Fidalgo Island Map

Description: This map shows cities, towns, villages, neighborhoods, streets, roads, beaches, golf courses, lakes, rivers, peaks, buildings, trails, and parks on Fidalgo Island.

Description: This map shows where Fidalgo Island is located on the Washington State Map.

Other Maps of Fidalgo Island

Fidalgo Island is located in Skagit County, Washington, in the northwestern portion of the state. The island is part of the San Juan Islands archipelago and is situated north of Whidbey Island and east of the main San Juan Islands. Fidalgo Island is notable for being accessible by both bridge connections and for hosting the city of Anacortes, the primary gateway for Washington State Ferries service to the San Juan Islands and Sidney, British Columbia. The island covers approximately 106 square miles and has a population centered mainly in Anacortes and smaller surrounding communities.

Geography and Connections

Fidalgo Island is connected to the mainland by two bridges: the Swinomish Channel Bridge (part of State Route 20) linking to the Swinomish Indian Reservation and mainland Skagit County, and the North Cascades Highway approach via Deception Pass Bridge connecting to Whidbey Island to the south. Deception Pass Bridge, completed in 1935, is one of the most scenic and photographed bridges in the Pacific Northwest, spanning the turbulent waters of Deception Pass.

The island's terrain is diverse, ranging from flat agricultural lands to forested hills. Mount Erie, located near Anacortes, rises to 1,273 feet and is the highest point on the island, offering panoramic views of the surrounding islands, mountains, and waterways. Washington Park, a 220-acre municipal park on the western shore, features forested hiking trails and rocky beaches with views of the San Juan Islands.

Anacortes

Anacortes, with a population of approximately 17,000, is the largest city on Fidalgo Island and serves as the county's second-largest city after Mount Vernon. Incorporated in 1891, the city was named after Anne Curtis, the wife of early settler Amos Bowman. The name "Anacortes" is derived from combining Anne Curtis's name.

Historically, Anacortes was a significant fishing and canning center, with numerous salmon canneries operating in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The city also had shipbuilding facilities and a U.S. Coast Guard station. Two oil refineries, Marathon and Shell (now HollyFrontier), established operations in the area and remain important to the local economy. The Anacortes ferry terminal is one of the busiest in the Washington State Ferries system, serving routes to the San Juan Islands, Shaw Island, Lopez Island, Orcas Island, San Juan Island, and Sidney, British Columbia.

Economy and Tourism

The economy of Anacortes and Fidalgo Island is diverse, including oil refining, maritime industries, tourism, and retail. The presence of two refineries provides significant employment and tax revenue. The ferry terminal brings considerable tourism traffic, with many visitors stopping in Anacortes before continuing to the San Juan Islands or staying to explore local attractions.

Tourism assets include the historic downtown district, featuring Victorian-era buildings, murals depicting local history, numerous galleries, shops, and restaurants. The Anacortes Museum showcases the region's maritime heritage. Annual events include the Anacortes Arts Festival and Waterfront Festival. Cap Sante Park, prominently located on a hill overlooking the city and Guemes Channel, offers hiking trails and panoramic views.

Other Communities

Besides Anacortes, Fidalgo Island includes several smaller communities. March Point, located southeast of Anacortes, is primarily industrial, hosting the two major refineries. La Conner, while technically on the mainland, is closely connected to Fidalgo Island via the Swinomish Channel Bridge. The rural areas of the island include residential properties, farms, and forests.

Main sights on Fidalgo Island

How to Get to Anacortes and Fidalgo Island

Anacortes is located on Fidalgo Island in northwestern Washington State. The city serves as a gateway to the San Juan Islands and offers several transportation options for visitors.

By Car

Driving is the most popular way to reach Anacortes:

• Take Interstate 5 north to Exit 230 (Highway 20 West/Anacortes)
• Follow Highway 20 West for approximately 12 miles
• Cross the Deception Pass Bridge to reach Fidalgo Island
• Continue on Highway 20 into downtown Anacortes
• Total drive time from Seattle: approximately 1.5 to 2 hours

By Bus

Public transportation options include:

• Skagit Transit Route 410 connects Mount Vernon to Anacortes
• Island Transit Route 411 provides service from Oak Harbor
• Connections available from Greyhound stations in Mount Vernon

By Air

For air travel:

• Anacortes Airport (74S) accommodates private aircraft
• Nearest commercial airport: Bellingham International Airport (45 minutes drive)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (2-2.5 hour drive)

By Ferry

If arriving from the San Juan Islands:

• Washington State Ferries operate from Friday Harbor, Orcas Island, and Lopez Island
• Anacortes Ferry Terminal serves as the mainland hub for San Juan Islands ferry service
• Advance reservations recommended, especially during summer months

Tips for Your Visit

• Check Deception Pass Bridge conditions during winter weather
• Ferry schedules change seasonally - verify current times
• Downtown Anacortes is walkable once you arrive
• Parking is generally free and readily available

References