Lopez Island

Lopez Island is the third largest island among the San Juan Islands in Washington, U.S. It is spread in an area of 29.81 square miles (77.207 km²). Lopez Island was initially known as the Chauncey Island after Isaac Chauncey, an American naval commander. It was in 1847 that Henry Kellett named the island Lopez after Gonzalo López de Haro, the first European to discover the San Juan Islands.

The major attractions on the north end of the Island are the Odlin Park and the Spencer Spit State Park. Shark Reef, another beautiful park, is located near the center of the island. Sperry Peninsula, which was bought by Paul Allen, founder of Microsoft, in the late 1990s, is situated on the south-east corner of the island.

Being much flatter than the other major San Juan Islands, Lopez is a favorite destination for bicycle tourists. The age-old custom of waving at each pedestrian, bicyclist, or a motorist is locally famous here. No doubt, Lopez is known as the friendliest island of the San Juan Islands. Lopez is known for the firework show that is organized here annually, on July 4th. This show is held at the Fisherman Bay and the fireworks are set off from the Ottis Perkins Day Park.

Another place to visit in Lopez is the Lopez Island Historical Museum that features various artifacts depicting Lopez’s significant contributions in farming, fishing, and maritime. This museum aims at preserving the history of Lopez and that of the San Juan Islands. Lopez Island has the highest per capita volunteer ratio in the entire Washington. Besides, it is very expensive to own land in this island.

Important tourist attractions in the Lopez Island include the Odlin County Park, Agate Beach County Park, Otis Perkins Day Park, Spencer Spit State Park, Shark Reef Sanctuary, and the Upright Channel Park.

• Website: www.lopezisland.com