NOVEMber 2023

San Juan Islands

Where:  northwest Washington

Directions: Washington State Ferries terminal in Anacortes

Good to Know:

* Dogs are welcome on Washington ferries and some transportation on the islands is dog-friendly.

The United States and Great Britain jostled over the exact boundary between America and Canada for decades. The Oregon Treaty of 1846 established the line along the 49th parallel of latitude across the land but things remain unsettled through the water. Today the San Juan Islands are an archipelago of 172 islands and reefs. Sixty are populated but mostly visitation is limited to four, the quartet that is serviced by the Washington ferry system. The San Juans are a climate outlier in the Pacific Northwest - sunny days are the norm and not the exception and the rainfall is half that of the nearby mainland city of Seattle.

Why so good:

THE PRESERVES.

It is best to arrive with a car where you can set out to visit the many parks and preserves that will welcome your dog. Most feature small, scenic trail systems that require less than one hour. Many of the roads and paths are remnants of old sheep trails.    

THE STATE PARKS.

Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juans with over 50 square miles. The centerpiece for outdoor recreation is 5,000-acre Moran State Park that serves up old-growth forest, a handful of lakes and 30 miles of trails. The summit of half-mile high Mount Constitution with 360-degree views can be purchased by car or paw power. Ellsworth Storey, one of Seattle’s most popular architects from the first half of the 20th century, designed the 52-foot lookout atop Mount Constitution to resemble a medieval watchtower. Built by Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps workers, the sandstone blocks were quarried on the island.

Lime Kiln Point State Park is a must-see destination in the San Juans - the only park in the world dedicated to whale watching (especially killer whales).

THE HISTORY.

After banging heads in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 the United States and England settled their differences in the San Juan Islands peacefully with the Pig War. the entire story is told at San Juan Island National Historic Park where dogs can accompany you on guided tours. The trailheads at this dog-friendly park feature mutt mitts. For a top beach, head for Grandma’s Cove at American Camp.