Don't go here! Leave it for me!…read more No, seriously... I don't know why Moran State Park and Orcas Island get all the buzz and no one has ever heard of this place. I was able to book a campsite in June for a prime weekend in July, which is crazy for such a great place that's close to Seattle. There's plenty of kayaking and biking to be done here, and you can rent both right at the park if you need to. Outdoor Adventure Center also runs guided kayak tours from Spencer Spit. We saw starfish, crabs, and seals while kayaking. The campsites are great. Grassy, shaded, large, and pretty spread out. I stayed at #22, and I'd definitely recommend those outer loop sites even though they're a few bucks more expensive because they're big and have a ton of privacy. The campground was full and we barely saw or heard anyone while we were at our site. There are also a few group sites that can hold 20 or so people. There are only two downsides I'd point out. There are real toilets, but I didn't see any showers. And since it's an island and garbage is expensive, it's a "pack it in, pack it out" operation. Which basically means you're bringing all your garbage back to the mainland with you. I think it's worth it for a short stay, but this might deter me from taking a longer trip there.

This is a seriously underrated off season state park, the walk out the split in November is epic…read more Take in the marsh and the Salish Sea. We saw two herons and the shells are beautiful in the small slapping waves. The walk down from the car parking area was swift.

Being a few weeks removed from my day here helps me appreciate this lil' park for what it is. You…read moresee, I did not have the most five-star experience here, but that's unique to my visit. I'll spare the details as they're not relevant to the park, but it involved my very active dog and a very expensive camera lens. So what can I say about Obstruction Pass that is relevant? Well, it's a tiny little park. But almost everyone I spoke to about my time on Orcas said they actually like it more than its big neighbor Moran, to the north. Situated on the southern tip of the eastern point of Orcas Island, it only occupies 80 acres. But among that 80 acres is a bit of precious beachfront; some of the only public beach space on the island of private developments and no trespassing signs. These are San Juan island beaches, so you'll find millions of rounded pebbles, not sand, lest you imagine frolicking barefoot down the beach. To reach the beach, you have to hike. There's a shorter trail than sort of hugs the seashore, and a longer one that goes over land and abuts private property. I took the wooded longer one to the north on the way in, then the beach-hugger on the way out. It's a short hike, not too strenuous, but it's certainly not ADA approved and it will take you a little time to reach the waters. The park features the trail, beach, a small campground, and restrooms. You access the beach down a couple of staircases, and the thick woods above provide lots of shade. I was here in the dead of winter, but even then I shared the beach with a very loud family, and a couple of other parties. Dogs must be leashed at all times. Be careful on those rocks. If you're, say, carrying a full camera and tripod rig and slip, you'll bounce all the way down the rocks into the water. Probably. And then, after your dog damaged your lens before, and you ended up falling into the water, you'll just pack up and get back to your car and call it a day.

Situated at one tip of Orcas Island, Obstruction Pass State Park is home to campers and…read moreshort-duration hikers. This is a great (less than) a mile hike to the beach and back with a pretty PNW view. Its not as big and majestic as Moren State Park, but its a great feeler for Orcas Island, and because of the size, you will notice more people around, when there are people around. We did this as a group of 6, quick in and out on our first day here. We saw a boat parked out on the water and a little house situated by the water. We didn't see many hikers here when we went on a late Saturday afternoon, but we saw a number of campers. *Porta potty's were available

Crescent Beach is one of two public beaches on Orcas Island. This is not your typical beach. The…read morebeach is very rocky and mossy, which makes it not suitable for sitting. My husband and I saw lots of people kayaking from this beach since there are no waves. We also saw lots of ducks, geese, and seagulls walking along the shore. The beach also includes a nice trail that goes inland. It is a nice, not crowded trail which makes it perfect for walking or running. You are also able to park right next to the trailhead if you do not park at the beach. Very beautiful. Perfect place to sit and watch the wildlife, go for a walk/run, and enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Crescent Beach Preserve has both beach and wetland trails to explore. I walked along the beach to…read moreone end of the preserve, then partway to the other end of the preserve. I saw crows, seagulls, and Canadian Geese as well as what looked like some beautiful sandstone sea cliffs from afar. I appreciate that collection from the beach is not allowed, it was incredible to see so many purple shells along the shore. Lovely place to go for a walk even on a windy day. The parking lots along Crescent Beach Road overlook the beach, making them scenic places to sit and watch the water and wildlife while staying in your vehicle.

