Island Hopper
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Escape city life on a trip to the Puget Sound’s premier weekend destination, the San Juan Islands. This trip can also be taken by car and ferry, departing from Anacortes.
Day 1
Make your getaway from Seattle to the San Juan Islands aboard a floatplane. Have the pilot touch down near Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Rent a moped to explore the back roads of the island. Stop for a wine-tasting at San Juan Vineyard and pet the alpacas and buy a sweater at Krystal Acres. Be sure to also check out American Camp and British Camp on opposite sides of the island, both a part of the San Juan Islands National Historic Park, which memorializes an international scuffle started over a pig.
Day 2
Spend the morning whale-watching, either on a motorboat or on a kayak tour, in search of breaching and spyhopping killer whales. Then jump aboard the ferry to Orcas Island and take the shuttle bus to Moran State Park. Set up camp for the night, or stay at the park’s guesthouse, then explore. Ply the park’s lakes for fish, or hike up to the rumbling Cascade Falls.
Day 3
Moran State Park is home to the island chain’s highest peak, Mount Constitution. Wake early and trek four miles up to the top for an unbeatable view of the Sound. Then pack up and head out for a ferry over to the flat, bike-friendly terrain of Lopez Island. Arrange for Lopez Bicycle Works to bring you bike rentals and tour the island on two wheels. Stay the night on Lopez and hitch a floatplane back to Seattle in the morning.
© Ericka Chickowski from Moon Washington, 8th edition
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