Lime Kiln Lighthouse in San Juan Island, Washington
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Spending a Weekend on San Juan Island

San Juan Island sits in the northwest corner of Washington state, just across the water from Canada. Located three hours north of Seattle by car and ferry, San Juan Island hosts visitors from around the world. It is one of four islands in the San Juan Island archipelago served by the Washington State Ferry system. …

Afterglow Vista
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Visiting Afterglow Vista on San Juan Island

As many visitors to this page can probably identify with, I sometimes get a restlessness if I’m cradled in the mundane for too long. When this happens, I often turn to Atlas Obscura for travel inspiration to seek out unique destinations and avoid the crowds. When I read about Afterglow Vista, I knew I had…

Lopez Island
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Spending A Weekend On Lopez Island

If you’re looking for a quiet weekend getaway with gorgeous waterfront views, rolling farmlands and forested trails, Lopez Island is the place for you. Lopez Island, the third largest of the San Juan Islands is about an hour and a half drive and short ferry ride from Seattle. You won’t find a glamorous nightlife here,…

whale watching in the san juan islands
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Wandering Washington’s Whale Trail

As a 90’s kid, Warner Bros’ “Free Willy” was my introduction to Orcas. I imagined myself as Jesse, fist high in the air screaming “Yeah!” as Willy leapt into the Pacific and swam to freedom. As cheesy as the film may seem now, fictional Willy tells a not-so-fictional story. Many of these animals spend their…

mountains
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Spending a Weekend on Orcas Island

The San Juan Islands are an iconic Washington State destination. Rising from the Salish Sea north of Puget Sound, this emerald archipelago is comprised of 172 named islands — only three of which offer visitor lodging and attractions. Travelers flock to the islands during summertime for an abundant dose of natural scenery, outdoor activities and…