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The Pacific Northwest – More Than Just Rain!

History

Having lived in various places of the Northwest for over 27 years, I can appreciate the lush greenery that torrential rains bring and the sunny days, when you have them, which are few and far between. Along with the rain in coastal areas, comes fresh seafood like none other and hearty people with the economy deeply rooted in logging, farming, and fishing. Today, agriculture is still a large part of the economy along with the tech industry, manufacturing, and tourism.  Our latest trip in September of 2021, we explored a drive along a road less traveled along Samish Bay enroute to the San Juan Islands.

The islands have a colorful history with its early settlements of Lummi Native Americans, then in the 18th century Spain, Britain, Canada and the US.  The islands were named by a Spanish Explorer Francisco de Eliza. The islands are located on the North side of the Puget Sound and surrounded by the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Haro Strait, the Rosario Strait, and the Strait of Georgia. After a joint military occupation between the British and US lasting from 1859 until 1872, the islands became a US territory. San Juan County is the smallest county in Washington State with just 174 square miles consisting of 176 named islands and reefs: 743 at low tide, and population just over 16,000. To plan your trip, click here for more information: San Juan Islands Washington Official Travel (visitsanjuans.com)

Ferry Boats

The San Juan Islands are truly a unique place on the planet and among my top 5 destinations.  The islands are rugged, mountainous, and heavily forested. The San Juans are only accessible by boat or Ferry.  Board the ferry in Anacortes for a scenic ride stopping at Shaw, Lopez, Orcas, and then San Juan Island. San Juan Island is the largest Island with two large harbors, Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor. If Whales are spotted along the route, the Ferry will slow down to not disturb them and with any luck, you’ll catch a glimpse.

Orcas Island

Sailboat San Juan Islands

Moran State Park on Orcas Island is the largest recreation area on the islands and the largest State Park in Washington State.  Many beaches are private on the islands but some of the public beaches offer camping and magnificent sunset views. Activities abound with sea kayaking, whale watching (early to mid-August is best), e-bike rentals, sailing, and a vast array of hiking trails. There are wonderful farmers markets in summer with fresh produce from the island’s many farms. The Orcas Island Farmer’s Market takes place in Eastsound on Saturday’s from 10-2. Eastsound is the largest town with restaurants, coffee shops, and art galleries. In fact, a second Madrona Cafe is on Orcas, evidently no connection to the Madrona Cafe on San Juan Island in Roche Harbor. The fish tacos were delicious here too. 

Lopez Island

Lopez Island is the least mountainous of all the islands, however, still very hilly especially on a bike. Odlin state part is situated on a beautiful bay where Bald Eagles nest. The Saturday Farmer’s Market in the Village features farm fresh produce, and local artists. The Village is the largest town on the Island with a restaurants and wine tasting. One of the islands best restaurants in the Village is The Bay Café. I’ve been frequenting this restaurant since the late 1980’s when I took my first bicycle camping trip around the islands. The Red Pepper Tomato soup was amazing, and I’ve never been able to recreate it quite as good as theirs.

Vineyards

Grand B&B on San Juan Island

On this trip, we booked a quaint B&B within walking distance to Friday Harbor, where the Ferry docks. Grand B&B is hosted by a Persian gentleman named Farhar, who also happens to be the mayor (we don’t think he ever sleeps).  The accommodations were beautifully appointed, excellent beds and linens. The breakfast was all gluten free including some authentic Persian dishes with organic produce from his own garden. He crafted fresh sourdough bread with his own blend of 14 different gluten free nuts, grains and 100-year-old sourdough starter. In the afternoon, he delivered freshly baked cookies to your room in a variety of flavors.  To top it off, he plays classical music on a Grand Piano from 7-8 pm in the foyer.  The piano was given to him by a woman with the stipulation that he play it every day, and he has kept that promise.

Other San Juan Island Sites

Other sites not to miss on San Juan Island are the Lavender Farm and their Lemon Lavender Ice Cream, the whale museum, the sculpture garden, and the American & British Camps.  The Rock Fish tacos at Madrona Grill in Roche Harbor are delicious, accompanied by a crunchy kale slaw. Rock Fish is a flaky white fish, freshly caught off Vancouver Islands.

Chuckanut Drive

If you’re heading up North of Seattle, it’s worth getting off the beaten path of I-5 and take Chuckanut Drive with beautiful views of Samish Bay. Along the way is the tiny town of Bow featuring art galleries, coffee shops, and the Slough Food Cafe. I had a mouthwatering Salami Panini with melted cheese oozing out of the edges on fresh crusty bread. Their Red Lentil Curry Coconut Soup had the perfect flavor combinations with just a kick of heat. 

 

Chuckanut Manor Restaurant

The drive meanders further north to another favorite stop, The Chuckanut Manor, a fabulous Seafood Restaurant right on the bay. Crab Cakes seasoned to perfection served with micro greens and sauce that is a cross between remoulade and tartar sauce. King Salmon with Miso Sauce, a delight after living in a land locked state where frozen fish is as good as it gets.

The Northwest offers an abundance of outdoor opportunities such as hiking, biking, kayaking and sailing. Seafood restaurants, wineries and craft breweries make it a delightful culinary journey. The best time to visit, if you want to minimize rainy weather, is from late July through September.  Happy Travels!