Island Shores to Mountain Peaks: A 2-Day Escape to San Juan Island and North Cascades

Many people have warned me that "Getting old is not enjoyable." These same individuals have also mentioned that reaching ages like 30, 40, or 60 are significant milestones. I find myself torn between feeling happy about growing older and feeling apprehensive about the challenges and responsibilities that may accompany it!

For my birthday, I opted to do what I excel at (at least in my opinion :) ) - I organized a spontaneous 2-day solo getaway to discover a new destination. Perplexed? So was I, but as I delved into research, everything started making sense, and the journey ended up being one of my most unforgettable experiences, especially since my dear friend kindly accompanied me on this unexpected adventure.

Our plan was to visit Seattle and discover Mount Rainier. However, we had to call it off because of a heat wave during that week.

Instead of our original plan, we opted to visit North Cascades National Park, situated north of Seattle. Due to the sudden change, it proved challenging to secure accommodation nearby. Consequently, we ended up reserving a hotel over an hour away in an unfamiliar location.

Following the hotel reservation, I delved into researching the town and discovered that the seemingly unknown location was in fact the delightful seaside town of Anacortes. Intrigued, I delved deeper into its details and learned that the ferry to the renowned San Juan Islands departs from Anacortes. This revelation prompted me to revise our plans once more, resulting in a new 2-day itinerary. It is worth mentioning that we were fortunate to secure ferry tickets, hotel bookings, and other arrangements on such short notice.

Getting ferry tickets is simple if you plan to travel on foot. Here is the official website. However, I strongly recommend bringing your car along, as rental choices on the islands are scarce and expensive. Moreover, ride-sharing services are not available there. While there are a few taxis and buses to move around the island, having a car is the most efficient way to explore the islands thoroughly, especially if you are on a tight schedule like us.

We highly recommend making advance vehicle reservations. They open up 25% of the standard vehicle spaces (sedans, compact SUVs, etc.) two months ahead of time. Another 25% becomes available two weeks in advance, and the final 25% is released two days before at 7:30 am PST. The remaining 25% of slots are reserved for last-minute arrivals.

We made our reservation 2 days ahead. The slots fill up quickly, so make sure to log in promptly. Vehicle bookings are one-way, so we had to reserve for the outbound and inbound journeys separately; later, we discovered the round-trip option on the website. Please note that the website is quite sluggish and may freeze. While we successfully booked the return journey, the website froze when we tried to book the outbound trip, resulting in all slots being taken by the time it unfroze. I contacted the ferry helpline, and the lady I spoke to was incredibly helpful and managed to secure the desired time slot for me.

Tip Time!:

Make sure to check the ferry reservation website in advance and gather the dimensions of the vehicle you will be taking with you.

Here is our impromptu 2 day itinerary:

Day 0:

Upon our arrival in Seattle on Thursday night, we overlooked the possibility of any events or construction that could lead to delays, assuming it was just a regular weekend. However, to our surprise, there was a concert and extensive construction happening that weekend, causing us to wait for a cab at the airport for 2 hours! Ironically, our hotel was located right across the street from the airport, and once we finally got a cab, it took us only 4 minutes to reach our destination.

Day 1:

Our day began bright and early as we headed to the airport to collect our rental car before driving to Anacortes.

Renowned for their breathtaking natural beauty, wildlife, and outdoor activities, the San Juan Islands are a magnificent archipelago comprising more than 170 islands. However, only a handful of them, such as San Juan Island (Friday Harbor), Orcas Island, Lopez Island, and Shaw Island, are reachable by ferry.

We picked Orcas island for our excursion. It is the largest of the islands, popular for its lush forests, Moran State Park, and laid-back vibe.

For more information about each of these islands do visit here.

Although we had planned to arrive at the ferry terminal by 10:30 am, unexpected roadworks and heavy concert traffic caused our journey to extend beyond the anticipated 1.5 hours, taking us over 2 hours to reach our destination. As a result, we failed to meet the deadline for our ferry. While en route to the terminal, we contacted the ferry company to explain our delay. They reassured us that we could transfer our reservation to the next ferry departing at 12:30pm, provided that we arrived at least an hour early and informed the staff at the checkpoint. We were assured a spot in the final 25% of vehicle reservations reserved for latecomers.

Having everything sorted out, we arrived on time and boarded our ferry. Both the ferry terminal and the ferry itself are impeccably maintained. They also have excellent onboard security. Additionally, there are various food and beverage choices available for purchase on the ferry.

We reached Orcas island at 2pm. We decided to follow this map roughly, and explore the island stopping at different points.

Our journey commenced in Eastsound village, the central hub and largest town on Orcas Island. This charming and picturesque village is renowned for its intimate small-town atmosphere, breathtaking natural environment, and vibrant local community.

The village exudes a relaxed vibe, offering a blend of charming shops, eateries, art galleries, and cafes.

Our Orcas island adventure began with a delightful visit to the Clever Cow Creamery, situated in the heart of Eastsound village.

Following a tour of various shops, galleries, and the charming Orcas Island Historical Museum, we proceeded to our next stop.

Later on, we made a quick stop at the Rosario Resort and Spa. Despite the resort being closed, the beautiful surroundings offered a perfect backdrop for taking some amazing photos.

Our next destination was Moran State Park, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, extensive network of trails, and a variety of outdoor activities. Encompassing more than 5,000 acres, Moran State Park is a must-see for nature enthusiasts and those who love the outdoors.

The park boasts over 38 miles of hiking trails suitable for all levels of expertise. These trails range from leisurely strolls around the lakes to more demanding treks up Mount Constitution.

Some of the popular trails include:

• Cascade Falls Trail: A brief and picturesque hike leading to stunning waterfalls.

