Island and San Juan Island, which certainly deserve more than an honorable mention. Lopez Island offers wholesome farm experiences, including the opportunity to purchase products from small, independent farm stands, observe farm animals, and even enjoy on-farm yoga. It has a small downtown area with restaurants, markets, and cafes. Finally, San Juan Island has what might be the most significant commercial area of the islands, Friday Harbor, which is bustling with activities from museums to whale watching to beach-going. Head up Young Hill for sweeping vistas of Garrison and Westcott Bays, or visit South Beach to catch sunset over the Juan de Fuca and Haro Straits. 

While the Pacific Northwest is known for being grey and rainy most of the year, the San Juan Islands are a bit different thanks to the surrounding Olympic Islands shielding them from moist air. That creates a mild, drier climate in the San Juans throughout the year. Summer and autumn offer some of the area's most popular events, like the annual summertime San Juan County Fair and Savor San Juan every fall.

The Washington State Ferry service offers multiple trips to all four islands. However, routes vary throughout the day, and some changes occur on weekends and public holidays, so it's essential to check the schedule before departure. Reservations are also recommended. For the most part, the schedule does allow for day trips to any of the islands from Anacortes. All of the islands except Shaw also have small regional airports that service commercial flights from nearby cities like Seattle, Washington, and Victoria, B.C. in Canada. Travelers can fly into Orcas Island Airport, Lopez Island Airport, and Friday Harbor Airport.

Except for Shaw Island, which has one of the best West Coast spots for beach camping as its only accommodation option, the islands provide a range of lodging for overnight stays. On the higher end, the Web Suites at Friday Harbor offer five-star vacation rental suites, starting at about $390 per night. A more budget-friendly option on San Juan Island is the Juniper Lane Guest House, starting at $175 per night. On Orcas Island, Pebble Cove Farm offers whimsical cottages and suites alongside an animal sanctuary, starting at about $190 per night. Finally, on Lopez Island, visitors rave about the Edenwild Boutique Inn, which offers rooms and cottages for about $270 per night.