Of the many islands in the group, four are reached by state ferry for both vehicles and foot traffic. Most visitors set their sights on San Juan Island, Orcas Island and Lopez Island, and each has its own character and pace.
Drive On or Walk On
Bring a car and you are free to explore back roads and parks at your own rhythm. Leaving the car behind is a real option too, and the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau offers guidance on visiting car free. Schedules, fares and reservation rules shift by season, so check the official ferry and island visitor sites before you commit to a sailing.
Leaving Straight From Seattle
Skip the drive entirely with one of the companies that run transportation and tour options directly from Seattle, including Kenmore Air, Clipper Vacations and Evergreen Escapes. Each works a little differently, so compare what is included, how long the trip takes and where you will land.
Pick Your Island
More than 170 islands make up the archipelago, which became a national monument in 2013. On a first trip, focus on the three largest islands served by ferry.
- San Juan Island is home to Friday Harbor, the national historical park and Lime Kiln Point State Park, so head here first for history and whale watching.
- Orcas Island owes its name to a Spanish viceroy rather than the whales, since it is a shortened form of Horcasitas, given during a 1791 Spanish expedition.
- Lopez Island rounds out the main trio and suits travelers who want to slow right down.
For planning, browse the visitors bureau's island-by-island pages, pick up its printed guide or grab the free brochure and map.
Whales, Eagles and Island Wildlife
Resident orcas are the islands' great draw. Three resident pods feed on salmon here, while transient orcas pass through to hunt harbor seals. Keep your eyes on the water for Steller sea lions, minke whales, Dall's porpoises and river otters as well.
Spotting Orcas From Shore
Head to Lime Kiln Point State Park on San Juan Island, which ranks among the world's best places to see orcas from land. You do not need a boat to try your luck, just patience and a clear day. If you plan to watch from the water, follow the Be Whale Wise guidelines the visitors bureau promotes.
Birds and Forests
No part of the contiguous United States holds more bald eagles than these islands. Watch great blue herons and black oystercatchers working the shoreline, and look for trumpeter swans arriving in winter. On San Juan Island, western bluebirds, once pushed out by starlings, have returned thanks to volunteer conservation work.
Wander inland and you will walk through second-growth forests of Douglas fir, Pacific madrone, red alder and bigleaf maple, which have covered much of the land since heavy logging in the 1800s. Columbia black-tailed deer are the largest mammals you are likely to meet along the way.
Pig War History at the National Historical Park
The story behind the park begins with the 1846 Oregon Treaty, which set the border at the 49th parallel but left the water route through the islands unclear. Britain claimed Rosario Strait, while the United States claimed Haro Strait. Tax disputes with the Hudson's Bay Company on San Juan Island, followed in 1859 by an American settler shooting one of the company's pigs, grew into the standoff remembered as the Pig War.
Emperor Wilhelm I of Germany was asked to arbitrate in 1871, and the next year the border was fixed through Haro Strait, placing the islands in the United States. San Juan County followed in 1873.
American Camp and English Camp
Explore both sides of the story at American Camp and English Camp, the two sites of San Juan Island National Historical Park. Join one of the guided walks and tours that run regularly at both in summer, or set out to hike, bike, watch for wildlife, try a Junior Ranger program or forage in the historic orchards.
Horseback riding, weddings, picnics and commercial photography are among the activities that need a permit. If the visitor centers are closed when you arrive, open the NPS app for park stories and ideas. For current hours and seasonal schedules, check the National Park Service planning page for San Juan Island.
The First Peoples and the Island Names
Long before European ships arrived, the islands were home to Coast Salish peoples, including Lummi, Klallam, Saanich, Samish and Songhees speakers. Spanish explorers named many features in the early 1790s, which is why you will notice Spanish names such as Haro and Orcas here, while American names dominate Puget Sound to the south.
When to Visit
Come in summer for guided programs at the historical park and the best odds for outdoor plans. Winter has its own charm, with quiet beaches, uncrowded shops, spas and local wine to enjoy. Late in the year, catch holiday markets and tree lightings, and in other seasons look for farm tours and harvest dinners.
Start with the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau official site for current events, lodging categories and responsible travel tips.
Add a Few Days in Seattle
Many travelers wrap a few city days around their island escape. Browse our guide to things to do in Seattle for ideas, or explore Seattle parks for more water views and trails before you head north.
