Lopez Island-San Juan’s Friendliest
By
Luanne Highlander
Gateway to the
San Juan
Islands is
Anacortes, Washington. Follow the signs from the freeway and you are in the shortest line to paradise anywhere in the country. But, where to go? The Washington State Ferry lines dictate an answer. I suggest for the bicyclist at heart…but not necessarily the die hard, mountain bike enthusiast,
Lopez
Island. I cycled there without a problem. Just be ready to cycle with one arm on the handle bar as the Lopez inhabitants are sure to wave to everyone coming opposite them on the roadways. No kidding, it is known as the “friendly
Island ”. Waving to passing motorists is a local custom, often catching the visitor off-guard. You can either bring your bike or rent one. Lopez is the easiest island in the
San Juan
Island chain to cycle, it is relatively flat, and has interesting stops along the way.
Among the many cycling rental options available to visitors,
Outdoor
Adventure
Center offers 3 hour guided tours on a mountain bike around the
Island with a delicious lunch! You can extend your trip and they will provide camping equipment, meals…the works! For those who prefer a paddle to a peddle, try one of their kayak trips along the shoreline of the island. Their 3 hour kayak tours are a perfect way for a beginner kayaker to get your paddles wet and explore the beautiful shorelines, perhaps see a seal or two, and tour with a pro. 30 minutes of instruction is provided!
Just a short 4 miles from the ferry landing is Lopez Island Vineyards. Lopez Island Vineyards is
Island
County ’s oldest winery, producing organically grown grapes and fine wines. They make classic European style wines and welcome visitors with a tasting room. This is a small family-run business. Very local and charming.
Need a place to stay? I suggest the Lopez Islander Bay Resort. Lopez Islander Resort is located on charming Fisherman Bay and includes waterfront hotel rooms, restaurant, cocktail lounge, pool and jacuzzi, bicycle and kayak rentals, and nearby golf. This hotel/Resort is within walking distance of
Lopez
Village .
Lopez
Village is the town of the island. The Village has several art galleries, restaurants, a variety of shops, and a fully stocked grocery store. Don't miss the next annual Tour de Lopez!
Lopez
Island is the first stop on the Washington State Ferry. I suggest you plan to be at the ferry dock early, as in summer the lines can be long. Besides being the most popular cycling island, you can whale watch, kayak, fish and hike….no wonder it is considered The Jewel of the San Juans. When you do decide to explore this special place, Lopezians ask you respect this ecologically fragile island and leave only footprints…and don’t forget to wave!
Lopez
Island Vineyard
Open May, June & September: Fridays & Saturdays
winery@lopezislandvineyards.com
360-468-3644
724 Fisherman Bay Road
Lopez Island, WA
98261
Outdoor
Adventure
Center to reserve your space for bicycle and bayak tours
Call: 425-883-9039 or
1-800-282-4043
Email: info@outdoor-adventures.org
Lopez
Island Resort
2864 Fisherman Bay Rd.
Lopez Island, WA
98261
Toll-Free:
(800)
736-3434
Phone:
360-468-2233
Fax:
(360)
468-3382
www.lopezislander.com
Luanne Highlander is a travel writer and Relocation Specialist with RE/MAX. For area information visit www.RelocateNW.com. There you will also find a special section for information on the
San Juan Islands .