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San
Juan County , Washington is a hauntingly beautiful
island community, and the most northwestern chain of
islands in the country. At low tide, 743 islands can be seen,
while 176 named islands remain visible even at high tide. The
smallest of Washington's
counties, San Juan County covers 175 square miles and over 70%
of that is water. The 2000 Census data showed the population
as just over 14,000.
The only way to reach San Juan County is by private boat or
plane, or by the Washington
State Ferry system, which serves the four main islands: Shaw,
Lopez,
San
Juan and Orcas
Islands. These islands are where the majority of the
population lives. Blessed with 247 days of sunshine on a
yearly average, San Juan County receives half the rain of Seattle,
making the area a perfect getaway for sun-seekers. The
towering Cascade
Mountains loom fifty miles to the east of San Juan County,
sheltering it from winter's Canadian cold fronts. The Olympic
Peninsula and Vancouver
Island serve as protection from the rains that soak most
of the Pacific
Northwest . Summer temperatures rarely rise above 80
degrees and winter temperatures remain mild. One to two
snowfalls per year become a treat rather than a burden. The
weather of San Juan County brings it somewhere close to
Paradise.
The ferry leaves from Anacortes
City and the first stop is Lopez Island, the flattest of
the islands and perfect for cycling through its quiet, scenic
landscape. Woodlands mix with fertile farmland on Lopez, along
with one state
park and several county
parks. The Tour
de Lopez will be in its second year in April of 2005, a
non-competitive bike tour through this beautiful island and
the 2,200 residents welcome their guests with art and craft
shows and music.
Enchanting Orcas Island is home to the half-mile high Mount
Constitution in the Moran
State Park , offering 360-degree panoramic views that
reach from Canada to the Cascades. Small hamlets and villages
comprise most of the island, with Eastsound serving as its
commercial and cultural center. Fine dining and specialty
boutiques are found here, as well as a Community
Theatre and a rustic museum
housed in six log cabins built in the early 1800's. The
Orcas Island Country
Golf Club brings patrons from all over the world to play
on this wonderful course winding through gently
rolling hills and surrounded by vast beauty. Orcas Island's
diverse landscape, changing from beautiful beaches and
coastline, lush agricultural farmland, to rolling hills that
turn into mountains, make it San Juan County's best choice for
outdoor enthusiasts. Sea kayaking, hiking and biking, camping
in the pristine acreage of the state park, as well as
fantastic fishing in the glittering lakes that dot the island,
are enjoyed by tourist and residents alike.
San
Juan Island is the county's largest and most populated
area. The waters of Haro Strait hug the west end of the
island, where yearly migrations of the black and white Orca
whales can be viewed. The Lime
Kiln Point State Park provides trails up to cliffs for the
best viewing. In different seasons, Minke whales, porpoises,
otter and seals make their appearances. Friday
Harbor serves as the county seat, and this lively seaport
is San Juan Island's largest town. Rustic pubs such as the Blue
Dolphin Cafe and Herb's
Tavern offer a salty taste of true island living. Fine
dining is found at the Place
Next to the San Juan Ferry , which displays a menu of
gourmet cooking as long as its name. Intriguing attractions
such as the Afterglow
Mausoleum and the Whale
Museum are just a few of the many things to see while on
San Juan Island. Friday Harbor lodging possibilities range
from camping to fine bed & breakfasts found in charming
historic inns.
For those seeking simple quiet beauty, Shaw
Island provides it. The single commercial operation on the
island is the Little
Portion Store , run by Franciscan nuns. It offers
groceries and supplies for campers and residents, and serves
as the Ferry stop. The Shaw
Island County Park , found directly on the beach, is a
seaside camping Paradise, and one of San Juan County's
best-kept secrets.
With gorgeous weather, four distinct personalities of its
inhabited islands, and beauty surrounding it on every side,
San Juan County Washington provides a wond erful destination
to visit or to build a life.
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