In the Backyard

The town of Friday Harbor, one mile square, became incorporated in 1909. The site for the town was a sheep pasture with a freshwater stream which ran down what is now the main street of town (Spring Street) into the deep sheltered bay below. Friday Harbor is the largest "town" in the San Juan Islands, and it is the only town which also has a ferry terminal. It also has a community college and the University of Washington marine labs. The town has the flavor of the historical fishing village that it was, and the tourist destination that it has become.

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Today there is a population of 1,810. Many small shops and galleries provide items unique to the islands or the artisans that live here. It’s a popular place to visit for tourists.There are excellent restaurants and several bed and breakfasts. The county seat since 1875, Friday Harbor has the courthouse, sheriff’s office, and associated services. Today there are enough facilities and amenities that the island resident rarely has to go off island to find what he needs.

This dog, named Duncan, parks himself in the sunny doorway of Griffin Bay Books. One often must step over his body in order to enter the store.

How to get to Friday Harbor? Check out the nice array of choices presented on the Chamber of Commerce page. If you are looking for a place to rent or a hotel or bed and breakfast, check out the Island Sites page.

At the Parks

San Juan Island has the only official whale-watching park in the United States. This is Lime Kiln Point State Park, close to Deadman's Bay. There are lovely paths and great views close to a scenic lighthouse with 2,500 feet of shoreline. The dramatic Orca whales, feeding off the kelpbeds nearby from June to September, may pass by shore while you are at the park. It's always a thrill to see their fins emerge and hear their heavy breathing!

San Juan Island has two huge national parks- British Camp and American Camp.The parks are named camps because they were the location of the encampments for the British and American soldiers who occupied San Juan Island around the time of the Civil War. Both countries were arguing about which one should own San Juan Island, but there was no real war. There was even a military road to deliver supplies between the camps. To settle the dispute, a German Kaiser was asked to arbitrate. He decided that San Juan would be part of the United States. So it came about that San Juan Island was the last soil in the nation to be occupied by the foreign troops. The British marines finally left on November 25, 1872. There are miles of beaches and wild flora and fauna at both national parks, beautiful trails and lovely vistas. British Camp is at lovely wooded Garrison Bay, and American Camp is at the south end of the island, including sunny, popular South Beach. These camps are a treasure, but there is no camping! For more information about the national parks, see their own web page.

Where can you camp? You can camp at San Juan County Park on the west side of the island. There are 18 campsites, but no hook-ups or showers. There is also a group site at this park, which is a hang-out for the local wild turkeys. Really. You can make reservations at 360-378-2992. They have a boat launch at San Juan County Park which is located near Andrews Bay, a quiet part of the Haro Straits. Locals enjoy seeing the sunset or watching for whales from this property. Another place to camp is at Lakedale, a private campground on freshwater lakes close to Roche Harbor Road. Call 378-2350 for reservations. There are 82 acres with 125 tent sites including RV hook-up sites and group sites, 12 bikesites, and showers. You can rent boats and equipment there. There is a small convenience store and nice swimming beaches.

Two other places with camp sites are Pedal Inn near False Bay which specializes in bike sites (378-3049) and Snug Harbor which has cottages, tent sites, and even boat rentals from their marina. Call 378-4762. Other, smaller parks are a delight to visit. Next to the marina in downtown Friday Harbor there is a lovely waterfront park. At the top of the ferry lane there is Sunken Park, a favorite for basketball pick-up games. The Fairgrounds on Argyle have a nice children’s play area and just a wee bit further is sandy Jackson Beach park and lagoon. Other favorites are the Ruben Tarte Memorial Park off of San Juan Drive and Eagle Cove on the south end of the island.

Cruising

Obedience Classes

This well behaved dog and owner take a sunny break in front of the Brewpub.
Dogs are expected to be well behaved on San Juan Island. If they are not, their owners may even require them to attend an obedience class with other canine misfits. There are no such classes for people, however!

As a reward for reading every last word of The Digs, here is a short list of people's expectations of visitors to San Juan. If you obey these expectations, you will be looked upon as a welcome visitor rather than a dog gone tourist!

• Do not act as if you are in a hurry, even if you are.
• Do not get off the ferry and walk up the middle of the road as if it were not a street for cars also.
• Do not come to San Juan dressed in a suit unless you are an attorney or going to a wedding or a funeral.
• Do not apologize for being from California, many islanders come from California.
• There's elbow room here! Do not tailgate people on the road or with your grocery cart.
• Keep your boats a great distance away from any Orca you are lucky enough to see. Use the telephoto lens on your camera or your binoculars.
• Leave your jet skis at home!
• It is considered impolite to pass by an island dog without saying hello.

Ready to look for island property with an experienced Realtor?us or check out our real estate listings page, which is updated weekly.!



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