Who said social distancing postponed island time? Definitely not the people of the San Juan Islands. Take the ferry from Mukilteo to Columbia Beach on Whidbey Island, and whip out the binoculars to see if you can peep one of the orcas living year-round in the Puget Sound. Grab your favorite flavor from Whidbey Pies, and zip up 525 to Fort Casey Historical State Park and explore the endearing lighthouse and eerily-interesting gun battery on the cliffs of Coupeville. Fort Ebey is just a few miles north — and a fantastic place to stretch your legs, with winding trails and stop-worthy retired bunkers lining the water’s edge. Deception Pass — a strait-connecting bridge stretching between Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands — is one of the most magical views our state has to offer, so make sure to snap a picture! Trudge forth to Anacortes and stick your toes (or kayak, paddleboard, canoe, or boat) in the sand at Washington Park, if you have the time. Leaving the island and heading toward Burlington may seem a bit sad, but Taylor Shellfish’s farm on the shockingly-scenic Chuckanut Drive is more than worth the trip. Slurp on your oyster-and-otherwise-fishy finds as you either set seaward toward Bellingham (a vibrant art scene awaits) or bus yourself south and back to Bellevue. Not quite ready to be home? Consider adding on a fishing excursion on Lake Cavanaugh!
Anacortes & Whidbey Island
Distance from Bellevue: ~80 miles
Roundtrip distance and suggested time: 150 to 170 miles, 4 to 8 Hours
Who said social distancing postponed island time? Definitely not the people of the San Juan Islands. Take the ferry from Mukilteo to Columbia Beach on Whidbey Island, and whip out the binoculars to see if you can peep one of the orcas living year-round in the Puget Sound. Grab your favorite flavor from Whidbey Pies, and zip up 525 to Fort Casey Historical State Park and explore the endearing lighthouse and eerily-interesting gun battery on the cliffs of Coupeville. Fort Ebey is just a few miles north — and a fantastic place to stretch your legs, with winding trails and stop-worthy retired bunkers lining the water’s edge. Deception Pass — a strait-connecting bridge stretching between Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands — is one of the most magical views our state has to offer, so make sure to snap a picture! Trudge forth to Anacortes and stick your toes (or kayak, paddleboard, canoe, or boat) in the sand at Washington Park, if you have the time. Leaving the island and heading toward Burlington may seem a bit sad, but Taylor Shellfish’s farm on the shockingly-scenic Chuckanut Drive is more than worth the trip. Slurp on your oyster-and-otherwise-fishy finds as you either set seaward toward Bellingham (a vibrant art scene awaits) or bus yourself south and back to Bellevue. Not quite ready to be home? Consider adding on a fishing excursion on Lake Cavanaugh!
PITSTOP
Anacortes: A booming coastal community, Anacortes has all the soul (and all the sea) needed to earn a spot on our road trip stops. For information on local business and recreation openings, visit anacortes.org.
Deception Pass: Drive over the bridge or stop by the State Park for 360 degrees, killer views. Updates can be found on the Washington State Parks website.
Fort Casey State Park: Ever pretended to be a soldier 100 years your senior? Remaining training and defense architecture at Fort Casey State Park — think disappearing guns, vintage lighthouses, catacombs of bunkers — still stand, and are ready to be explored. Park-specific updates and information on the Washington State Parks website.
Fort Ebey State Park: Follow along the bluffs of Fort Ebey State Park with over 25 miles of trails and hidden military structures from the WW2-era. Adrenaline chaser? Paragliders and surfers are common on Ebey’s beaches. Park-specific updates and information on the Washington State Parks website.
WHERE TO EAT
Taylor Shellfish Farm: Sustainable oysters, clams, mussels, geoduck, and more, straight from the source. Check hours and other online ordering options at taylorshellfishfarms.com.
Whidbey Pies: How often do you come across the marionberry and loganberry variation of America’s favorite pastry? At Whidbey Pies, year-round! See what’s in stock at whidbeypies.com.
Dad’s Diner: Elaborate cupcakes and locally-sourced fish tacos? Sounds like a diner match made in heaven — or Anacortes. For updates and menu availability, refer to Dad’s Facebook page.
SIDE TRIPS
Bellingham: Charming is an understatement when it comes to the always-artsy and still-outdoorsy town of Bellingham. Peruse the hip city’s extensive farm-to-table dining experiences, off-the-wall retail, and diversified art scene. Check openings at bellingham.org.
Chuckanut Drive: This 24-mile stretch of scenic byway overlooks the Islands, Cascade Mountains, and Samish Bay alike. For attractions along Chuckanut Drive, visit scenicwa.com/chuckanut-drive.
Fishing on Lake Cavanaugh: The fishermen of Skagit County swear by Lake Cavanaugh’s trout and largemouth bass reservoir — bring your boat (or flotation device of your choosing) and toss a line in to see for yourself. Lake-specific updates can be found at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website.
Washington Park: You don’t need to — although we recommend it — sleep in a tent at Anacortes’ Washington Park in order to enjoy the seaside solitude. Campground availability and park updates can be found here.
Driving Directions
