I am going to the San Juan islands,WA,(cheaper to get to than vancouver) next week with my teenage son for a week of sailing. Anyone have any first hand knowledge of nice anchorages, and places to see? I would really appreciate any helpful hints robert
san juan islands, any recommendations on anchorage
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Canada is Gulf Islands, US is SanJuans
Where to start? The Canadian islands in the vicinity are known as the Gulf Islands. The US waters are the San Juan islands. Here's a link to one of my favorites: http://www.48north.com/may_2003/sucia.htm Here's another with a listing of many of the Washington State parks - including more than the San Juan Islands http://www.48north.com/parks/parks_title.htm Hope you have a fun time - it's really beautiful country. Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
Where to start? The Canadian islands in the vicinity are known as the Gulf Islands. The US waters are the San Juan islands. Here's a link to one of my favorites: http://www.48north.com/may_2003/sucia.htm Here's another with a listing of many of the Washington State parks - including more than the San Juan Islands http://www.48north.com/parks/parks_title.htm Hope you have a fun time - it's really beautiful country. Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
My favorites
Shallow Bay on Sucia Island Hunter Bay (south end of Lopez Is.) Jones Island, north side -- mooring buoy Roache Harbor is a must-see if you haven't been there before. I'm sure the local guys will have more creative suggestions but you'll like these.
Shallow Bay on Sucia Island Hunter Bay (south end of Lopez Is.) Jones Island, north side -- mooring buoy Roache Harbor is a must-see if you haven't been there before. I'm sure the local guys will have more creative suggestions but you'll like these.
Couple favorites,
Matia Island, mooring for 2 to 27' and dock for a couple big boats, we put a 45' & 20' on 1 side. $10, Island is nature preserve with trail. Garrison Bay (sp?) large good anchorage, small park with British Fort. Roche Harbor is a must see but be aware dock fees are a buck/foot/night & a hamburger is $14. Best deal is breakfast or fresh donuts from coffee shop.
Matia Island, mooring for 2 to 27' and dock for a couple big boats, we put a 45' & 20' on 1 side. $10, Island is nature preserve with trail. Garrison Bay (sp?) large good anchorage, small park with British Fort. Roche Harbor is a must see but be aware dock fees are a buck/foot/night & a hamburger is $14. Best deal is breakfast or fresh donuts from coffee shop.
Moved to L.A. and miss the San Juans
We moved our Hunter 40.5 from Seattle to Los Amgeles about a 1 1/2 years ago. We really miss the NW cruising, especially the San Juans, which we cruised regularly for several years. Our favorites: Stuart Island anchorages: Reid Harbor - This has to be the roomiest, easiest, and one of the prettiest anchorages there is. The holding is great, lots of hiking, and I'll say it again...room. Good in all wind directions except if it's strong out of the SE. Prevost - On the opposite side from Reid. Smaller and a bit more crowded than Reid, but great holding, well protected, and also very pretty. San Juan Island: Garrison Bay - The entrance seems tricky (I'd recommend a chart plotter), but we have never had a problem. Great holding, protection from all wind directions, great crabbing, good hiking. A must. Stay at Roach harbor for a night, then a short hop to Garrision. Friday Harbor - You have to spend at least a night here. It's a great place to re-stock. Fun town, a bit crowded, but we try to never miss it. Sucia Island: (The prettiest place you'll ever see.) Echo Bay - Has the most room, good holding, but move out if a Southeaster starts to blow. We have anchored there many times. Shallow Bay - Entrance looks tight, but it actually is roomy. Most of the bay has at least 6 feet of depth, most is about 9 feet at low tide. Protected from all directions, but does get crowded. Make sure to set your anchor well, just make sure you haven't snagged some kelp. Great place. Orcas Island: Rosario - Tie up to a buoy here. Picturesque resort that needs to be checked out. Good place for a romantic dinner. If I had time, there are about 100 more I'd recommend.
We moved our Hunter 40.5 from Seattle to Los Amgeles about a 1 1/2 years ago. We really miss the NW cruising, especially the San Juans, which we cruised regularly for several years. Our favorites: Stuart Island anchorages: Reid Harbor - This has to be the roomiest, easiest, and one of the prettiest anchorages there is. The holding is great, lots of hiking, and I'll say it again...room. Good in all wind directions except if it's strong out of the SE. Prevost - On the opposite side from Reid. Smaller and a bit more crowded than Reid, but great holding, well protected, and also very pretty. San Juan Island: Garrison Bay - The entrance seems tricky (I'd recommend a chart plotter), but we have never had a problem. Great holding, protection from all wind directions, great crabbing, good hiking. A must. Stay at Roach harbor for a night, then a short hop to Garrision. Friday Harbor - You have to spend at least a night here. It's a great place to re-stock. Fun town, a bit crowded, but we try to never miss it. Sucia Island: (The prettiest place you'll ever see.) Echo Bay - Has the most room, good holding, but move out if a Southeaster starts to blow. We have anchored there many times. Shallow Bay - Entrance looks tight, but it actually is roomy. Most of the bay has at least 6 feet of depth, most is about 9 feet at low tide. Protected from all directions, but does get crowded. Make sure to set your anchor well, just make sure you haven't snagged some kelp. Great place. Orcas Island: Rosario - Tie up to a buoy here. Picturesque resort that needs to be checked out. Good place for a romantic dinner. If I had time, there are about 100 more I'd recommend.
Friday harbor anchor out for a day trip
around the town and then a 20 minute motor NW across the channel to the bay that has the University of Washington field station. Can't go ashore because it is a preserve but there is a sunken 30 foot fishing boat in about 20 feet of water at the end of the bay ( rigging is usually out of water) to go investigate in the dingy and remind you how lucky you are. All other recommendations are spot on. I like the east side of Clark Island if weather is going to be settled. Scott
around the town and then a 20 minute motor NW across the channel to the bay that has the University of Washington field station. Can't go ashore because it is a preserve but there is a sunken 30 foot fishing boat in about 20 feet of water at the end of the bay ( rigging is usually out of water) to go investigate in the dingy and remind you how lucky you are. All other recommendations are spot on. I like the east side of Clark Island if weather is going to be settled. Scott
Thanks guys
I've printed out your suggestions, will look at the charts and definitely take your advice. god bless this web site robert blank
I've printed out your suggestions, will look at the charts and definitely take your advice. god bless this web site robert blank
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