Come by Ferry


Please direct comments, questions and suggestions pertaining to this site to: San Juan Island NHP P.O. Box 429 Friday Harbor, WA 98250 Telephone: (360)378-2240 (360) 378-2902 (Wed.-Sun.) FAX: (360)378-2615 (360) 378-2996 E-mail: Webmaster Mike_Vouri@ nps.gov For comprehensive information about the National Park Service visit: Privacy Information	By ferry...				Click on flag logo to return home

		...from Anacortes, Washington

		Washington State Ferries, a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation, serves the San Juan islands and Victoria, B.C., year round with six to 10 boats calling at San Juan depending on the season. Board the ferry in Anacortes, Washington (85 miles north of Seattle and 90 miles south of Vancouver, B.C.) after taking State Route 20 west (Exit 230) from Interstate 5 at Burlington, Washington. The route to the ferry is well signed, but if you would like a map click here. All ferries carry passengers and vehicles. As no reservations are necessary for boats to the islands, plan on arriving one hour before sailing during the winter months and at least two hours or more in the summer. Vehicle reservations are required for the Victoria crossing during the summer season. For automobile traffic, waits of six hours or more are not unusual at peak season so bring books, snacks, drinks and frisbees, but watch out for the traffic in the ferry lines. A few helpful hints on ferry etiquette: Don't argue with the station agents or deck crew or take your place on board or long wait as a personal affront. The ferry system is complex, governed by law and the employees work under high stress during the summer months. Once aboard, don't set the alarm on your vehicle. The pitch and vibration of the vessel will set it off and you will be singled out over the public address system, then be subject to scornful looks from islanders who remain in their cars on board. While on the passenger deck, be courteous. Keep your children under control. No pets, other than service dogs and small animals in carriers are allowed on the passenger deck. Please don't leave your pet in the car--or worse tether him to a support on the cardeck--knowing full well that he'll bark at anything that moves. As stated above, many choose to remain in their vehicles during the crossing. As of this writing (6/3/05), there is still no food service, save for vending machines, aboard the Ancortes-San Juan Islands run, so you may want to bring snacks and beverages.



			The ferry lines in Anacortes during a peak month.

		...getting to Anacortes

		Airporter Shuttle:(866)235-5247 -- from SeaTac IAP and Bellingham IAP Amtrak: (800)872-7245 -- from Seattle to Mount Vernon Greyhound Bus Lines:(800)739-5020 -- from Seattle to Mount Vernon Skagit Transit:(360)299-2424 -- local transit system County Taxi:(866)670-2020 -- service to airports, Amtrak, ferry

		...if you walk on the ferry

		You can park your vehicle in the lots at the Anacortes ferry terminal. A fee is charged during summer months. Many riders choose to use an the auxiliary lot across town and take a free shuttle to the terminal.

		Public transportation around the island:

		Many day trippers to the island enjoy walking on the ferry in the morning, enjoying the 60 to 120-minute ride for its own sake, having lunch and frequenting the shops in Friday Harbor, then heading back to the mainland in late afternoon. In past years walk-on's were pretty much marooned in town, but today an array of options exist for seeing the island. They are: San Juan Transit & Charter Service:378-8887 or (800)887-8387 Regularly scheduled routes north to Roche harbor during the summer season with charters available to American Camp. This company also provides guided tours of the island. Bob's Taxi & Tours:378-6777 or (877)4-TAXIBOB Service to all points on request. M&W Rental Cars:378-2794 or (800)323-6037 Automobile rentals and sales. Susie's Mopeds:378-5244 or (800)532-0087 Mopeds and automobiles Island Bicycles: 378-4941 Bicycles A Word About Riding Mopeds and Bicycles: Cyclists and moped riders can be lulled into a false sense of security by the island's rural atmosphere. Don't be fooled. The main routes on San Juan Island (see map) are county roads with speed limits of 45 mph, except where posted. Bicycle lanes are limited, especially on Cattle Point Road, so riders should exercise extreme caution, especially when accompanying children. Please ride single file, well spaced in groups of three to four, and move completely off the road when stopped. Before exiting park access roads be sure to come to a complete stop and look both ways before entering the roadway.

		...if you drive

		Bringing your vehicle on the ferry can involve considerable expense during the summer months, but you may find it worth it in terms of the freedom you'll have to explore the island. Before you leave this page download a copy of the best free map of San Juan Island in the universe with our compliments. This is one of the best ways you can find your way around. (By the way, we know our map is the best because it is photocopied and distributed by many local businesses.) You will disembark onto Spring Street in central Friday Harbor (map). Watch out for stray pedestrians. (Some folks believe that because they are on an island they can walk anywhere they choose.) For information about the parks and/or a general island orientation, stop at the Chamber of Commerce at 1A Spring Street, just behind the Front Street Ale House at Front and Spring streets. If you have trouble finding a parking place on Spring -- not always easy in the summer -- you may want to try one of the side streets or journey up Second Street and park in the parking lot of the San Juan County Courthouse. It will take you less than five minutes from there to the visitor center and you will pass by King's Market and Variety on your way. Day-trippers usually start their visit by taking the Roche Harbor Road north to Roche Harbor Resort. This traditional facility is replete with hotel, condos, cabins, marina, restaurants,espresso and ice cream kiosks and boutiques. Art lovers usually stroll through the Westcott Bay Reserve (sculpture park). Head south again on Roche Harbor Road, turning right on West Valley Road to English Camp, where you can visit the Royal Marine camp site, climb Young Hill or dig claims. From English Camp, you continue south on the West Valley Road to Mitchell Bay Road, which curves into the Westside Road, which traces the west shore of the island, past San Juan County Park (a great place to camp or picnic) and then Lime Kiln State Park, better known as the "Whale Watch Park." Here Orcas sometimes swim nearly to the shoreline to watch the people. From Lime Kiln south is an incredibly scenic stretch that gives onto the Haro Strait and offers splendid views of Vancouver Island, the Olympic Peninsula and (later) sunsets to take your breath away. West Side Road curves into Bailor Hill Road, which cuts east across San Juan Valley and curves into Douglas Road. Turn right on Little Road, then take another right on Cattle Point Road. In 3.2 miles you will be at the American Camp entrance. Here you can take a hike, play on the beach or recline on a grassy slope and recall your excellent adventure on San Juan Island. You may even want to be daring, start your island tour here and work north tracing the same route.

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