Washington State Islands: Secluded Beaches, Views and Recreation

Washington State

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Question: What makes the islands in Washington State stand out?
Answer: If there is one part of the Washington State that stands out in this spectacularly beautiful part of the country, it is its islands. Covered with old forests mixed with rolling fertile hills, circled by miles of sandy beaches, and with views of the surrounding mountains, the Washington State islands are hidden jewels.
Question: What is the proximity of some Washington State islands to Seattle?
Answer: Some, linked to the mainland with bridges like Mercer, are a suburb of Seattle. Fairly close to Seattle, many islands are an escape for the busy and affluent from the stress of life.

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1. Orcas Island

Orcas Island

What is Orcas Island?
- Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands, located in northwestern Washington state.
Where is Eastsound located on Orcas Island?
- At the northern end of the island (video) is the village of Eastsound, the largest of several quaint villages and hamlets on the island.
Why is Orcas Island called “The gem of the San Juans”?
- Locals call Orcas Island “The gem of the San Juans” because it offers a thrilling mix of magnificent shoreline, 2,409-foot-tall Mount Constitution, fertile rolling hills, dense forests with waterfalls, and an endless ocean stretching to the horizon.
What activities can visitors enjoy on Orcas Island?
- The island is fantastic to explore on a bike or on foot, along curving country roads that pass by ancient apple barns, artists’ studios, and small villages.
What is special about Constitution Mountain?
- Constitution Mountain is part of the 5,252-acre Moran State Park, featuring several clear blue lakes and over 38 miles of hiking trails. Visitors can hike up the mountain to enjoy a breathtaking view of snow-capped Mount Baker and the island-dotted sea.

2. San Juan Island

San Juan Island

What is San Juan Island?
- San Juan Island is located in northwestern Washington and is the second-largest of the San Juan Islands.
How is San Juan Island connected to the mainland?
- The island is connected to the mainland by Washington State Ferries, which dock at Friday Harbor, San Juan Island's major town.
What historical sites can visitors explore on San Juan Island?
- The old landmarks and remnants of British and American camps are now part of the San Juan Island National Historical Park.
What is the University of Washington’s connection to San Juan Island?
- Just outside Friday Harbor is the University of Washington’s marine research lab and campus, which was established in 1909.
What are some interesting places to visit on San Juan Island?
- Other interesting places to visit include the Whale Museum, the new art museum, the San Juan Community Theatre, and the outdoor sculpture park near Roche Harbor.
Where can visitors watch orcas on San Juan Island?
- Lime Kiln Park is the best place to sit and watch orcas swim by.

3. Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island

What is Bainbridge Island?
- Located in the heart of Puget Sound, Bainbridge Island is a picture-perfect island with spectacular views in all directions.
What are the notable scenic views from Bainbridge Island?
- From Bainbridge Island, visitors can see the Cascade Mountain Range and Puget Sound to the east, the Olympic Peninsula and Olympic Mountains to the west, and Mount Rainier magnificently looming from the southeast.
Why is Bainbridge Island a popular destination?
- The island is a wonderful place to live and a popular tourist destination. It is famous for its wineries, a craft brewery, an organic distillery, charming B&Bs, and miles of hiking and biking trails through lush parks.
What makes Winslow a great place to visit?
- The picturesque village of Winslow is just a short walk from the ferry, offering a perfect introduction to the island. It features a waterfront park full of quaint restaurants and a lively marina.

4. Camano Island

Camano Island

What is Camano Island?
- Camano Island is a large island in Puget Sound located between the mainland and Whidbey Island.
How can visitors access Camano Island?
- The island is accessible via the Camano Gateway Bridge.
What makes Camano Island special?
- Camano Island is an unspoiled paradise with rolling hills, a rarely crowded shoreline, and a rich array of wildlife in ancient evergreen forests. The island features a big sky with bald eagles soaring above and blue herons strolling along the beach.
What state parks are on Camano Island?
- The island has two state parks:
  - Camano Island State Park – A 134-acre camping park covered in protected forest with a rocky beach, hiking trails, fishing, boating, and scuba diving.
  - Cama Beach State Park – Features a lovely small beach, charming restored cabins, and long trails through the forests.
What festivals take place on Camano Island?
- Camano Island is famous for its numerous festivals, including:
  - Port Susan Snow Goose and Birding Festival – February
  - Spring Art Show – June
  - Stanwood–Camano Chili & Chowder Cookoff – November

5. Fidalgo Island

Fidalgo Island

What is Fidalgo Island?
- Fidalgo Island is an island in Skagit County, Washington, located about 60 miles from Seattle.
How is Fidalgo Island connected to the mainland and other islands?
- The island is separated from the mainland by the Swinomish Channel and connected by the iconic Rainbow Bridge. Deception Pass separates it from Whidbey Island.
What is the main city on Fidalgo Island?
- The main city on the island is Anacortes, often called the "gateway to the San Juans."
What are some popular events in Anacortes?
- Anacortes hosts several popular annual events, including:
  - Spring Wine Festival – April
  - Anacortes Waterfront Festival – June
  - Anacortes Arts Festival – August 1 - 3, 2025
Why is Anacortes gaining recognition in the art community?
- Anacortes is gaining a reputation for its art galleries, which feature works of local and well-established artists.
What outdoor activities are available in Anacortes?
- Washington Park is a 220-acre park in the heart of the city, featuring lovely hiking and biking trails.
What is special about Deception Pass State Park on Fidalgo Island?
- Part of the famous Deception Pass State Park is located at the south end of Fidalgo. It is a hikers’ heaven with old-growth forests, beautiful beaches, rich wildlife, and 38 miles of hiking trails.

