Scenic Tour

Perfect by Car, Shuttle (May – September) or Bicycle

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Take Spring Street away from the Ferry Terminal and turn left onto Mullis Road. Mullis turns into Cattle Point Road. Follow Cattle Point Road all the way to the turnaround where you can park your car. There you will find a pathway to the cliff side where you can walk around and view scenery of the southern part of the Island.

As you leave Cattle Point and head North, stop at Jakle’s Lagoon and South Beach for scenic views, photos, a picnic or to rest and read a book. Stop at the Ranger Station in American Camp, one of our two National Park sites, for an informative short film about the Pig War, to visit the Encampment and view a large eagle nest. There are several short hikes to Grandma’s Cove and Mt. Finlayson.

Continue North along Cattle Point Road to False Bay Drive. Turn left onto False Bay Drive. In a mile or so, the road turns into hard-packed gravel. False Bay will be on your left. There are a few spots to park so that you can walk and take in the scenic view. This is a great place for Tide Pooling during low tide. Keep an eye out for whales in the channel or seals in the bay.

Continue along False Bay Road and turn left on Bailer Hill Road. This will take you to the west side of the Island. Before heading to the west side, turn right on Wold Road to visit Pelindaba Lavender Farm. Go back to Bailer Hill Road and make a right to the west side.

Bailer Hill Road turns into West Side Road and will take you to Lime Kiln State Park. This is the prime whale watching location, especially in the summertime, and also a great place for hiking, picnics and watching sunsets.

As you leave Lime Kiln State Park continue on West Side Road to Mitchell Bay Road. If you turn left it will take you to Mitchell Bay and Snug Harbor Resort. If you turn right, Mitchell Bay will dead end into West Valley Road. Turn left on West Valley Road and on your left you will see Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm. The alpacas are adorable and friendly, and the gift shop has some wonderful hand-knitted clothing.

Continue along West Valley Road to English Camp, the other National Park Site. There is a nice parade ground and formal garden along Garrison Bay. Enjoy one of the most scenic vistas on the Island with the hike to Mt. Young. The trail head is on the opposite side of the parking lot from the path to the historical barracks. At the top of Mt. Young, enjoy sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, Victoria and the northern San Juan Islands.

Continue north or left out of English Camp on West Valley Road. The northern most hamlet on San Juan Island is Roche Harbor. Here you may go kayaking, exploring, shopping, and dining at one of three restaurants. During the summer, Island artists have kiosks in the main square by the docks. Visit the chapel, mausoleum, lime kilns and Hotel de Haro where President Teddy Roosevelt stayed.

After you leave Roche Harbor, enjoy a visit to the Westcott Bay Sculpture Park on your right. There are about 130 outdoor sculptures on a large 5-acre property. As you head south on Roche Harbor Road reward yourself with a wine tasting at San Juan Vineyards – located on the left off Roche Harbor Road. Just across from the vineyard, you can pay a visit to Mona, the Islands beloved Dromedary Camel who lives in the pasture across the way from the winery.

Continue south on Roche Harbor Road back to Friday Harbor. Take a left at the stop sign onto Guard Street to Second Street. Go to the next STOP sign and make a left on Spring Street. Friday Harbor is a wonderful seaside village with lots of great shops, historic buildings and restaurants. Consider a wonderful dinner after your tour of the Island at Coho Restaurant - Fresh from the Islands Cuisine.