Did you know some of the cleanest air in the United States can be found in the San Juan Islands in Washington State?
Just a 90 minute drive north from Seattle followed by a thrilling ferry ride, and America's Pacific Northwest crown jewels bathe your eyes in beauty and lungs in clean air.
Prevailing winds from the Pacific Ocean mix with currents in the Strait of Juan de Fuca to carry air pollution particles away.
The
San Juan archipelago is made up of 750 green islands situated in crystal blue waters that blend with big sky, changing colors depending on the sun.
There are more WOW! vistas than you can imagine.
172 of the islands are named, and three are well-populated tourist destinations.
I recommend visiting the San Juan Islands in the summer (and probably September too) to take advantage of outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.
Killer orcas, seals, puffins, river otters, mink,
red fox and deer populate the islands, making wildlife viewing a
source of great pleasure and photo opportunities.
When you kayak or sail--and who wouldn't try one or both in one of America's sailing capitals?-- you may thrill to a pod of playful orcas, sea lions and seals, or as I saw on my first kayak adventure, many eagles.
The San Juan Islands are located in the rain shadow of Washington State's Olympic Mountains. They enjoy approximately 247 days of sun a year and significantly less rain than Seattle, 100 miles south.
Temperatures rarely go below 45 degrees in the winter or above 82 in the summer.
The three largest and most popular tourist destinations are Orcas, San Juan, and Lopez Islands.
Orcas Island is known as "The Gem of The San Juans" with rolling hills, Moran State Park, fresh water lakes, and numerous vistas including the highest vista on Mount Constitution, offering the best marine view of the islands.
San Juan Island is the 2nd largest island and most populated with tourist attractions at both Friday and Roche Harbors. Sea and land activities abound, including hiking plentiful trails.
Lopez Island is the flattest of the three and known as the friendly island. If you'd like easy bike riding, I'm told that this would be the place to go. I didn't get the chance.
I started my journey aboard the Washington State Ferry--the ride alone is worth going to the islands--and landed in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.
In Friday Harbor, I stayed within walking distance to the ferry terminal and downtown at a funky renovated spa motel called Earthbox Motel & Spa, which I recommend for the cozy feel, amenities that included internet wireless, an on-premise gym, pool and cafe.
Earthbox also offered bikes free of charge and a big comfortable bed. Within walking distance of Friday Harbor's center, I discovered a coffee shop called The Doctors Office located across from the ferry. I liked the food and vibe so much that I returned for breakfast and lunch two days in a row. They had vegan choices and a warm welcoming ambiance.
The next day I headed out to Roche Harbor, passing Whale Watch Park Lighthouse in Lime Kiln Point State Park.
I saw people picnicking near the lighthouse, no doubt, because this area is considered the best location on land to view orcas.
Along the way I stopped at Snug Harbor for my first kayaking experience. Fabulous!
Roche Harbor resort and marina (accommodating 377 boats) is steeped in tradition yet offers modern amenities, too, including a new spa. When I arrived, the first thing I noticed is that Roche Harbor is much more than a resort and marina, it's a village.
Listed on the National Register of Historical Sites, the Hotel de
Haro built in 1886 and a central part of the resort, has rooms with original antique
pieces, offering travelers an opportunity to step back in time. I felt this old world charm, and really appreciated experiencing the old with the new.
To read about my experience at Roche Harbor on San Juan Island, click here.
After my stay at Roche Harbor, I headed to the Washington State Ferry for one magnificent ride to Orcas Island.
I loved the rolling hills and bay inlets on Orcas. To read my reviews on Orcas Island including one of the best meals I've ever had at Doe Bay Resort and Retreat, please click here and here and here.
For information on travel to San Juan Islands click here.
Parts of my San Juan Islands experience were sponsored by San Juan Island Tourist Board, including Roche Harbor, Earthbox Motel & Spa, and Outlook Inn.
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