Washington State Islands

Location: Orcas Island, WA

Recommended For: Nature lovers, hikers, cyclists, photographers, and those seeking small-town charm or a quiet retreat.

What we Love: "From forested trails and rolling hills to sweeping ocean views — Orcas Island feels like it was crafted for peaceful exploration. Add in charming villages like Eastsound, and it’s a true island escape."

• Explore the scenic byways by bike or on foot, passing apple barns, artists’ studios, and quiet coastal villages.
• Visit the 5,252-acre Moran State Park—home to Constitution Mountain, crystal-clear lakes, and over 38 miles of hiking trails.
• Climb Mount Constitution for panoramic views of snow-capped Mount Baker and the San Juan archipelago.

Cost: No entry fee to the island; Moran State Park requires a Discover Pass for vehicle access.

Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for hiking, biking, and clear views from the summit.

Local tips: Start your trip in Eastsound for supplies, local eats, and ferry info—this village is the island’s heart.

Distance: A little over 2 hours from Seattle (including drive and ferry from Anacortes, WA).

How to Get to Orcas Island: Drive to Anacortes, WA, and take the Washington State Ferry to Orcas Island. Follow signs to Eastsound or Moran State Park once on the island.

Address:Orcas Island, WA 98280
Visitor Info: 360-376-2273

Location: San Juan Island, WA

Recommended For: History buffs, marine life enthusiasts, ferry travelers, art lovers, and nature seekers.

What we Love: "Between historic camps, orca sightings at Lime Kiln, and artsy hideaways in Friday Harbor, San Juan Island layers island charm with fascinating stories and soul-stirring scenery."

• Arrive via Washington State Ferry to Friday Harbor, the island’s vibrant main town filled with galleries, shops, and cafés.
• Wander through San Juan Island National Historical Park, where British and American camps once stood guard over disputed land.
• Watch orcas from Lime Kiln Point State Park — one of the best land-based whale-watching spots in the world.

Cost: Ferry fares apply; state park day-use fees may apply at Lime Kiln.

Best time to visit: Summer and early fall for wildlife viewing, mild weather, and ferry access.

Local tips: Visit the Whale Museum and University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Labs for a deeper dive into marine life and research.

Distance: About 3 hours from Seattle including the drive to Anacortes and ferry ride.

How to Get to San Juan Island: Drive to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal and take a Washington State Ferry to Friday Harbor. Most attractions are within a short drive once you arrive.

Address:San Juan Island, WA 98250
Visitor Info: 360-378-5240

Location: Bainbridge Island, WA

Recommended For: Scenic view seekers, wine and spirits fans, cyclists, hikers, and weekend getaway explorers.

What we Love: "Bainbridge is that effortless blend of ferry-accessible escape and natural splendor — think mountain views in every direction, coastal charm, and a walkable village packed with cozy cafés and waterfront magic."

• Admire sweeping views of Mount Rainier, the Cascades, and the Olympic Mountains from all over the island.
• Stroll through Winslow Village near the ferry — a hub of marina vibes, waterfront parks, and inviting restaurants.
• Tour local wineries, an organic distillery, and a craft brewery — all within easy reach of hiking and biking trails.

Cost: Round-trip ferry fare from Seattle applies; most attractions and parks are free to enjoy.

Best time to visit: Late spring through fall for clear mountain views, vineyard hopping, and trail adventures.

Local tips: Walk-on ferry passengers can explore Winslow on foot — no car needed for a perfect afternoon.

Distance: Just 35 minutes by ferry from downtown Seattle.

How to Get to Bainbridge Island: Take the Washington State Ferry from downtown Seattle. Upon arrival, follow signs into Winslow or venture further by car or bike to explore the island’s parks and trails.

Address:Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Visitor Info: 206-842-2636

Location: Camano Island, WA

Recommended For: Wildlife watchers, nature photographers, hikers, beachcombers, and travelers seeking a low-key Pacific Northwest escape.

