HOW TO GET TO THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS

The San Juan Islands are located approximately 15 miles west of Anacortes, requiring transportation over the water.  One of your options is to take a leisurely ride on a ferry from Anacortes, which is situated about 85 miles to the north of Seattle and equally distant to the south of Vancouver, British Columbia.

NOTE: Depending on the time of year you plan to visit (i.e. summer vs. winter, major holidays, etc.), take into account freeway traffic and waiting time in the ferry lane prior to departure.  See wait time information here.

If you are planning on driving from north of Anacortes:

  • Take I-5 South
  • Take exit 230
  • Merge right onto Goldenrod Rd.
  • At first light, turn left onto Highway 20 W
  • Follow Highway 20 W to Anacortes
  • Once you reach Anacortes merge right onto Commercial Avenue.
  • Take a left at 12th St and follow signs to the ferry terminal.

If you are planning on driving from south of Anacortes:

  • Take I-5 North
  • Take exit 230
  • At first light take a left onto Highway 20 W
  • Follow Highway 20 W to Anacortes
  • Once you reach Anacortes merge right onto Commercial Avenue.
  • Take a left at 12th St and follow signs to the ferry terminal.

Once you reach the terminal you have the option of parking your vehicle at the Anacortes terminal and walking on the ferry, see parking rates, or you may choose to drive your vehicle onto the ferry to your destination.

There are four ferry served island destinations: Friday Harbor (San Juan Island), Orcas Island, Shaw Island and Lopez Island.

See fares or purchase ferry tickets online from the Washington State Department of Transportation web site for one of the following destinations:

There are other travel options as well, see a partial list below:

See additional transportation information for getting to, from and around the islands on the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce web site.

 
 

 

 

Turtleback Mountain

Take in some fresh air and a hike at Turtleback Mountain Preserve.