Off the coast of northern Washington and southern British Columbia, the San Juan Islands offer an affordable vacation for families. The 172 islands that make up this archipelago bordered by the Puget Sound and Strait of Juan de Fuca are known for their whale watching, sea kayaking, hiking, beach combing, biking and fishing. Lopez and Shaw Islands offer pastoral, scenic adventures on these Northwest islands.
Lopez Village for Shopping, Museum; Fisherman Bay for Kayaking
The ferry arrives from Anacortes, Washington, and Victoria, British Columbia, several times daily to the northern tip of Lopez Island. It’s almost five miles to Lopez Village, for dining, lodging and shopping. Kids of all ages will love Just Heavenly Fudge Factory. Pick up picnic supplies at the market, deli or bakery. Bicycle and kayak rentals are available in Lopez Village.
The Lopez Historical Museum, in the heart of Lopez Village, tells the stories of Lopez Island—from farming and communities to boating and maritime activities. Explore the large boats on the grass outside the museum. Inside the museum, photos of residents give a glimpse into the island’s past. Exhibits of a butter churn, carriage, Salish dug-out canoe and models of steamships built on Lopez Island are engaging.
Nearby Fisherman Bay affords a calm inlet for kayaking. Boaters take advantage of the bay’s two marinas.
Lopez Island’s Ideal Biking Conditions
Lopez Island’s flat terrain is ideal for bicycling. Safe roads and manageable grades make biking on this island easy for families.
Bicycle Lopez Island and pedal by fields of lavender and blackberries ripe for the picking. Roadside pastures where Scottish Highland cattle, Icelandic sheep or Belgian draft horses graze offer plenty of places to stop. Bicyclists should take bypass routes suggested by road signs.
Shark Reef Park, Spencer Spit State Park, Agate Beach Park
Hike less than a mile through old-growth forest of fir and cedar trees to the rocky promontory at Shark Reef Park, where San Juan Island is visible. Hundreds of seals lounge on the rocks just offshore. Swift ocean currents at Shark Reef caution kayakers and boaters.
Spencer Spit State Park’s 129 acres offer forest and beach hiking. The park’s mile of sandy beach borders a lagoon. Great blue herons, geese, kingfishers, rabbits, deer and raccoons frequent this state park.
Agate Beach County Park, at the south end of Lopez Island, is a good place to see cormorants and puffins or explore tide pools.
Shaw Island for Museum, Beachcombing
The Franciscan Sisters, who operate Shaw Island’s general store, often come out to greet the ferry as it arrives at this small island nestled between Orcas, San Juan and Lopez Islands. In addition to the general store, amenities at Shaw Island include a post office, library and museum.
The Shaw Island Historical Museum, two miles from the ferry landing, provides a view into this pristine island’s history. Constructed of logs from the original post office, the museum displays photos, farm implements and written records of island life. Across the street from the museum, the little red schoolhouse is still in use, serving children in grades K-8. Listed on the National Historic Register, the schoolhouse also has a computer room.
Lopez and Shaw Islands offer fun, affordable family day trips in the San Juan Islands. Biking, kayaking and hiking adventures as well as museum going provide something for everyone.
Susan Lynne Hamilton - Award-winning writer Susan Lynne Hamilton is the Topic Editor of Suite 101's Northwest U.S. travel section, showcasing its rich ...
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