San Juan Islands Map

Description: This map shows islands, roads, beaches, villages, trails, lakes, rivers, peaks, airports, and parks on San Juan Islands.

Description: This map shows where San Juan Islands is located on the Washington State Map.

Description: This map shows roads, scenic byway, beaches, points of interest, tourist attractions, airports, and parks on San Juan Islands.

Description: This map shows islands, roads, ferries, airports, and parks on San Juan Islands.

Description: This map shows farms and markets on San Juan Islands.

Other Maps of San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands are an archipelago located in the northwestern corner of Washington State in the Salish Sea, between the U.S. mainland and Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The archipelago consists of over 400 islands and rocks, with only about 128 named islands, of which the four largest—San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Lopez Island, and Shaw Island—are accessible by the Washington State Ferries system.

Geography

The San Juan Islands are situated north of Puget Sound and west of the coastal mainland of Washington State. The archipelago lies at the convergence of several major waterways: Juan de Fuca Strait to the west, Georgia Strait to the north, and the various channels and passages that make up the inland waters of the Salish Sea. The islands were formed through geological processes including glaciation during the last ice age, which carved out the distinctive topography characterized by rocky shorelines, protected bays, and forested hills.

San Juan Island covers approximately 55 square miles and is home to the county seat, Friday Harbor, the largest town in the archipelago. Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands at roughly 57 square miles, features Mount Constitution, which rises 2,409 feet above sea level and represents the highest point in the islands. Lopez Island encompasses about 29.81 square miles, while Shaw Island is the smallest of the four ferry-served islands at approximately 7.73 square miles.

The climate is characterized as mild Mediterranean with maritime influence, featuring dry summers and wet winters. Annual precipitation averages between 20-30 inches, significantly less than nearby Seattle due to the rain shadow effect created by the Olympic Mountains.

History

Indigenous Peoples

The San Juan Islands were historically inhabited by Coast Salish peoples, including the Lummi, Saanich, Samish, and other tribes who utilized the islands for fishing, hunting, and gathering. Archaeological evidence suggests human habitation dating back thousands of years. These indigenous communities developed sophisticated marine-based cultures, utilizing the rich resources of the Salish Sea including salmon, shellfish, and marine mammals.

European Exploration and Settlement

Spanish explorer Francisco de Eliza first charted the islands in 1791, naming the archipelago in honor of Vicente de Güemes Padilla Horcasitas y Aguayo, 2nd Count of Revillagigedo, the Viceroy of New Spain. British explorer Captain George Vancouver surveyed the region in 1792. American and British settlement in the area during the mid-19th century led to territorial disputes.

Pig War

The San Juan Islands were the site of the bloodless Pig War of 1859, a territorial dispute between the United States and Great Britain. The conflict began on June 15, 1859, when American farmer Lyman Cutlar shot a pig belonging to the Hudson's Bay Company that was rooting in his garden on San Juan Island. This incident escalated into a military confrontation with both nations deploying armed forces to the island. The crisis was eventually resolved through diplomatic channels, and in 1872, German Emperor Wilhelm I, acting as arbitrator, awarded the islands to the United States. The event is commemorated at American Camp and English Camp, both now part of San Juan Island National Historical Park.

Demographics and Economy

San Juan County, which encompasses the islands, had a population of approximately 18,668 according to a 2024 Estimate. Friday Harbor serves as the commercial and governmental center with a population of around 2,600 residents. The economy historically relied on fishing, agriculture, and lime production, but has shifted primarily to tourism, recreational activities, and service industries in recent decades.

Tourism represents the largest economic sector, with visitors attracted to whale watching, kayaking, sailing, cycling, and the islands' natural beauty. The islands support numerous bed-and-breakfast establishments, resorts, restaurants, and art galleries. Agriculture continues on a smaller scale, with farms producing vegetables, fruits, livestock, and vineyards. Several wineries operate on San Juan and Lopez Islands.

Transportation

Washington State Ferries operates regular service connecting the four main islands with Anacortes on the mainland and Sidney, British Columbia. The ferry system serves as the primary mode of transportation for both residents and visitors, with routes running year-round on varying schedules. San Juan Airlines and Kenmore Air provide scheduled and charter seaplane service from Seattle and other locations. Friday Harbor has a small airport serving private and charter aircraft.

Inter-island travel occurs via private boats, with numerous marinas and anchorages throughout the archipelago. Roads on the major islands are maintained by San Juan County, with many residents and visitors using bicycles for local transportation, particularly on Lopez Island which features relatively flat terrain and a strong cycling culture.

Natural Environment

Marine Life

The waters surrounding the San Juan Islands support extraordinarily diverse marine ecosystems. The archipelago is renowned for its resident and transient orca whale populations. Three pods of Southern Resident killer whales—designated J, K, and L pods—frequent the area, particularly during summer months when Chinook salmon, their primary prey, are abundant. These orcas are listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Transient (Bigg's) killer whales, which feed on marine mammals rather than fish, are also commonly observed.

