SAN JUAN ISLANDS, WASHINGTON
 .......The San Juan Islands – in the northwest corner of our northwest state – are comprised of more than 700 islands (only 176 are named), with a few small towns on the larger islands. The region is an incredible mix of land and water, green hills and blue skies. It is a scenic delight and offers many recreational opportunities – including sailing, hiking, sea kayaking, bicycling, and whale watching.
.......The sea defines this region, even on land. There are wonderful seafood restaurants, and some of the best protected-water sailing and sea kayaking to be found anywhere in the world.
.......The largest town on the islands is Friday Harbor, on San Juan Island. (Other significant islands include Shaw, Orcas, and Lopez islands.) Friday Harbor is the county seat, with about 2,000 residents. San Juan County, which includes all the San Juan Islands, has a total population of around 15,000 (including many seasonal residents).
.......All the four major islands are accessible from mainland Washington state via the Washington State Ferry system. The ferry is both a car and passenger ferry, so you can choose to drive on the islands, or just walk on board and rent a bike or a moped once you’re there. There are also commuter flights from Seattle (Boeing field) and Bellingham to San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez islands.
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.......The lure of the islands is the water. Sea kayaks can be rented at several locations; whale watching is available from boat or from shore; birdwatching is great in the quiet coves and hills; sailing between the islands is excellent on the weather-protected waters; scuba diving is available for experienced divers; clams and oysters can be gathered from tidal waters for a seafood picnic.
.......Yes, this is the Pacific Northwest, so pack a rain jacket. Weather can be cool, damp, and rainy. But it can also be spectacular with warm days and lots of sunshine, although with so much water around it’s never a particularly dry climate.
.......If you’re visiting the San Juan Islands, it’s also easy and worthwhile to sample other nearby attractions, including Seattle, Mt. Rainier, Olympic National Park, as well as Vancouver Island, Canada.
 ......Guidebooks to the San Juan Islands and surrounding areas are available at local bookstores in both Friday Harbor and Seattle. There are many lodging options on the islands and on the mainland, as well as several B&Bs in Friday Harbor.
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