The San Juan Islands are nestled in between the US. mainland and the southernmost part of Canada, Victoria B.C. Back in 1859 a war almost broke out between England and the U.S. over who these islands belonged to. It was eventually left up to a third party to decide. The arbitrator was the leader of Germany at the time, Kaiser Wilhelm. He sided with the U.S. and from that point on the San Juan islands belonged to us. And if you get a chance to go visit the islands you will be glad the Kaiser voted that way because they are a hidden gem right in Seattle's backyard.
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| Gardens at Roche Harbor |
Friday harbor is the main town amongst the islands. Its quirky shops and bookstores keep the tourists and locals entertained, while a storied company town history still shines through on San Juan as shown in the Co. store and historic lime kilns at Roche Harbor.
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| Lime Kiln Lighthouse |
Most of the business these days is from tourist, although one farmer has found a way to be independent from that economy by raising award winning alpacas. We always stop in when we are there to give them a pet and a quick bite to eat before taking in some of the more historical and scenic stops like lime kiln point and the cute lighthouse there.
Other islands boast wilderness opportunities, like Sucia Island. It is a state marine park and with no ferry service you have to have your own boat to get out there. Once there it is crisscrossed with trails, beautiful coastline, great kayaking, and some wonderful geology. The sandstone formations have been carved into natural works of art by all the wind and rain and winter storms. Isolated rocks house harbor seal and stellar sea lion haulouts, and families of river otters scamper around the shoreline. It feels as though the hustle and bustle of Seattle is far, far away.
The San Juan Islands are nestled in between the US. mainland and the southernmost part of Canada, Victoria B.C. Back in 1859 a war almost broke out between England and the U.S. over who these islands belonged to. It was eventually left up to a third party to decide. The arbitrator was the leader of Germany at the time, Kaiser Wilhelm. He sided with the U.S. and from that point on the San Juan islands belonged to us. And if you get a chance to go visit the islands you will be glad the Kaiser voted that way because they are a hidden gem right in Seattle's backyard.
Friday harbor is the main town amongst the islands. Its quirky shops and bookstores keep the tourists and locals entertained, while a storied company town history still shines through on San Juan as shown in the Co. store and historic lime kilns at Roche Harbor.
Other islands boast wilderness opportunities, like Sucia Island. It is a state marine park and with no ferry service you have to have your own boat to get out there. Once there it is crisscrossed with trails, beautiful coastline, great kayaking, and some wonderful geology. The sandstone formations have been carved into natural works of art by all the wind and rain and winter storms. Isolated rocks house harbor seal and stellar sea lion haulouts, and families of river otters scamper around the shoreline. It feels as though the hustle and bustle of Seattle is far, far away.
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