Spring is a magical time in the San Juan Islands. The island comes to life as wildflowers bring bright pops of color to the beautiful seaside landscapes. Plus, April marks the start of the high season for whale watching. Did you know that the San Juan Islands are the best place in the world to encounter orca whales in the wild? And, if you’re a bird lover, the San Juan Islands are home to over 200 species of birds. Birders rejoice! The San Juan Islands are hailed as one of the best bird-watching destinations in the state of Washington.
Adventure seekers will also find Spring to be the ideal time to visit San Juan Island. Kayaking and biking can be enjoyed without the crowds that come with Summer. Ocean lovers will enjoy kayaking where they can get a unique glimpse into the world of the abundant sea life in the San Juans. Land lovers can sightsee by cycling around the island and stopping off to explore various locations. San Juan Island is very bike-friendly and cycling is a great way to enjoy all the island has to offer. If you prefer not to pedal too hard, there are plenty of e-bike rentals available.
There is something for everyone to enjoy in the San Juan Islands. Whether you are looking for adventure or to reconnect with nature, San Juan Island is a must-visit destination. However you choose to spend your time here, we have a handy guide for you detailing how to make the most of your San Juan Island vacation.
Wildflowers on San Juan Island
From the top of Mt. Young to the paths of the Sculpture Garden, flower lovers will be delighted with a Spring visit to the San Juan Islands. Blue-eyed Marys, seashore lupines and chocolate lilies can be found along the bluffs overlooking the sea. The prairies of American Camp are littered with purple camas, spring gold, hooked spur violets, small flower woodland-stars, and buttercups. Mt. Finlayson is home to miner’s lettuce, desert parsley, sheep sorrel, prairie saxifrage, and two varieties of brodiaea. Be sure to bring your camera because you will want to capture this beauty forever!
If you would like to plan a wildflower hike, visit: https://www.visitsanjuans.com/best-wildflower-hikes-in-the-san-juans
We recommend downloading this brochure to take along so you can identify the wildflowers along your hike: http://npshistory.com/brochures/sajh/wildflowers.pdf
Whale Watching
The San Juan Islands are a world-renowned whale-watching destination. Beat the crowds and plan a tour before the busy Summer season kicks in. There are three different ecotypes of Orcas that make the waters around the San Juan Islands home: Resident, Transient, and Off Shore. The Southern Resident community is made up of 76 whales and 3 pods. You may view these magnificent creatures from the sea, or from land on the west side. There is nothing like having the gift of hiking along the shore and seeing the Southern Resident Orcas swim along! Sometimes we are lucky enough to have all 3 pods present for a Super Pod where you will see spy hopping, tail slapping, breaching, and more. Don’t forget to visit the Whale Museum to learn more about whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem.
If you would like to whale watch from land, visit:
- Cattle Point Lighthouse
- Lime Kiln Lighthouse
The trick with viewing from land is that you have to be there at the right moment. If you hop on a boat with one of our local tour providers and increase your chances by heading out to see them.
If you would like to book a whale watching tour, the following operators are located in Friday Harbor:
Western Prince Whale Watching and Wildlife Tours
Bird Watching
Not only does San Juan Island have the highest concentration of breeding bald eagles in the contiguous United States, but it has a plethora of unique species that arrive only during the Spring months. San Juan Island is part of the Puget Loop of the Washington State Birding Trail and features four of its main sites; Lime Kiln State Park, American Camp, English Camp, and Jackson’s Beach. We suggest purchasing the trail map HERE, which features 220 annually recorded bird species.
A few of our other favorite places to spot wildlife are Zylstra Lake Preserve, San Juan County Park, and the Cattle Point Lighthouse. Keep your eyes peeled for owls, black oystercatchers, surf scoters, belted kingfishers, tufted puffins, and many other species of birds who call San Juan Island home.
New to birding? A trip to the San Juans will help you check off a great collection of terrestrial birds as well as a plentiful list of marine species – so get your binoculars and bird ID guides ready! Just remember to keep your distance and observe from afar so you do not disturb the bird’s natural habitat.
Book a bird watching tour here:
If you prefer to birdwatch on your own, you may rent a vehicle here:
Helpful Resources for birders:
Washington Ornithological Society
National Park Service – Birds of the San Juans
Kayaking
The smell of sea salt in the air, the breeze blowing through your hair, cold sprays of water against your skin… If this sounds like your ideal day, then a kayak adventure on San Juan Island is perfect for you. Not only is kayaking great for your health, but it also allows you to get closer to nature. You may even spot a whale! We highly recommend booking a bioluminescence tour, an experience you’ll never forget. Whether paddling through bioluminescence is on your bucket list, or you just want to take a closer look at marine life, San Juan Island is the place to do it.
Of course, you need to be aware of our potentially strong local currents and set out with someone who is knowledgeable about our local waterways. We have so many wonderful kayak companies to help you along:
Biking
If you’re up for the challenge, San Juan Island can be circumnavigated in a day, a journey of about 43 miles, including scenic legs. However, we recommend splitting up your trip so you can visit Pelindaba Lavender Farm, Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm & Country Store, San Juan Vineyards, San Juan Islands Sculpture Park, or any of the other incredible stops along the way. If you would like a guided tour, San Juan Island has several to choose from including sunset tours, photography tours, birding & nature tours, and wedding party tours.
Keep safety in mind, as there are some substantial hills and roads with narrow shoulders.
Download your San Juan Island Bike Map HERE.
Rent a bike or book a tour here:
Friday Harbor Accommodations
Nature lovers and adventure seekers will both love Springtime in the San Juan Islands. The weather is ideal and the summer crowds have not yet arrived. Whether you paddle, cycle, or just want to sit back, relax, and enjoy nature, a Springtime visit to San Juan Island is just for you!
The Web Suites is the perfect San Juan Island accommodation. Located in the heart of Friday Harbor, we have easy access to the ferry landing, whale watching and nature viewing tours, and kayak and bike rental shops. All of this adventuring is likely to tire you out! Landing at the end of the day at The Web Suites will provide you with modern Friday Harbor accommodations that allow you to relax when you need it.
No matter what kind of adventure you are looking for during your visit, we can help point you in the right direction. With thirty years of hospitality and service under our belts, we want to share our life-long island knowledge with you.
Interested in learning about what there is to do on San Juan Island in the Winter? Read our 7 Things to Do During the Winter on San Juan Island blog HERE.