CROWN JEWELS OF THE PACIFIC COAST

Referred to as the "magic islands," The San Juans are a mystical attraction. They have drawn visitors since the 1800's, often enticing them to become residents. Originally occupied by Indians of the Skagit tribe, these islands were "discovered" in 1791 by a Spanish explorer.

Reachable only by boat or plane, this magic archipelago of 172 islands is tucked into the northwest corner of the United States, with the Canadian border just a few miles to the northwest. The San Juans are a small mountain chain created by uplift, carved by glaciers, and then mostly submerged, leaving only the tops of the chain's peaks and crags visible today.

Located in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, the San Juans enjoy a temperate, often sunny Mediterranean-type climate. The average temperature in the summer is 64 degrees. dropping to an average of 46 degrees for the winter months. Noted for its moderate climate and an average rainfall of only 19 to 26 inches (a little more than half that of Seattle), San Juan Island is a small island paradise of gentle rural beauty. The changing of the seasons in the San Juans is delightful.

Each of the islands is a jewel of timeless beauty and tranquility.

SAN JUAN ISLAND is the second largest inhabited island in the chain and the western-most stop off point for the Washington State Ferry, which transports passengers, vehicles and goods to the islands daily. The majority of San Juan Island's population is centered in and around the town of Friday Harbor, the seat of government for this all-island Washington county. Friday Harbor has the distinction of being the only incorporated community in San Juan County, prompting some residents of other islands to jokingly refers to it as "The Big City." The town with 1,900 residents prides itself on its small-town feel and the fact it is one of the last remaining 19th century fishing villages in the Puget Sound region. History runs deep in Friday Harbor.

ROCHE HARBOR is located at the northwestern tip of San Juan Island. A picturesque turn-of-the-century hamlet, it was the site of the Hudson's Bay Company trading post and the largest lime works in the west a hundred years ago. These days the sheltered, deep-water harbor serves as a boater's paradise, and is home to many luxurious boats.

ORCAS ISLAND is sometimes called the "Emerald Isle." Nearly horseshoe shaped, Orcas Island is the northern-most stop for the Washington State Ferry. During the 19th century, Orcas was home to Lummi Indians. In 1851, white settlers began arriving on Orcas and with them came the Hudson's Bay Company.

In 1905, after making his fortune as a Seattle ship builder, Robert Moran moved to Orcas Island. He built a family mansion which today is the showpiece of Rosario Resort, just down the hill from 4,000 acre Moran State Park.

LOPEZ ISLAND - The "Friendly Island" is the first Washington State Ferries stop from Anacortes. Five miles wide and twelve miles long , Lopez is the flattest and most pastoral of the San Juans. with more public access to beaches than any other island. Combined with several nationally acclaimed accommodations and restaurants, Lopez is a popular place for cyclists, kayakers, and folks looking for a quiet, relaxing vacation.

SHAW ISLAND - The serene island. Thought by many to be the most peaceful island, Shaw Island is the smallest of the four islands served by Washington State Ferries. The island is a haven for anthropologists and home to about 160 full-time residents. It encompasses only eight square miles, almost exclusively private property.

DECATUR ISLAND is named after Stephen Decatur, a U.S. naval officer during the war of 1812. Sixty or so people live on Decatur Island year-round and many more seasonally. There are 459 parcels with just 107 of them along the waterfront and only 228 parcels considered to be improved.

BLAKELY ISLAND is the namesake of Johnston Blakely, another U.S. naval commander in the War of 1812. It is also known as the Flying Island, because many of its residents are pilots with homes adjacent to the airport. They simply taxi their planes right up their driveways and park. Blakely covers seven square miles and holds a total of 276 parcels- 119 are waterfront and only 142 are considered improved.


Each of the islands is a self-contained microcosm of life unique unto itself.

A light approach to life best describes those who live here. All offer a friendly welcome to visitors who are careful to maintain the delicate balance between nature and humans on the islands.

Ferry image courtesy of Mark Gardner, Rain Shadow Gallery www.rainshadow-arts.com.

Reprinted with permission.

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