San Juan Islands (September)
Scheduled trips: Please contact us to set up a custom trip!
Trip Cost:
$1,600 - (7 Days & 6 Nights). There is a $200 single supplement charge.JPG)
Join Brett and Liza in the pristine
San Juan Islands archipelago in the Puget Sound of Washington State, known for
its splendid scenery, distinct wildlife, and interesting history. As a 27 year
resident of the islands, Liza is prepared to share her insider's view with
you!
We will base our stay in Friday Harbor, the historic county seat and home
to the Whale Museum, plenty of unique gift shops, galleries, book stores and a
community theater. We will dine in carefully selected restaurants featuring
great local seafood and organic produce. There is a thriving farmers market
every Saturday, which includes the vibrant sound of live, local musicians.
Our walks and explorations will include two national parks, a winery,
lavender farm, and the historic Roche Harbor, as well as the Whale Watch park
and visitors center. We will travel by scenic ferry to Lopez and Orcas Islands
to visit the quaint villages of Eastsound and Lopez; the unique Spencer Spit
State Park and the wonderful trails, waterfalls and views on Mt Constitution.
San Juan Island National Historical Park preserves human and natural
history at the west and east ends of the island at English and American Camps.
We will explore the intriguing international boundary dispute of the 1840s,
culminating in the 1859 "Pig War" between the two countries, at the interesting
visitor centers. The park's natural world offers a diverse landscape from
coastal prairie to seaside bluffs and evergreen forests to wetlands and stands
of native Garry Oak. Native flowers, including the camas lily, harvested for
centuries by native peoples as a food source, abound as do dozens of bird
species and butterflies. Active raptor nests add interest as do low tides
revealing sea stars, anemones, mussels, and gleaming tangles of bull kelp.
During our island week, we will savor views of rolling golden farmland
backed by the blue waters of Puget Sound, and the tall peaks of the Olympic and
North Cascade ranges beyond. On the clearest days, there are views to distant,
snow-capped Mounts Rainier and Baker. You can expect to see bald eagles, white
tailed deer, foxes, and marine mammals, and a special visit with the island's
one resident dromedary!
One of our days will be spent doing a special trip by custom water taxi to a
remote island, with a one room schoolhouse and two state parks. We also will be
doing private tours, with lunches, in two unique island homes.
Two free half days will allow you to pursue individual interests
including bicycle and moped rentals, half-day kayaking, fishing charters, a
massage at the day spa, and walking the docks, or perusing the shops on town.
Walking on this trip will be on well maintained trails in parks, through
forests, along shorelines, and up hills, totaling 4-8 miles daily. Trip price
includes all lodging (6 nights); and all breakfasts, all lunches except on your
two free half-days, and all but one dinner. It also includes the guide services
of Brett and Liza, as well as all land transport and any inter-island ferries
used during the trip itself. Gratuities are discretionary.
