How to Choose the Best Small Boat Trip Destination

The San Juan Islands

Written by James McMullen

From Issue Small Boats Annual 2013

Map of the San Juan Islands and nearby bodies of water and land areas.

The San Juan Islands are at the center of a remarkable inland sea surrounded by towering mountains. With the network of state parks and campsites of the Washington Water Trails, one can kayak, row, or sail from Olympia in the south all the way to the Canadian border…and beyond.

Strong tidal flows swirl and eddy in complicated pat-terns all through the archipelago. Even large boats take care in some passes and straits, but for small boats such attention is absolutely essential, since it will often be impossible to make any headway “upstream.” A current atlas and a tide table are “musts,” along with a willing-ness to adjust your route and schedule to suit conditions.

Three small sailboats in the water near a rocky shore with mountains in the background at sunset.

Launching ramps and hoists in Anacortes or Bellingham serve those starting out for the islands from the mainland. Or, via the Washington State Ferries a car-top or trailer boat can be taken to the San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, or Shaw Island to avoid crossing busy shipping lanes.

Public parks are numerous, some with moorings and docks. Being able to put into a beach with a small boat, however, opens up access to an even greater number of possible destinations. Designated campsites with campfire rings, tent sites, and pit toilets are liberally scattered throughout the area.

Two small sailboats sit ashore with a grassy coastline nearby.

The busiest months are July and August, when the weather is hot and sunny. But intrepid adventurers with good gear, especially for rain, can sail anytime during the entire year. The off-season is my favorite, with minimal crowds yet undiminished views and natural beauty. Seals and otters, eagles and porpoises, and the famous resident pod of orca whales are all common sights and, with a license, you can fish for salmon, go crabbing, and dig clams in season.

For a short voyage, consider circumnavigating Guemes Island, departing from Washington Park or from the hoist at Cap Sante, both in Anacortes. For trips of a week or more, plan carefully to use tides and currents to advantage—but there are so many places to go that there really are no bad choices.