Great playground structure on anacortes. There was something fun for everyone. The swings and play…read morestructure was all new and top of the line. It is a pretty big playground and w a lot to do. The only shame was that big kids were at this playground throwing the wood shavings and throwing bottles at each other, not good for the little kids playing nearby. Many of the families left. This might have been an one off but it wasn't pleasant having them throw things from across the playground. There is plenty of grass area to run and play sports. The parking lot was a good size as well.

We were visiting from out of town and stopped by to play, and boy am I glad we picked this one! We…read morehave kids ages one to six and they had a blast. At one point my 6 year old poked his head out of one of the portholes in the pirate ship and yelled "THIS PARK IS AWESOME!" (this coming from the kid who rarely enjoys things if its not on a screen ). Splash pad was closed because it was November, but that look pretty cool too. There's also a sign with pictures of the park construction, which was done by the community - my thanks go out to those folks who gave our family a fun afternoon on our trip!

So this park is awesome and we found it on accident we actually stayed up in the group camping…read morewhich I actually prefer more because it was a lot of trees a lot of space five minute walk down to the water. The spots on the water are a little closer together it's dryer and not many trees down there so it's give-and-take whatever you prefer. The sites are $25 and we had a boat that we put in the extra parking for $12 a night. I think the staff that works there would prefer you never talk to them and do everything on your own.

We camped here for 1 night this past weekend, Oct 1-2, 2016. I made reservations online a month…read moreprior. Looking at the map, we booked campsite #24 which was on the water. It was a few $$ more expensive than the ones not on the water, the view was worth the few extra dollars. I paid $34/night (tax included). Campsites: the lowered numbered sites, 1-5 I think, have shore access. 24 does not have shore access but is on the water. There are biker/hiker sites, if you don't have a car these would be preferable. The pit toilet was clean and on the lower end of smelly. The campsites are pretty close together so be aware of that. I think sites 28 and 29 are actually conjoined. My aunt and uncle live nearby and said the campgrounds get booked full during the summer season. Also it's hard to get off the island during the summer months because of so many tourists and cars going on the ferry. Beautiful spot though! Pet friendly, and I think they are open year round. Starting November till April/May it's a walk up only campsite. During summer you can reserve online.

Cross this Lopez Island favorite off your list. For some reason (the stories vary, from the beach's…read moreneighbors being unhappy with the number of tourists coming to the site, to so-called issues of erosion), the county removed a perfectly functioning metal staircase linking the roadway to the beach access. Agate Beach is now inaccessible. Whatever, it's a shame. We've been coming to Lopez for over twenty years, happy to support the island's many local businesses, and now Lopez has one less reason to travel here.

This is where you want to kinda sit around for a while and enjoy the sea breeze while watching a…read morefamily of geese across the water. You could get your feet wet but the water is too cold and because of the rocks, it can be very slippery. I would stay on shore and listen for the small waves coming with its the small sweet thudding agains the rocks. Sounds so peaceful. l somehow and surprisingly felt nostalgic. It's nice to remember the good ole past memories that are now long gone and can't ever be brought back. Ahhhh This place is quiet and still very secluded. Here you will find a moment of silence. It's nice and humbling. It also made me realize to just enjoy each day and be grateful for everything and everyone I am blessed with. I enjoyed my afternoon here.

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.

So beautiful at sunset! It was a little muddy to walk down to the beach from the parking lot but…read moreworth it. There is a little shelter and spot for a fire pit too.

Awesome ferry ride over to the islands. With Beautiful views. Entering was easy and quick.read more

I only got to visit the American Camp side of this park, but it was wonderful!…read more Driving along Cattle Point Road you'll see signs to enter multiple different sites at the park. I mainly stopped at three locations: Cattle Point Interpretive Area: You can either take the steps down to the pebbly beach to feel more connected to the water, or go up the mossy mound to get a high ground view of... well, everything. I saw water, cliffs, islands, ducks, eagles, seals... unfortunately, no whales, though, prob because this is not the time of year they are around much. Cattle Point Lighthouse: Walked on a cute trail to the lighthouse, where I saw a humongous red fox on a hill, looking like it was digging or pouncing on something! On the other side of the lighthouse are views of miles of open sky and water. South Beach: On the road leading to the beach, we actually saw a black fox just chilling, lying on the road. It moved to the fenced area as we approached, and my gosh it was beautiful. I didn't even know black foxes existed! The beach itself is wide and has views of endless water, with some driftwood hanging out near you. I know there's so much more to the park that we didn't see, but I was quite happy with the wildlife and incredible scenery. Especially the foxes... I've only seen like one other (that I can remember), so seeing the ones here were such a bonus. The trails and sites that we missed are even more reason to return to San Juan Island National Historical Park. I just hope I'm able to come out to this island again someday.

