These Small Towns In Washington’s San Juan Islands

San Juan County encompasses an archipelago off the Northern Washington coast. The largest islands San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez contain most of the land area and majority of the population. A ferry ride across these islands and others in the archipelago can lead to places where the journey is only part of the appeal. For example, Friday Harbor has a historic theater, a whale museum, and an art museum tucked along its walkable streets. On Orcas Island, Eastsound brings together local pottery and a lively arts scene. Maritime heritage and wetland trails are the highlights of Lopez Island, while Shaw Island is ideal for nature enthusiasts with its many forest trails and nature preserves. To explore these destinations, the Washington State Ferries provides regular service to and from the gateway community of Anacortes, located 80 miles north of Seattle on the mainland, and the four islands.

Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

In the 1800s, San Juan County was created with Friday Harbor designated as the county seat. Friday Harbor saw incorporation in 1909 and remains the only incorporated town in the county. Located on the east side of San Juan Island, Friday Harbor supports a mixture of historic and artistic attractions. Located on First Street, a few blocks west from the ferry terminal, The Whale Museum displays both rotating and permanent exhibits including real whale skeletons. In 1979, the museum rented the second floor of the 1892 Odd Fellows Hall and by 1989 purchased the entire historic building for future generations to continue enjoying. Another few blocks to the west on Second Street, the San Juan Community Theatre maintains a regular performance calendar including theatre, opera, live bands, and more. Since 1989, the theatre has entertained island residents and visitors.

Located on Spring Street, a few blocks southwest of the ferry terminal, the Palace Theatre was originally built in 1915 by a couple of local residents who were actively involved in community events. Now the historic theatre regularly shows new movie releases. A few blocks southwest on Spring Street, the San Juan Islands Museum of Art showcases rotating exhibits and hosts a modest event calendar. The art museum celebrates creativity and community, and connects islanders and visitors. Friday Harbor offers a mix of activities within walking distance from the ferry service.

Eastsound, Orcas Island

Since the ferry disembarks on southern Orcas Island, riders are encouraged to make a reservation for their vehicle as the unincorporated community Eastsound is located on the north end of the island. Comparatively, the community offers the most activities on the island. On the drive up from the ferry terminal, on the west side of Eastsound, Orcas Island Pottery lends itself as an artistic stop along the way. With much of the pottery displayed outdoors, the studio also showcases their many unique dinnerware selections. Started in 1945 by Joe and Marclay Sherman, Julia Crandall bought the business in 1953, and her grandchildren continue the tradition as potters.

In Eastsound, current displays at the Orcas Island Historical Museums include an homage to the generations of island potters and clay workers. Created out of six disassembled and reassembled homesteader cabins, the museum collects and preserves islander artifacts for future generations to enjoy. North of town, the Orcas Center maintains an active entertainment calendar. The center features a mixture of live performances, music, and more. Eastsound supports a thriving artistic community making it worth the ferry ride.

Lopez Island

Lopez Island also warrants a car, or bike, reservation on the ferry as the terminal is located on the northern tip of the island and the unincorporated community is located on the northwest side of the island. One block away from the coastline, the Lopez Island Historical Museum informs the community through collections of photographs and objects including a 1920s dug-out canoe, a favorite among the permanent exhibits. Outdoor exhibits preserve Bastion Jevick’s gillnetter while a storied captain’s gig and more sits in the museum yard. The museum also shares the same block with the Lopez Village Park. The park offers public restrooms, showers and picnic tables. The park is also within walking distance of public shore access and Weeks Wetland Preserve. The 24-acre preserve features a short, rustic foot path leading to an observation deck preserving the area for migratory birds. Lopez Island offers outdoor enthusiasts immersion in nature.

Shaw Island

In the heart of the San Juan archipelago, Shaw Island is the last stop on this ferry ride. The ferry terminal is located on the northeastern corner of Shaw Island. From there, the Shaw Island Library and Historical Society exists in the center of of the island. The community-led museum offers year-round exhibits and programs. The current exhibit celebrates the fiber arts tradition from sheep to wool to wheel maintaining an active Fiber Circle calendar every other Monday evening. South from the library and museum, the Marilyn and Fred Ellis Nature Preserve welcomes outdoor enthusiasts to 344 acres of preserve. The easy to moderate Sylvan Loop Trail is a 2-mile pedestrian only path that offers views of Parks Bay and Tharald Pond from established overlooks. To the east, Shaw County Park offers up 60 acres of what was once a military reservation. The park boasts 3,249 feet of shoreline where Indian Cove’s shallow depths see sun exposure. Shaw Island lends itself as an outdoor enthusiasts’ playground.

Even though they’re part of the same archipelago, each island shares their own unique experience. As the only incorporated town in San Juan County, Friday Harbor supports a handful of museums and theatre options. Orcas Island celebrates the arts and their island pottery tradition. Influenced by their watery surroundings, Lopez Island preserves water crafts that served the island for years and the wetlands that are home to their migratory bird population. Lastly, at the heart, Shaw Island’s preservation efforts invites nature enthusiasts to explore the island’s offerings. For over a century, these four islands have been worth the regular ferry service.