Many visitors to San Juan Island come in search of the experience of boating around the area. Traveling between the islands is extremely common using sea kayaks. It’s exhilarating and enjoyable to operate a small ship on the Salish Sea, but it can also be very dangerous when the weather turns bad. Beaches, lighthouses, and island camping are just a few of the water features that make San Juan Island so popular. Make sure you have the appropriate gear before you enter the park. The National Park Service does not recommend the use of small open boats, canoes, open cockpit or sit-upon kayaks, or paddleboards for transit between islands due to Puget Sound’s strength and unpredictability. The kayak that is advised for use in the San Juan Islands is a sea kayak.
How Kayakers Can Find A Treasure Chest Of Camping In The San Juan Islands
Between Seattle and Canada, there is a little chilly sea that is home to a group of islands that were created by glaciers and volcanoes millions of years ago. Washington State includes the San Juan Islands. Also, they are resting on top of the same tectonic plate that is gradually encroaching beneath the westernmost tip of the United States, raising fears in the Pacific Northwest about an impending earthquake that might severely damage the entire region.
Yet, if you take the ferry from Anacortes n the San Juan Islands, kayaking you won’t be considering old geology or earthquakes. It’s more likely that you’ll become enchanted by the second-growth first, a variety of species, and an eccentric, outdoor-loving culture. With bald eagles, resident orca pods, harbor seals, and charming little communities that make you feel as though you’ve walked into a picture book, the San Juan Islands are a world unto themselves. Kayaking the San Juan Islands will allow you to visit secluded beaches, camping next to the water, whale watching, and much more.
Getting to the San Juan Islands
There are several routes to go from Washington State to the San Jauns. Of course, if you own or rent a large enough boat, you may depart from any waterway in Seattle. At the Ballard Locks, you can leave Lake Union by boat, or you can sail from just about any place on Puget Sound up into the Salish Sea. Take the San Juan Clipper from Seattle to get there in roughly three and a half hours if you don’t have access to a big boat.
If you’re in a group of three, chartering a plane is a surprisingly budget-friendly third alternative for transportation. For instance, Kenmore Air quickly and efficiently drops you down on San Juan Island, a short distance from the harbor, after departing from Boeing Field (also known as King County International Airport). The flight over Whidby and Bainbridge Islands, as well as flying much closer and lower than you can in a large commercial aircraft, is exhilarating. The only restriction is that you must weigh no more than 20 pounds when you travel.
The finest and most dependable alternative for someone traveling with a large lot of outdoor gear or with a full kayak in tow is the Washington State Ferry. (We also strongly advise bringing your kayak.) The San Juan Islands are accessible by ferry from Anacortes, and passengers can get out at any of the four major islands: Lopez, Orcas, Shaw, or San Juan. You’re welcome to bring your kayak or bike on board if you’re planning to ride or kayak the San Juan Islands, and you’ll get to take in the scenery as the ferry makes its journey there.
A round-trip ferry reservation to and from San Juan or Orcas Island is the first step that kayakers take. But, the website also invites visitors who have not made a reservation. Every ferry has a certain number of spaces reserved for walk-on customers according to a tiered availability mechanism. There are no bookings required, and the interisland boat is free for walk-on guests (or needed).
How Do You Choose Your Experience Among 13 Kayaking Locations In the San Juan Islands?
Knowing where to begin can be challenging when it comes to kayaking in the San Juan Islands because there are so many different alternatives. Each of the towns and islands—from laid-back Friday Harbor to Lopez Island’s nature refuge to active Orca Island—has a distinctive personality. What you hope to see also affects where you paddle. When the resident whale pods are in season, the locals can provide helpful hints on where to look, or you can try to observe where the whale-watching tour boats are pointing their bows. A campground close to the artistic Roche Harbor, where there is a sculpture park, can be a good choice if you’re seeking a blend of outdoor recreation and island adventure. Yet, given its proximity to hot springs, Doe Bay Resort is hard to beat if you’re looking to unwind.
Friday Harbor, first
It makes sense to start your exploration of the archipelago on San Juan Island. Friday Harbor acts as the San Juan Islands’ main entrance in various ways. The airfield is just up the hill from the harbor, the marina offers boat berths for a few days or longer, and one of the Washington Ferry ports drops off people there.
Enjoy breakfast at The Salty Fox, a quaint, locally owned coffee shop in a historic home that offers high-quality coffee, fresh, healthful food, as well as wine bottles and unique mementos. It’s difficult to top Downrigger’s, which is situated right off the port, if you’re in the mood for a seafood dinner with a view. The Friday Harbor Farmers Market, which is open on Saturdays, offers a wide variety of fruit, prepared foods, and crafts, as well as hip snacks such as momo ghar, a savory dumpling from Nepal.
In order to avoid the higher boat traffic and try to see the renowned orcas of the San Juan Islands, start your kayaking trip on San Juan Island by paddling southeast to the area between San Juan and Lopez Islands. At Turn Island State Park, a location off the coast of San Juan, you can set up camp. From the harbor, you can see the boats arrive and go and a trail around the island as well.