6. Whidbey Island

Whidbey Island

What is Whidbey Island?
- Whidbey Island is located in Puget Sound, just north of Seattle, Washington. The island is picturesque and rugged, with miles of beaches, rolling hills, and fertile farmland.
What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy on Whidbey Island?
- Deception Pass State Park, located on the island’s northwest tip, offers fantastic hiking opportunities with spectacular clifftop views, trails through dense old forests, and crystal-clear freshwater lakes.
What historical sites are on Whidbey Island?
- In the southern part of the island, Fort Casey Historical State Park is home to a historic gun battery and a lighthouse.
What are some notable towns on Whidbey Island?
- The island has several quaint coastal towns. Coupeville, Langley, and Oak Harbor feature restaurants, shops, cafes, and art galleries.
What is the Penn Cove Musselfest?
- Be sure to check out the Penn Cove Musselfest from March 7th-9th, 2025 in Coupeville.

7. Harstine Island

Harstine Island

What is Harstine Island?
- Harstine Island is located in southern Puget Sound, west of Case Inlet, just under 10 miles from Olympia. It is easily accessible from the mainland via a bridge near the end of the Kitsap Peninsula.
What is the landscape like on Harstine Island?
- Most of the island is rural, undeveloped, and heavily forested.
What are the best ways to explore Harstine Island?
- The best way to explore its shady country lanes is on a bike or by paddling around the island’s gnarly shores in a kayak, a great way to spot seals or whales.
What makes Harstine Island unique?
- Towering evergreens evoke a timeless atmosphere of a world long gone.
What parks can visitors explore on Harstine Island?
- The island has three great parks, including:
  - McMicken Island State Park – Features 1,661 feet of shoreline and is known for its serene cove, where visitors can throw an anchor and relax.
Are there hiking opportunities on Harstine Island?
- Yes, the island offers great hiking trails through a forest full of wildlife.
What is the Wild Felid Advocacy Center?
- The Wild Felid Advocacy Center is a sanctuary for cats, both big and small, ranging from abandoned household cats to leopards and cougars.

8. Herron Island

Herron Island

What is Herron Island?
- Herron Island is a tiny, 300-acre island located in the southern part of Puget Sound.
Who owns Herron Island?
- Most of the island is owned by the HMC corporation, which comprises the property owners. The rest of the land is owned by private individuals.
How can people access Herron Island?
- The island is accessible by the corporation ferry, which is reserved for residents and their guests.
What areas and amenities are managed by the HMC corporation?
- The corporation owns several key areas and amenities, including:
  - North Beach Park – Features a small boat dock.
  - South Beach – An undeveloped shoreline.
  - Goodpastor Park – Includes adjacent wetlands.
  - Public infrastructure such as roads, a fire station, a community building, the ferry and ferry docks, and the water system.
What is the environment like on Herron Island?
- With only a few hundred inhabitants, the island remains quiet and serene, completely unspoiled, with forested areas, wetlands, and trails crossing the island.
What wildlife can be seen around Herron Island?
- The quiet waters surrounding the island are often visited by passing whales and dolphins.

9. Lopez Island

Lopez Island

What is Lopez Island?
- One of the largest San Juan Islands, Lopez Island is 15 miles long and has 63 miles of shoreline.
What is the landscape like on Lopez Island?
- The island is covered in lush forests and rolling farmlands, with deserted beaches and quiet bays, all overlooked in the distance by snow-capped Mount Baker.
What is the largest community on Lopez Island?
- The largest community on the island is Lopez Village, featuring charming shops, quaint cafes, a library, a historical museum, and several art galleries.
Who were the first settlers on Lopez Island?
- Scandinavian farmers first discovered the island in the 1850s. Later, artists were drawn to the island’s magnificent nature and its relaxed village vibe.
What can visitors find at the Lopez Island farmers' market?
- The local farmers’ market is a delight, offering a variety of local produce, including pears, apples, kiwis, and local grapes.
What animals can be seen on Lopez Island?
- Llamas and sheep can be seen grazing peacefully on the green hills.

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Table of Contents:

1. Orcas Island
2. San Juan Island
3. Bainbridge Island
4. Camano Island
5. Fidalgo Island
6. Whidbey Island
7. Harstine Island
8. Herron Island
9. Lopez Island