A while back I told you that we bought an annual Washington Parks Pass. For $135 we could stay on a WSP mooring buoy or dock for free (we needed to limit our length of stay to 3 days and go to shore and register each time). This was worth every penny. I think that they limit the number they sell, so apply early if you want to purchase one. They run from Jan 1 – Dec 31. There are a lot of boat charters available in this neck of the woods, and the Cascade Marine Trail runs through this area as well if you would like to Kayak. You can only stay at the Cascade Marine Trail campsites if you arrive on your own power. (kayak, SUP). The day we saw the orcas, there were kayakers in the water there as well. I think they could almost reach out and touch them! That must have been exhilarating!
Here is a listing that corresponds with the numbering on the map above. Favorites in order: Patos, Jones, Sucia, James
- Blind Bay – Shaw Island – This is a popular anchorage. The mooring buoys are exposed to ferry traffic. We enjoyed our stay here but only stayed two nights due to the wakes.
- Clark Island – this is more suited for kayaking and camping.
- Deception Pass – we passed this all the times we did the Fidalgo loop but did not stop with the boat. There is a marina there – (not a state park) but the park has campsites only. (we camped on land there twice)
- Hope Island – we also passed this by on our Fidalgo loop – always with a destination in mind so no stop.
- James Island – we have stopped there several times for lunch, practiced our dinghy launching, and practiced hooking up to a mooring ball. We always meant to go ashore and hike the island, but time is running out and that might not happen.
- Jones Island – our favorite! Mooring balls on both the north and south sides. The north side also has a dock. There are two fantastic hiking trails. Cannot recommend it enough.
- Matia – every time we stayed at Sucia we tried Matia. There is only one mooring ball. Never was free. Popular spot.
- Patos – PURE MAGIC. It took us two separate drive-bys to stay here. Only one mooring buoy for some lucky soul. We planned to stay 3 days but the weather rolled in and we had to leave. This was stunning. Such a long trip to be thwarted though. Not a good anchorage.
- Saddlebag Island – very shallow – kayak over only
- Skagit – passed by on the loop as well.
- Spencer Spit – John took us there once, we ate lunch on a mooring buoy there – he and his wife, Julie, took us for a whirlwind San Juan tour when we first moved here and pointed out sites and places we might be interested in visiting. They are SUCH a nice couple.
- Stuart Island – mooring buoys and docks at both Reid and Prevost Harbor. This was also one of our favorites. Infamous store in the woods and Lighthouse Hike. Also where we dropped the critical electric motor part in the water and Angus JUMPED in and saved the day!
- Sucia Island – we made our way here quite frequently. There are a lot of mooring balls, Several Hikes, MT Baker is popping from there (if it is not smoky or foggy!) A popular destination for boaters in PNW.
- Turn Island – this is off of San Juan Island. We checked several times and the buoys were exposed to the wind direction and would have made for a rolly night. After “Washing Machine Beach” we are particular about wind exposure 😛
There you have it. This is a boater’s paradise.
Talk Soon.