This island is located about 3.5 miles from Friday Harbor and just east of San Juan Island. There are two camping beaches available in addition to lovely beach locations, the north beach features at least four mooring buoys for sailing or motorboats. With roughly 12 sites, the west beach is preferable for small boat haul-up or sea kayak landing.
Roche Harbor 2.
Roche Harbor, on the opposite side of San Juan Island, has a completely different atmosphere. Many historic structures remain from the time when this area served as a company town and was utilized for the manufacture of lime. In reality, the Company Store, a charming village store on the harbor that sells all your essential foods, beer, wine, and a few other odds and ends, is where you can get all the goods you require for your kayaking journey across the San Juan Islands. At the Lime Kiln Cafe, immediately above the Company Store, you can also get a slice.
Every evening around sunset during the summer, Roche Harbor Resort performs The Color Ceremony. Before the resort, personnel jumps from the pier into the water, and a cannon is fired; the American, British, and Canadian flags are lowered to the melody of each country’s national anthem.
You can learn more about history in this place than just that. You can reach the island’s meandering sculpture park, its old cemeteries, and the modest huts that originally served as married lime workers’ lodging by taking a short stroll from the harbor. Once you’ve had your fill of Roche Harbor, you may paddle your way down to San Juan County Park across the choppy seas of Yacht Haven.
The frequent whale sightings, as well as the appearance of seals, foxes, and deer, are what draw Dyrt Campers to this location. Although the sites are quite modest, the sunsets are spectacular, and there is a small food store nearby in case you forget anything. There are fantastic hiking routes on San Juan Island that will take you further into the island’s interior if you need to stretch your legs after all that paddling. Simply keep an eye out for raccoons and have a bear canister to prevent them from stealing your delicacies.
Jones Island 3.
Paddle out from the bigger cities and leave San Juan Island behind for a more isolated outdoor experience. Jones Island is just a short paddle from its neighbors, giving you the impression that you are truly living the island life. The entire Jones Island is a Marine State Park, which is the best thing about it. It has 188 acres of wildlife, rustic camping, trails, and beaches. Jones Island has 24 first-come, first-served campsites, six composting toilets, and a herd of black-tail deer who are not particularly afraid of people.
Fourth Shaw Island
Shaw Island is a great option if you want to kayak the San Juan Islands and also go swimming. It’s also another fairly remote option. Among all the San Juan Islands, it has the warmest water. If you’re planning to take a yackpacking journey that involves multiple islands, it’s a wonderful place to stop and rest in between some of the larger islands. “Sitting on the beach and watching the ferries at night is a joy,” writes Dale P. of The Dyrt camp.
There is a store on the island if you need supplies, and the ferry does arrive here. Yet, as there are no markets, eateries, or shops, there isn’t much civilization to sully your nature experience as you explore the island by kayak or on its excellent biking routes. If Shaw Island’s isolation is any indication, some of the main inhabitants are farming nuns from the Our Lady of the Rock Benedictine abbey.
Fifth, Blind Island
Blind Island offers a genuine backcountry experience and is a stop along the Cascadia Marine Route. You’ll need to bring your own water for this part of your kayaking adventure on San Juan Island because there won’t be any fresh water available when you get there. Keeping your food enclosed is also a good idea because raccoons are known to be persistent. But if you can get one of the two campsites on the very top of the island, you’ll be rewarded with views of Mount Baker in addition to Shaw Island and Orcas Island.
Lopez Island No. 6
If you’re looking for eccentricity, you’ve come to the right place. Lopez Island is home to alpacas, wineries, and Nordic influences. Every spring, cyclists can take part in the Tour de Lopez, while kayakers can explore the kilometers of shoreline’s many amusing tiny beaches. During your tour, you can stop by the Lopez Island Memorial Library and Port Stanley Schoolhouse to discover more about the history of the island.
On Lopez Island, there are two distinct places to camp, including Odlin County Park, which offers a lot more conveniences than the rustic campgrounds you would find on some other islands. You can use the water, pit toilets, recycling, garbage collection, and showers in Lopez Village, which is close by.
Another option that is highly well-liked by those in the know is Spencer Spit, State Park. You must trek up from the coast because it is not a boat-in campsite. Having said that, they have kayak rentals for exploring the San Juan Islands, so if you are not bringing your own boat, this could be an excellent place to stay.
James Island No. 7
There are so many tiny marine parks to discover as you paddle around the San Juan Islands, which is one of the reasons why doing so is such a worthwhile objective for your bucket list. Another alternative for kayak campers who value peace and quiet is James Island, which can only be reached by boat. There are 13 rustic campsites, three of which are designated for watercraft propelled by people or the wind; motors are not permitted. The Rosario Strait may be seen in all its glory if you go up into the cliffs for a mile and a half.
Orcas Island, 8.
You’ll realize why Orcas are regarded as one of the San Juan Islands’ crown jewels from the moment you catch a glimpse of them. It’s also one of the biggest, covering 57 square miles, of which 5,252 acres are occupied by Moran State Park, which has 38 miles of hiking trails. You’ll adore the Orcas Island Artworks, a collective of 50 local artists on the island, if you like the sculpture park at Roche Harbor. The Orcas Island Historical Museums are great for history buffs since you can view the cabins where some of the island’s first white immigrants lived.
