Boating in the San Juan Islands— a Mariner's Paradise

Matia Island
Photo by Deane Hislop

The San Juan Islands hosts some of the most pristine boat location in the country. In just 85 miles 11 Marine Parks can be accessed, boasting hundreds of acres of state park land. Each island along the journey is unique in its own way— Jones Island hosts nearly tame deer, Matia has the cite of the Civil War Veteran and hermit Elvin H. Smith, while Sucia was purchased in a joint effort by 65 yacht clubs solely to ensure its availability for boating use. There are around 172 islands in total. Nestled just west of the mainland and north of the straight of Juan de Fuca, it takes just a few minutes cruising to reach. These remarkable and distinctive destinations are truly are a boater's and adventurer's paradise.

Sucia Island
Photo by Taj Howe

Sucia Island
Photo by Taj Howe

Clark and Lummi Islands
Photo by Taj Howe

Spencer Spit, Lopez Island
Photo by Deane Hislop

Data was take from Sea Magazine's article "Compact Crusing"
Read more of the story by Deane Hislop:
http://www.seamagazine.com/compact-cruising/
Photography by Deane Hislop and Taj Howe