Other marine mammals include harbor seals, harbor porpoises, Dall's porpoises, Steller sea lions, California sea lions, and various whale species including gray whales, humpback whales, and minke whales. The region serves as critical habitat for Pacific salmon species including Chinook, coho, chum, pink, and sockeye salmon. Numerous seabird colonies exist throughout the islands, with species such as rhinoceros auklets, tufted puffins, pigeon guillemots, and bald eagles.

Terrestrial Flora and Fauna

The islands feature a mix of coastal Douglas fir and Pacific madrone forests, with understory vegetation including salal, Oregon grape, and oceanspray. Open meadows and prairies occur on several islands, supporting native grassland species. The temperate climate and diverse habitats support populations of black-tailed deer, river otters, mink, raccoons, and various bat species. Bird diversity includes raptors, waterfowl, and numerous songbird species. The islands lack many predators found on the mainland, including bears, cougars, and coyotes.

Conservation and Protected Areas

Several protected areas preserve the natural and historical resources of the San Juan Islands. San Juan Island National Historical Park encompasses approximately 2,000 acres across American Camp and English Camp, protecting not only historical sites but also important prairie and coastal ecosystems. The San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1914, includes 83 islands, rocks, and reefs totaling 454 acres, providing critical nesting habitat for seabirds and haul-out sites for marine mammals. Moran State Park on Orcas Island covers over 5,000 acres and offers hiking trails, camping facilities, and access to mountain lakes.

The San Juan Preservation Trust, a local land trust, works to conserve open space, wildlife habitat, and agricultural lands through conservation easements and land acquisition. Marine protected areas include the Cattle Point Natural Resources Conservation Area and various state-managed aquatic reserves that restrict certain activities to protect sensitive marine habitats.

Education and Research

The University of Washington operates Friday Harbor Laboratories on San Juan Island, one of the oldest and most renowned marine research facilities in North America, established in 1904. The laboratory hosts researchers from around the world studying marine biology, oceanography, and related fields. The Whale Museum in Friday Harbor focuses on education and research related to cetaceans and the marine environment of the Salish Sea. Several environmental and conservation organizations maintain facilities in the islands for research, monitoring, and educational programs related to marine ecosystems, wildlife, and habitat conservation.

Culture and Community

The San Juan Islands have developed a distinct cultural identity characterized by strong environmental awareness, artistic communities, and emphasis on preservation of rural character. The islands host numerous galleries, studios, and cultural events including music festivals, art tours, and theatrical productions. Local governance emphasizes land use planning that balances development pressures with conservation of natural resources and rural aesthetics. The islands maintain a reputation for outdoor recreation, sustainable living practices, and community engagement in environmental stewardship.

List of Islands (San Juan County)

Main sights in San Juan Islands

How to Get to San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands are located in northwestern Washington State and are accessible primarily by ferry, private boat, or small aircraft. Here's how to reach this beautiful archipelago:

By Ferry (Most Popular Option)

Washington State Ferries is the main transportation method to the San Juan Islands. Ferries depart from Anacortes, Washington and serve the four main islands with regular passenger and vehicle service.

Main ferry destinations:

• Friday Harbor (San Juan Island)
• Roche Harbor (San Juan Island)
• Orcas Island (Orcas Village)
• Lopez Island (Lopez Village)
• Shaw Island

Ferry schedules: Ferries run year-round with seasonal schedule variations. Summer months have more frequent departures. Advance reservations are highly recommended, especially for vehicles during peak season.

Getting to Anacortes

By car: Anacortes is approximately 90 minutes north of Seattle via Interstate 5 and Highway 20. Take Exit 230 from I-5 and follow signs to Anacortes.

By bus: Airporter Shuttle and Island Transit provide bus service to Anacortes from Seattle and other locations.

By air: Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac) or Bellingham International Airport, then drive or take shuttle service to Anacortes.

By Private Aircraft

Several islands have small airports for private planes:

• Friday Harbor Airport (San Juan Island)
• Orcas Island Airport
• Lopez Island Airport

Commercial flights: Kenmore Air and San Juan Airlines offer scheduled seaplane and small aircraft service from Seattle area.

By Private Boat

The San Juan Islands are accessible by private boat or yacht. Many marinas and anchorages are available throughout the islands. Popular ports include:

• Friday Harbor Marina
• Roche Harbor Resort
• Deer Harbor Marina (Orcas Island)
• Fisherman Bay (Lopez Island)

Important Tips

Seasonal considerations: Summer is peak season with higher ferry traffic and accommodation demand. Spring and fall offer fewer crowds but variable weather.

Vehicle reservations: If bringing a car, make ferry reservations well in advance, especially for summer travel.

Island transportation: Once on the islands, options include rental cars, bicycles, walking, or limited public transit depending on the specific island.