I have had a beach cottage on Lopez Island for the last 30 years. The island has changed very…read morelittle and I love that. The other islands are quite nice, but Lopez has a vibe all its own. Everybody waves to each other while driving. Really, it's a slavish devotion to friendliness that is hard to shake once you are back on the mainland. The island is pastoral and very pleasant for bicycling. The parks are pristine and usually empty. The village, where the only commerce is conducted, is simple yet complete with a good grocery store, bakery, ice cream shop, and a lovely old library that is magnificently restored. In short, Lopez makes almost no effort at tourism and in so doing achieves a level of charm not seen since seen since Ron Howard shuffled the streets of Mayberry. If you want fine dining and souvenir shops you'll be better pleased by Friday Harbor. If peace and a slower pace is what you crave come to Lopez Island.

I've been to Lopez Island twice now, and thoroughly enjoyed it both times! The island lifestyle is…read moreso laid back. No one is in a hurry, everyone is friendly. There is so much natural beauty. I drove past the senior center and they do tennis on Saturdays. I can picture myself retired on Lopez Island playing tennis and hiking some of the trails that offer spectacular views!

Watmough Bay is located within the larger Watmough Bay Preserve. The Bay itself is a national…read moremonument thru the U.S. Department of the Interior while the Watmough Bay Preserve is run through the San Juan County Land Bank. Watmough Bay is also called the San Juan Islands National Monument. The view of the Cascade mountains and the Bay itself are beautiful. There is a small parking lot off a short drive from Watmough Head Rd with a number of parking spaces. The Bay and the Preserve share a parking lot and trailhead. A short trail takes you to the Bay and the beach. The Cascade mountains are visible straight-out from the beach. Depending on the time of year you go, they might even be snow-capped! The rocks on the beach are beautiful to look at (no taking/collecting though!) and the water crystal clear. The driftwood makes for a nice seat if watching the ducks swimming in the water. Occasionally one would dive down beneath the surface of the water, and it was fun waiting and watching to see where they would pop up again. The rocky cliffs forming the sides of the Bay were also beautiful. A great place to go and clear one's mind and take in the beauty of the San Juan Islands and the Pacific Northwest.

Love everything about this place! My friends and I found a place to sit and chill by the water…read more We watched people on their paddle boards and boats, so peaceful. There's a trail nearby that goes up, takes you through trees, and when you get to the top, breathtaking views!

Martha's Beach is a small beach off of Klamath Drive near La Conner, WA. There's lots of parking…read moreand they have an outhouse near the parking lot. A great place for sunsets. Very cool place to go after big wind storms... a great gathering place for large driftwood and logs.

Another cool must see besides the lighthouse. The Stuart Island State Park school. It is closed…read moredown but has an old school that allows you to check out your own books and bring them back on the honor system. Everything on this remote island is in the honor system. Just look at the pictures and captions. This is another bucket list. Get good directions so you do not get lost. Remember private property so don't trespass.

We stumbled upon this absolute gem of a county park on a recent camping trip to Whidbey Island, and…read moreI just had to make a Yelp page for them! This spot is so pretty, located way off of busy Hwy 20 at the end of a dead end road. It's pretty basic - there are no amenities (not even a port-a-potty, eek) but don't let that stop you from visiting. The beach is absolutely breathtaking, with views across to Hope Island State Park and the mainland, and literally hundreds (if not thousands) of huge pieces of driftwood. My guess is the trees that float down the Skagit during flood season eventually end up at this park, and I'm here for it because there were some GIANT ones! There's also a tiny, no-frills boat-in campsite at the north end of the park, but the real experience here is to walk south along the spit where you can almost see Deception Pass, which is right around the corner. There's no lack of boats, sea life, and birds to enjoy. No to mention this was one of the best rockhounding areas I've been to in quite awhile! I had to resist re-starting my infamous fourth grade beach rock collection. This is definitely worth the visit, and the beach walk to the end of the spit is worth it (if not a bit more tiring than it looks). There was only one other person here during our visit, too, so it was super quiet!