"If there is one part of the Washington State that stands out in this spectacularly beautiful part of the country, it is its islands. Washington State’s island scene is all about wild beauty. Think forested trails, beaches, and charming small towns. "
After a short ferry ride from Seattle, I ended up exploring these unique islands, each with their own character and story. I loved hiking in Moran State Park and eating fresh seafood. Most importantly, I enjoyed a deep slumber at the end of a busy day.
Best Washington State Islands:
1. Unlock Adventure on Orcas Island: Hike, Kayak, and Soak in the Views
Rating: ★★★★★
Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands, located in the northwestern Washington state.
At the northern end of the island is the village of Eastsound, the largest of several quaint villages and hamlets on the island.
“The gem of the San Juans,” as the locals call Orcas, is a thrilling mix of magnificent shoreline, 2,409-foot-tall Mount Constitution, fertile rolling hills, dense forests with waterfalls, and endless ocean stretching to the horizon.
The island is fantastic to explore on a bike or on foot, along good, curving country roads that pass by ancient apple barns, artists’ studios, and small villages.
Constitution Mountain is part of the 5,252-acre Moran State Park, with several clear blue lakes and over 38 miles of hiking trails. I went hiking up the mountain to enjoy the breathtaking view of snow-capped Mount Baker and the island-dotted sea.
2. Plan a Perfect Getaway to San Juan Island: Where Wildlife Watching Wins
San Juan Island is located in northwestern Washington and is the second-largest of the San Juan Islands.
The island is connected to the mainland by Washington State Ferries, which dock at Friday Harbor, San Juan Island's major town.
The old landmarks and remnants of British and American camps are now part of the San Juan Island National Historical Park. Just outside Friday Harbor is the University of Washington’s marine research lab and campus, which was established in 1909.
Other interesting places to visit are the Whale Museum, the new art museum, the San Juan Community Theatre, and the outdoor sculpture park near Roche Harbor.
Lime Kiln Park is the place to sit and watch orcas swim by.
3. Escape to Bainbridge Island: Stroll, Sip, and Savor the Charm
Located in the heart of Puget Sound, Bainbridge is a picture-perfect island with spectacular views in all directions: The Cascade Mountains Range and Puget Sound to the east, the Olympic Peninsula and the Olympic Mountains to the west, and Mount Rainier magnificently looming from the southeast.
The island is a wonderful place to live, and is a popular tourist destination. It is famous for its seven wineries, a craft brewery, an organic distillery, charming B&Bs;, and miles of hiking and biking trails through the lush parks.
The picturesque village of Winslow is just a short walk from the ferry, a perfect introduction to the island with its waterfront park full of quaint restaurants as well as a lively marina.
Review:★★★★★ "I boarded the ferry from Seattle on a sunny morning. The views were amazing and it was the best start to my vacation. The island has so much to offer: shops, cafés, and beautiful coastal trails. I had time to visit the Bloedel Reserve but next time I plan to explore by bike. "
4. Discover Camano Island: If You Crave Quiet Beaches, Then This is Your Spot
Camano Island is a large island in Puget Sound located between the mainland and Whidbey Island.
The island is accessible via the Camano Gateway Bridge and is an unspoiled paradise with rolling hills, a rarely crowded shoreline, a rich array of wildlife in ancient evergreen forests, a big sky with bald eagles, and blue herons strolling along the beach.
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, and Cama Beach State Park, which has lovely small beach, charming restored cabins, and long trails through the forests. A popular tourist destination, Camano is famous for its numerous festivals.
5. Make the Most of Fidalgo Island: Hike, Explore, and Unwind by the Water
Fidalgo Island is an island in Skagit County, Washington, about 60 miles from Seattle. 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.
The main city on the island is Anacortes, called the "gateway to the San Juans.” Anacortes has a number of popular annual events such as the Spring Wine Festival in April and the Anacortes Waterfront Festival in June.
Anacortes is also gaining a reputation for its art galleries, which feature works of local and well-established artists. Washington Park is a 220-acre park in the heart of the city with lovely hiking and biking trails.
Part of the famous Deception Pass State Park is located at the south end of Fidalgo, a hikers’ heaven with old-growth forests, beautiful beaches, rich wildlife, and 38 miles of hiking trails.
Romantic Washington State Islands:
6. Bike, Relax, and Recharge: Lopez Island’s Laid-Back Magic Awaits
One of the largest San Juan islands, Lopez Island is 15 miles long and has 63 miles of shoreline. It is covered in lush forests and rolling farmlands, deserted beaches and quiet bays, overlooked in the distance by snow-capped Mount Baker.
The largest community on the island is Lopez Village, with charming shops and quaint cafes, a library, a historical museum, and a number of art galleries.
Scandinavian farmers fist discovered the island in the 1850s, and were later joined by artists attracted by the magnificent nature and relaxed village vibe.
The local farmers’ market is a delight with plenty of local produce such as pears, apples, kiwis, and local grapes. I loaded up on snacks there.
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