The Rosario Resort is among Orcas Island’s top attractions. When you first approach the port, it’s difficult to imagine that this was once a private mansion. Beautiful historical photos of the island, it’s maritime past, and the former residents may be found inside. You can view vintage furnishings upstairs and get an idea of what life was like in the early 20th century. Visitors will find stunning specimens of stained glass art as well as the 1,972-pipe Aeolian organ, which fills the whole center hall. While you’re here, grab a drink and play a round of croquet while seeing the waterfront.
If you’re coming to kayak the San Juan Islands, you’ll definitely prefer the more coastal camping options on Orcas, such as Obstruction Pass State Park and Doe Bay Resort and Retreat. Nevertheless, you may camp comfortably inland at a few different locations in Moran State Park.
On the southern tip of Orcas Island, 76 acres of untamed wilderness surrounding a mile-long stretch of open shoreline at Obstruction Pass State Park. However, you’ll need to bring your own water because the setting is somewhat reminiscent of “The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner,” with all that salt water in front of you and no fresh water to drink. Nonetheless, there are composting toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits.
For a less primitive experience, visit Doe Bay Resort & Retreat, which offers cabins, yurts, and tent and hammock camping sites. You can find a little inner calm, as well as massages, yoga, and live music, at a place called Meditation Point. Climb up Mt. Constitution for a workout before unwinding in the sauna or hot tub. The atmosphere of Doe Bay will be familiar to anyone who has gone to Breitenbush, Oregon.
Doe Island 9.
Unlike Obstruction, access to Doe Island Marine State Park is only via boat. You’ll have a beautiful view of Orca Island once you’ve paddled across the Salish Sea, not to mention the Sucia islands as well. Hundreds of years ago, the Central Coast Salish tribes, who arrived on the island by canoe, used this as a gathering spot. Today’s kayakers can use the same route to reach this gorgeous island.
Few could compare to Doe when I envision the ideal camping island while kayaking the San Juan Islands. This tiny island, which is located just southeast of Orcas Island, is really breathtaking. Landings are difficult because there is no dock and not much beach, but they are well worth it. The east side is the sole and ideal approach. On a clear day, you may see Mount Baker, Lummi, Cypress, and Blakely Islands, as well as the Rosario Strait.
No. 10 Patos Island
When kayaking the San Juan Islands, Patos Island is a must-see for experienced paddlers. It is the most isolated island in the archipelago and the northwest’s furthest point from the continental United States. From Patos, you can see the Canadian mountains on one side, the Cascades and the Olympics on the other, as well as the magnificent lighthouse from the 19th century.
You’ll need to bring your own water, much like on some of the other smaller San Juan Islands. Gregory offers attractive hydro packs in larger sizes, enabling you to carry three liters in your pack in addition to storage containers hidden elsewhere in your kayak.
Once you’ve made yourself at home, you’ll be in the middle of stunning BLM territory, surrounded by wildflowers and the tranquil San Jauns.
Sucia Island, in 11.
Sucia Island, another outstanding marine park in the San Juan islands, is regarded as one of the best boating locations in the entire globe. There are marine caves to explore in addition to miles and miles of beach, which is yet another reason to be grateful that you are kayaking in the San Juan Islands.
Sucia Island, the largest of the three outer San Juan Islands, is relatively large (in the broad scheme of things) and offers visitors a wide range of possibilities. When I lead excursions, I frequently bring little groups of kids to Sucia.
My preferred locations are Shallow Bay and Fox Cove. One of the tiniest coves on the island with mooring and camping spots is Fox Cove, which is on the southwest side of the island. The second-largest cove on Sucia, Shallow Bay, offers a variety of campsites, excellent beaches, and group camping areas. The China Caves are located on the sandy, warm-water Shallow Bay beach to the north. The Caves are entertaining to explore and have a fascinating past as a smugglers’ hideout. As there are just a few hundred feet separating Shallow Bay and Echo Bay, carrying kayaks across the island is much easier than paddling around it.
Matia Island 12.
The third of the outlying San Juan Islands and the ultimate private retreat is Matia, which is close to Sucia and Patos. The camping on Matia is extremely rustic, similar to some of the other kayak camping options in the San Juans, with the additional restriction that you are never allowed to light an open fire, regardless of the season. Of course, gas stoves are acceptable for cooking. You’ll need to carry water and follow the Leave No Trace guidelines of packing in everything you take out.
I enjoy camping on Matia Island and kayaking on the San Juan Islands. The least populated of the three outlying San Juan islands are typically Matia. Since the island is a wildlife refuge and not a state park, it is essentially undeveloped. There is a mile-long hiking track that passes through an old-growth forest that, in contrast to neighboring islands, was spared from being felled by settler loggers.
Clark Island 13.
Anyone who has kayaked about the San Juan Islands enough will agree that Clark Island is a great place to paddle. The west side of the island has strong currents, but if you have the strength to swim against them or can navigate the wakes left in the Rosario Strait by container ships, you can reach some of the best year-round camping spots. Before traveling to the Strait of Georgia and Clark Island, you can stock up at Blakely Island Marina.