San Juan County , Washington is a hauntingly beautiful island community, and the most northwestern chain of islands in the country. At low tide, 743 islands can be seen, while 176 named islands remain visible even at high tide. The smallest of
Washington's counties, San Juan County covers 175 square miles and over 70% of that is water. The 2000 Census data showed the population as just over 14,000.
The only way to reach San Juan County is by private boat or plane, or by the
Washington State Ferry system, which serves the four main islands:
Shaw, Lopez, San Juan and
Orcas Islands. These islands are where the majority of the population lives. Blessed with 247 days of sunshine on a yearly average, San Juan County receives half the rain of
Seattle, making the area a perfect getaway for sun-seekers. The towering
Cascade Mountains loom fifty miles to the east of San Juan County, sheltering it from winter's Canadian cold fronts. The
Olympic Peninsula
and Vancouver Island serve as protection from the rains that soak most of the
Pacific Northwest . Summer temperatures rarely rise above 80 degrees and winter temperatures remain mild. One to two snowfalls per year become a treat rather than a burden. The weather of San Juan County brings it somewhere close to Paradise.
The ferry leaves from Anacortes City and the first stop is Lopez Island, the flattest of the islands and perfect for cycling through its quiet, scenic landscape. Woodlands mix with fertile farmland on Lopez, along with one
state park and several
county parks. The
Tour de Lopez will be in its second year in April of 2005, a non-competitive bike tour through this beautiful island and the 2,200 residents welcome their guests with art and craft shows and music.
Enchanting Orcas Island is home to the half-mile high Mount Constitution in the
Moran State Park , offering 360-degree panoramic views that reach from Canada to the Cascades. Small hamlets and villages comprise most of the island, with Eastsound serving as its commercial and cultural center. Fine dining and specialty boutiques are found here, as well as a
Community Theatre and a rustic
museum housed in six log cabins built in the early 1800's. The Orcas Island
Country Golf Club brings patrons from all over the world to play on this wonderful course winding through gently rolling hills and surrounded by vast beauty. Orcas Island's diverse landscape, changing from beautiful beaches and coastline, lush agricultural farmland, to rolling hills that turn into mountains, make it San Juan County's best choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Sea kayaking, hiking and biking, camping in the pristine acreage of the state park, as well as fantastic fishing in the glittering lakes that dot the island, are enjoyed by tourist and residents alike.
San Juan Island is the county's largest and most populated area. The waters of Haro Strait hug the west end of the island, where yearly migrations of the black and white Orca whales can be viewed. The
Lime Kiln Point State Park provides trails up to cliffs for the best viewing. In different seasons, Minke whales, porpoises, otter and seals make their appearances.
Friday Harbor serves as the county seat, and this lively seaport is San Juan Island's largest town. Rustic pubs such as the
Blue Dolphin Cafe and
Herb's Tavern offer a salty taste of true island living. Fine dining is found at the
Place Next to the San Juan Ferry , which displays a menu of gourmet cooking as long as its name. Intriguing attractions such as the
Afterglow Mausoleum and the
Whale Museum are just a few of the many things to see while on San Juan Island. Friday Harbor lodging possibilities range from camping to fine bed & breakfasts found in charming historic inns.
For those seeking simple quiet beauty, Shaw Island provides it. The single commercial operation on the island is the
Little Portion Store , run by Franciscan nuns. It offers groceries and supplies for campers and residents, and serves as the Ferry stop. The
Shaw Island County Park , found directly on the beach, is a seaside camping Paradise, and one of San Juan County's best-kept secrets.
With gorgeous weather, four distinct personalities of its inhabited islands, and beauty surrounding it on every side, San Juan County Washington provides a wond erful destination to visit or to build a
life.
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