San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands have been attracting explorers and visitors ever since they were first discovered. Located in the Pacific Northwest, these islands are known for their magnificent natural beauty. These islands are a significant part of the San Juan Archipelago situated in the northwest corner of the United States.

Initially, San Juan Islands were included in the traditional area of the Central Coast Salish. The San Juan Island was first discovered by Gonzalo López de Haro, a European officer. It was in 1791 that the Spanish explorer, Francisco de Eliza charted these islands and gave them the name "San Juan"(Isla y Archipelago de San Juan).

The best thing about San Juan Islands is that each island is unique in its beauty, geography, and lifestyle of its residents. Most of these islands are very hilly. The tallest mountain here is Mount Constitution (800m). Besides, there are some fertile areas and valleys as well. Most of the San Juan Islands are included in the San Juan County, Washington. However, some of the islands in the furthest east like the Guemes, Cypress, Lummi, and Fidalgo Islands come under the mainland counties of Whatcom and Skagit.

The coastlines have both, sandy as well as rocky beaches. Other attractions here are the shallow and deep harbors, ochre-colored and gnarled madrona trees, reef-studded and placid bays, and evergreen fir and pine forests in the inland areas. The two main primary attractions in San Juan Islands are sea kayaking and orca-watching.

These islands are known for their wildlife. It is common to see harbor porpoises, Dall’s porpoises, orca (minke whales), river otters, sea lions, and kingfishers in the sea around the islands. Besides, one can also spot bald eagles, hawks, ospreys, and migratory birds like oyster catchers, cormorants, trumpeter swans, and Canada geese on trees. Among the terrestrial animals found here, red foxes, great Blue Herons, rabbits and deers are very common.

There are 3 main ferry systems that serve various San Juan Islands like the Lopez Island, Shaw Island, Orcas Island, Guemes Island, and the Lummi Island.  These include the Washington State Ferry System, the Skagit County ferry system, and the Whatcom County Ferry system. The major commercial activity in the San Juan County is done on the Lopez Island, the Orcas Island, and in Friday harbor on the San Juan Island.

• Mailing Address: San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, P.O. Box 1330, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
• Telephone: (888) 468-3701
• Website: www.guidetosanjuans.com