Puget Sound, Seattle
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An excursion to one of the more than 170 islands in Puget Sound is a must; just the ferry trip alone is a delight, the boat slipping smoothly along through this unique seascape. Places out of reach of the ferries can be seen by kayak, the waters being calm.
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San Juan Islands
Popular with vacationists are the San Juan Islands, which preserve a number of buildings dating from the period of British rule. In Friday Harbor is a Whale Museum, and there are boat trips from there to observe whales in the open sea.Other islands in Puget Sound, all rewarding of a visit, are Orcas Island, Lopez Island, Shaw Island, the virtually unspoiled Vashon Island, a wonderful place to explore by bike, and Blake Island, where Chief Seattle was born and where a Squamish log house has been reconstructed.Canada too is "just round the corner", with a regular ferry service to the pretty town of Victoria on Vancouver Island.
Lopez Island
Lopez Island, in the San Juan Islands, is a popular spot with cyclists. This is actually one of the lesser visited islands but is easily accessed with the Washington ferry system. From Lopez Island its possible to arrange kayaking or whale watching tours, and the island has all the usual amenities with accommodation and restaurants.
Lopez Historical Museum
The Lopez Island Historical Museum is a small museum dedicated to the history of the island. It is located in the center of Lopez and operates from spring until Fall.
San Juan Island
San Juan Island is the western most of the San Juan Islands. The main community on the island is Friday Harbor, where the ferries servicing the island dock. Another important community is Roche Harbor Village with many historic buildings. The town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Public transport is available on the island making visiting San Juan Island very easy.
San Juan Island National Historic Park
The San Juan Island National Historic Park protects a variety of flora and fauna but is historically significant for the boundary dispute between the Americans and British in the late 1850s.The park has numerous walking trails and is a popular bird watching spot.
Friday Harbor
If you are arriving by ferry to San Juan Island, Friday Harbor will be the first community you visit on San Juan Island. The town has shops, galleries, dining and accommodation options, and basically everything that a tourist may want.
San Juan Historical Museum
The San Juan Historical Museum is housed in the 19th c. James King farmhouse. The museum also maintains the old jail, milk house, King Residence, and Scribner Log Cabin. A visit to the museum provides insight into the history of the area. Also significant to the San Juan Historical Museum's collection are the historical photographs, which are largely catalogued but available to public for viewing.
Whale Museum
The Whale Museum in Friday Harbor presents a wealth of information of whales, particularly orcas. Displays on the natural history of whales and marine life are presented, along with whale skeletons. The museum also features art, whale recordings, and information on resident orcas. the Whale museum also offers programs and events.
Orcas Island
Located in the San Juan Islands, Orcas Island is known for it's natural beauty and recreational opportunities. It is the largest of the San Juan Islands. Orcas Island has several communities, including Eastsound with fine dining, shopping, and galleries.
Orcas Island Historical Museum
The Orcas Island Historical Museum is located in six original pioneer homesteads from the late 1800s. They were donated to the historical society and moved to their present location. The cabins have been furnished with historical displays relating to the history of Orcas Island.
Moran State Park
Moran State Park on Orcas Island offers camping and picnic sites. Most people come here either to camp and hike, as the park offers 50 km / 30 mi of trails.
Whidbey Island
To the north of Seattle is Whidbey Island, the largest island in Puget Sound, which was reconnoitred by George Vancouver in 1792 and is now a popular summer resort. On the island are the attractive little townships of Coupeville, Langley and Oak Harbor. To the south of Coupeville is the 19th c. Fort Casey.
Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve
Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve preserves the history of the Pacific Northwest. Here visitors will find life still carrying on much as it did in the past, with historic buildings still in use, and the same pastures still being farmed.
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