What we Love: "Camano Island keeps it chill — no ferry needed, just wide-open skies, forested trails, and beaches where bald eagles glide and herons casually stroll by. It's an island escape without the crowd."

• Access the island easily via the Camano Gateway Bridge—no ferry required, just a scenic drive north of Seattle.
• Explore Camano Island State Park and Cama Beach State Park for quiet beaches, forest hikes, boating, and cozy waterfront cabins.
• Attend local festivals like the Spring Art Show and the Port Susan Snow Goose & Birding Festival for a taste of island culture.

Cost: No entrance fee for the island; Discover Pass required for state park access.

Best time to visit: Spring through early fall for birding, art events, and peaceful coastal hikes.

Local tips: Stop by Cama Beach’s historic cabins for a charming stay, and time your visit around one of the island’s quirky seasonal festivals.

Distance: About 1.5 hours north of Seattle by car.

How to Get to Camano Island: Drive north from Seattle on I-5, take Exit 212, and follow signs to Stanwood. From there, cross the Camano Gateway Bridge onto the island.

Address:Camano Island, WA 98282
Visitor Info: 360-629-7136

Location: Fidalgo Island, WA

Recommended For: Art lovers, hikers, event-goers, ferry travelers, and Pacific Northwest explorers.

What we Love: "Fidalgo Island blends forested beauty with vibrant art culture — from Anacortes galleries and waterfront festivals to the wild coastline of Deception Pass. It’s the perfect launchpad to adventure or just an inspiring stop on its own."

• Visit Anacortes, the island’s lively port town, known as the “Gateway to the San Juans” and packed with art galleries, waterfront restaurants, and walkable streets.
• Explore Deception Pass State Park at the island’s southern tip—filled with beaches, forests, wildlife, and 38 miles of trails.
• Celebrate local culture at events like the Anacortes Arts Festival, Waterfront Festival, and Spring Wine Fest.

Cost: Access is free; Discover Pass required for state park parking and entry.

Best time to visit: Late spring through summer for festival season and ideal hiking weather.

Local tips: Walk the Rainbow Bridge and explore Washington Park's trails for great photo ops without leaving Anacortes.

Distance: About 1.5 hours north of Seattle by car.

How to Get to Fidalgo Island: Drive north on I-5, take Exit 230 for Anacortes, and follow WA-20 west. Cross the Swinomish Channel via the Rainbow Bridge into the heart of the island.

Address:Fidalgo Island, WA 98221
Visitor Info: 360-293-3134

Romantic Washington State Islands:

Location: Whidbey Island, WA

Recommended For: Beach lovers, history fans, hikers, seafood seekers, and small-town wanderers.

What we Love: "Whidbey feels like a curated slice of the Pacific Northwest — think rugged shorelines, historic forts, charming seaside towns, and forests that lead to clifftop views. It’s where nature meets nostalgia."

• Hike through Deception Pass State Park, where dense forests open to clifftop lookouts and crystal-clear lakes.
• Explore Fort Casey Historical State Park and climb through historic gun batteries and a lighthouse perched on the bluff.
• Stroll through Coupeville, Langley, and Oak Harbor—charming towns with waterfront restaurants, art galleries, and boutique shops.

Cost: Island access is free by bridge or ferry; Discover Pass required for state park entry.

Best time to visit: Spring through early fall for mild weather, hiking, and local events like the Musselfest.

Local tips: Don’t miss the Penn Cove Musselfest in Coupeville (March 7–9, 2025) — it’s one of the tastiest weekends on the island.

Distance: About 1.5 to 2 hours from Seattle by car or ferry (depending on route).

How to Get to Whidbey Island: Drive north on I-5 and cross Deception Pass Bridge at the island’s north end, or take a ferry from Mukilteo to Clinton on the south end of the island.