Hunter Bay County Dock is one of the best kept secrets on Lopez Island. If you are looking for a…read morerelatively private beach, or a place to launch your boat, this place is a must visit! The graded concrete ramp is in good shape, and easily accessible. Hunter Bay is well-sheltered by tall cliffs to the south, so the water is relatively calm. The beach and surrounding environs make for a truly gorgeous setting. The beach is next to the ramp and dock, and there's plenty of soft, pebbled sand. It's a great place to sit on a driftwood log and listen to the birds sing. I spent an hour at this beach and never encountered a single person. That says a lot for Lopez Island in July, the busiest month of the year. Visitors will find parking on a hill just above the dock, with designated spots for cars and boat trailers. Boat trailer parking is limited to 72 hours, which is pretty impressive given there's no charge for parking in this space. Please be respectful and quiet when parking in the vicinity of the dock, it's a residential setting with neighboring vacation rentals and primary residences. Dogs are allowed on leash, but warnings indicate pets running free are subject to confiscation due to local livestock. I brought my dog and didn't feel she was in any danger - but I kept tabs on her the entire time I was there. I highly suggest checking out this lovely and serene beach when you visit Lopez Island next.

It's not a fun park unless you're a kid. Then it's a blast with a playground that has those weird…read morecircular htings that swing you around with your weight and other fancy playground items. But this park is more about the sunset. I was in town as a day trip and the weather was so nice that I wanted to check out the sunset. We sat there people watching on the bench as the sun started sinking over the water. People walked out down the pier and it made for really nice pictures. Once the sun went down, people left because there was a chill in the air, but until that moment, the sunset was magical. Definitely glad we hung around for twilight.

Washington Park is beautiful. The scenic loop is a great drive (go slow 10 mph there are…read morepedestrians on the paved road too). There are spots for cars to park on the loop to enjoy the view (and a disability parking spot). Take advantage of the easy and beautiful access to epic views of Burrows Island and the pass at this park before getting on the ferry to the San Juan islands or staying in Anacortes.

Watmough Bay Preserve surrounds the beautiful Watmough Bay which is a National Monument. The bay…read moreand the preserve share the same pull-off from Watmough Head Rd and the same parking lot. The trail system around and bordering the sides of the Bay are part of the Bay Preserve. I have been to this Preserve a few times, both on my own and with family. When I went most recently, on the 29th of April 2020 I hiked farther than I had before south-east wards along the trail system away from the bay. The trails are well maintained and the views stunning. Trees are tall and there is a variety of flowers and mosses interspersed in the area as well. Looking at the map provided on the San Juan County Land Bank's website I didn't realize just how beautiful the trail and views would be. One of those things you need to come in person to take in fully. I guess what I am trying to say is that I spent two hours on the trail system and only covered about a third of the entire trail system. Mind you, I was stopping frequently to take pictures and look at the different plants and wildlife and views. When I arrived at the preserve/bay parking lot I was the only car there and there were no boats in the bay. At the time I departed there were three other cars in the parking lot and a sailboat in the bay. What to know before you go? Mosquitos. When I was hiking southwards from the bay I reached a portion of the trail past the sign laying out the hunting and non-hunting regions in the Preserve area that had many mosquitos. If mosquitos don't love your blood and they don't bother you then this isn't a big deal. However, mosquitos love my blood and I didn't come with insect repellent, nor was I covered head-to-toe. The mosquitos ended up being the reason I turned around when I did, so I'd recommend insect repellent. Also, the restroom was temporarily not open due to COVID-19 during my most recent visit. An enjoyable and beautiful place to visit on Lopez Island, I would recommend a half-day or whole-day dedicated just to the Watmough Bay Preserve and Watmough Bay to explore. My two hours were not nearly enough time in my opinion. Watmough Bay is especially lovely on a clear or partially cloudy day where you can see the mountains in the distance with ducks swimming in the foreground. When the tide is out, there is lots to explore on the shore.

I hadn't planned to visit Lime Kiln Point State Park while staying on San Juan Island, but our BnB…read morehost INSISTED we include a visit to the park in our itinerary. Lesson learned; always trust the guidance of locals when visiting a new place. This park is a gem! Visitors will find this gorgeous park located on the west side of the Island, perfectly situated to offer stunning views of the Salish Sea. The park is named for its historic lime kiln used by settlers in the late 1800s and early 1900s. An interpretive center has displays and activities about orcas and the area's lime kiln industry once important to the region. The coastline is incomparable! A five to ten minute downhill walk from the parking lot reveals remarkable views of the Olympic Mountains and an expansive view of sparkling water stretching far into the distance. It's said this site is one of the best whale watching locations in the islands, where visitors will most likely be able to see orcas! We weren't fortunate enough to find any during our visit, but the scenery was rewarding enough. The trail continues along the rocky shoreline, passing several pristine coves and thickets of madrones with twisted, curling red bark. The trail soon reveals a beautiful lighthouse on a rocky bluff, and the lime kilns in the distance. There is a well-curated gift shop back at the parking lot, as well as picnic tables, information kiosks, and public restrooms. There's a whole lot of beauty packed into this 42 acre park... something you won't want to miss!

Truly a picturesque park with beautiful coastal hikes. We certainly enjoyed walking along the…read morecoastline while taking in the scenery. Walking to the lighthouse was a perfect adventure and not strenuous if you are looking for a pretty easy hike. Stop and look out for whales (we didn't see any) and also check out the tide pools!