• Mount Constitution Loop: A challenging hike offering rewarding panoramic views from the peak.

• Twin Lakes Trail: A moderate hike through wooded areas, culminating in serene lakeside views.

Due to time constraints, we were unable to embark on any hikes or fully explore the park, so we opted to drive through it instead.

Tip Time!:

Upon entering the park, we lost our cell phone signal, but luckily our rental car had a built-in navigation system. I recommend bringing a handheld GPS device when visiting these islands, or downloading an offline map of the island on your phone for situations like this.

After passing through Obstruction Pass State Park, we made a brief visit to Doe Bay Resort & Retreat. Then, we returned to Eastsound village for an early dinner before taking the final ferry back to Anacortes.

In Eastsound village, there are numerous dining options, yet our selection was Matia Kitchen, a highly praised farm-to-table restaurant in the state. Our experience was truly satisfying, with a warm atmosphere and exceptional flavors.

Tip Time!:

Due to its popularity and intimate setting, it’s recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during the high season when Orcas Island sees more visitors.

After dinner, we boarded our ferry to Anacortes and then settled into our accommodation for the night, the delightful The Marina Inn.

The tranquility and peacefulness of the island are truly remarkable. Despite the presence of numerous people, it felt as though we were the only ones on the island. I would definitely return for a longer stay to fully explore everything I didn't have the chance to see.

Day 2:

After a restful night's sleep, we began our day early and drove for 2 hours to reach North Cascades National Park.

Famous for its tall, rugged mountains, deep valleys, glaciers, and alpine lakes, this park is commonly known as the “American Alps.”

Featuring more than 400 miles of hiking paths that vary from simple strolls to demanding wilderness expeditions, the area draws hikers, climbers, campers, and nature enthusiasts seeking peace and stunning natural scenery.

Moreover, being among the least frequented national parks in the United States, it provides an authentic wilderness adventure. Its rough terrain, striking beauty, and diverse wildlife make it a hidden treasure for adventurers looking to escape the crowds of more popular national parks.

Tip Time!:

The park is remote and doesn’t have any major towns within its boundaries, but it’s accessible via State Route 20, which runs through the southern part of the park.

Allow at least an hour to drive this beautiful, winding road, and add more time for stops along the way.

Nearby towns like Marblemount and Winthrop offer lodging, dining, and services for visitors heading into the park.

Driving on State route 20, our park exploration began at the North Cascades Visitor Center (near Newhalem), where we encountered a highly informative ranger. They provided us with recommendations on various spots and hikes to visit within our limited 3-4 hour time frame.

Following are the stop/hikes we did:

• River Loop Trail:

  This 1.8-mile (2.9 km) loop starts at the northeast corner of the North Cascades Visitor Center and takes you through different types of forest before reaching a tranquil gravel bar offering expansive views of the river.

• "Trail of the Cedars" Nature Walk:

  The trail passes through a lush, old-growth forest with towering western red cedars and hemlock trees, some of which are over 500 years old. The trees create a cool, shaded environment, even on warm summer days. Many of the cedars stand over 100 feet tall and have massive trunks, offering a glimpse into the ancient forests that once dominated this region.

• Ladder Creek Falls:  

  Ladder Creek Falls is situated behind the Gorge Powerhouse in Newhalem, a small company town run by Seattle City Light, which operates the nearby hydroelectric facilities.

  The falls can be accessed by crossing a suspension bridge over the Skagit River, which adds to the adventure and charm of visiting. The falls are part of the historic Ladder Creek Gardens, which were developed in the 1920s as a way to showcase the natural beauty of the area near the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project.

• The Gorge Creek Falls Overlook:

  The overlook is a magnificent viewing point situated along North Cascades Highway. It provides awe-inspiring panoramas of Gorge Creek Falls, a majestic waterfall cascading into the deep, rocky gorge beneath. Nestled below the falls lies Gorge Lake, a tranquil reservoir formed by Gorge Dam, one of the three dams along the Skagit River forming the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project. The turquoise waters of the lake and the forested hillsides further enhance the picturesque allure of the area.

  One of the main attractions of a visit to the Gorge Creek Falls Overlook is the opportunity to traverse a suspension bridge spanning the gorge. This bridge offers a unique, close-up perspective of the falls and a thrilling vantage point of the steep descent into the gorge below. Unfortunately we were not able see the suspension bridge due to time constraints.

• Diablo Lake Overlook:

  The Diablo Lake Overlook is one of the most iconic viewpoints along State Route 20. It offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Diablo Lake and its striking turquoise waters, framed by towering, rugged peaks of the Cascade Range. The overlook is a favorite stop for travelers seeking to take in the natural beauty of the region.

• Diablo Dam:

  Diablo Dam is accessible via Diablo Dam Road, which branches off the North Cascades Highway. It is one of the few hydroelectric dams that visitors can drive across.

  After crossing the dam road and following the signs, you will end up at the Daiblo lake, which is a popular spot for boating, kayaking, and canoeing, with its calm waters and stunning surroundings offering a serene environment for paddlers.

Although we wanted to stop at Ross Lake Overlook, we had a 9pm flight to catch. Considering our past experiences with traffic on this trip, we opted not to risk it and began our journey back from Diablo Dam.

While heading to the airport, we made a quick stop for an early dinner at Sukhothai Restaurant in Bellevue. We informed the hostess about our flight schedule, and she ensured that our meal was served promptly, allowing us to reach the airport on time.

Two days are not enough to fully experience either of the destinations on this itinerary. We would definitely come back to both of these incredible places to thoroughly explore all the hiking trails, mountains, waterfalls, and whale watching opportunities!

I am thankful that we had the opportunity to witness and enjoy these breathtaking locations, even though it was only for a brief period..