Address:Whidbey Island, WA 98260
Visitor Info: 360-678-5434

Location: Harstine Island, WA

Recommended For: Kayakers, forest hikers, wildlife watchers, nature lovers, and travelers craving solitude.

What we Love: "Harstine Island is a quiet retreat wrapped in evergreens — where biking shady lanes and paddling gnarly shorelines can lead to surprise seal sightings or even whales. It’s peaceful, untouched, and beautifully wild."

• Explore by kayak or bike—meander shady roads or paddle the rugged shoreline for scenic and serene encounters.
• Hike wooded trails filled with birds and forest life, or relax at McMicken Island State Park’s calm cove and beach.
• Visit the Wild Felid Advocacy Center to meet rescued cats—from leopards to house cats—in a compassionate sanctuary setting.

Cost: Island access is free by bridge; Discover Pass required for state park entry. Some attractions may have admission fees.

Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for kayaking, hiking, and optimal wildlife viewing.

Local tips: Bring your own bike or kayak for full island access—there’s no ferry or public transit here, just peaceful self-guided exploring.

Distance: About 1 hour from Olympia by car.

How to Get to Harstine Island: From Olympia, take WA-3 North to Pickering Road. Continue to Harstine Island Bridge and follow signs into the island.

Address:Harstine Island, WA 98584
Visitor Info: 360-427-9670

Family-friendly Washington State Islands:

Location: Herron Island, WA

Recommended For: Residents, their guests, nature lovers, solitude seekers, and wildlife watchers.

What we Love: "With only a few hundred people and no public access, Herron Island is the definition of serene — a private paradise where forested trails meet quiet waters often graced by passing whales and dolphins."

• Relax on peaceful beaches like North Beach Park or South Beach—perfect for watching the tide or launching a kayak.
• Explore forest trails and wetlands at Goodpastor Park or spot marine wildlife just offshore in the calm Sound.
• Unplug in a community free from crowds—where amenities like the ferry, community building, and fire station are managed by and for property owners.

Cost: Access is private; only residents and their invited guests may use the ferry and island amenities.

Best time to visit: Spring through early fall for the best weather, wildlife activity, and tranquil outdoor time.

Local tips: Planning to visit? You'll need an invite from a resident and to coordinate ferry travel in advance through HMC.

Distance: About 1.5 hours from Seattle by car and ferry (private access only).

How to Get to Herron Island: Drive to the ferry terminal near Lakebay on the Key Peninsula. From there, board the private HMC ferry—only available to residents and their guests.

Address:Herron Island, WA 98349
Ferry & Info (residents only): Visit HMC’s member portal

Location: Lopez Island, WA

Recommended For: Cyclists, artists, nature lovers, farmers’ market fans, and peaceful getaway seekers.

What we Love: "Lopez Island feels like a breath of calm — with grazing sheep, deserted beaches, and Mount Baker rising in the distance, it’s equal parts farmland charm and coastal quiet. Add in cozy cafés and a legendary farmers’ market, and you’ll want to stay awhile."

• Explore 63 miles of shoreline and gentle inland roads perfect for biking past farms, forests, and grazing llamas.
• Stroll through Lopez Village to discover art galleries, quaint shops, a local library, and a relaxed island vibe.
• Sample local produce—from apples and pears to kiwis and grapes—at the seasonal farmers’ market.

Cost: Access via Washington State Ferry; no tolls once on the island. Farmers' market and most local attractions are free to explore.

Best time to visit: Late spring through fall for biking, fresh market produce, and quiet beach strolls.

Local tips: Bring your bike or rent one locally—Lopez is known as the “Friendly Isle” and is ideal for cycling.

Distance: About 3.5 hours from Seattle, including ferry from Anacortes.

How to Get to Lopez Island: Drive to Anacortes, WA, and take the Washington State Ferry to Lopez Island. Lopez Village is a short drive or bike ride from the ferry terminal.

Address:Lopez Island, WA 98261
Visitor Info: 360-378-9551