Dog Friendly San Juan Islands
Do stunning landscapes, dog-friendly beaches, wildlife encounters and miles of scenic trails sound like the perfect getaway? We think so too! For an unforgettable adventure for both you and your dog, look no further than the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington State!
Orcas in the Salish Sea. Photographed on a Sony 6400 with a 70-350mm Telephoto Lens
Getting to the San Juan Islands
The adventure begins with a ferry ride from Anacortes, WA to one of the four main islands: San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Lopez Island, and Shaw Island. Dogs are welcome on Washington State Ferries, either staying with you in the car or walking around with a leash on the upper decks. The scenic ferry ride across the Salish Sea to the San Juan Islands takes just over an hour. Car reservations can fill up quickly, so be sure to plan ahead if you want to bring your vehicle. Dolphins and seals are often spotted from the ferry, and you may even be lucky enough to even catch a glimpse of a pod of orcas.
Dog Friendly Places to Stay
The San Juan Islands have a variety of pet-friendly accommodations, from cozy cabins to luxury inns. Many places are dog-friendly, so there are options for all kinds of travelers. We camped at Lakedale Resort which is about a 10 minute drive from Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, and loved it. Lakedale is a popular pet-friendly destination, offering glamping tents, cabins, campsites, and even yurts where dogs are welcome. The 82 acre resort is surrounded by beautiful lakes, meadows, and woodlands, providing plenty of space for outdoor adventures. There are many opportunities for fun right at Lakedale including complementary bikes, a giant outdoor chess board, kayaking, and even crafting like tie dying T-shirts.
For more tips on camping with dogs, check out out our other posts along with our checklist of things to bring when camping with dogs.
Dog-Friendly Activities on the Islands
The San Juan Islands offer a wealth of dog-friendly hiking trails and open spaces to explore. Here are a few must-visit spots:
San Juan Island National Historical Park
This park is over 2000 acres of historic sites, open meadows, and coastal bluffs. Dogs must remain on-leash, but the sweeping views of the water and the chance to spot wildlife like foxes and bald eagles make these hikes well worth it!
Jackson Beach
A short drive from Friday Harbor, Jackson Beach is a local favorite. It offers plenty of space for dogs to run and play along the shoreline, and the calm waters make it perfect for a swim.Lime Kiln nicknamed Whale Watch Park is known as one of the best places to view orcas from shore. We did not see any whales from shore however enjoyed seeing the iconic lighthouse and stunning coastal views. Leashed dogs are allowed on most trails.
View from the ferry
Reactive Note
Linus, our reactive dog, was not part of the family yet, so he did not come on this trip. While the San Juan Islands never felt crowded, it is a popular and busy destination. We encountered several dogs at the campground and also while hiking. We visited in the summer, so would love to experience the area in the off season.
Other Tips
While we couldn’t find a whale watching tour that allowed dogs, we did discover a local boarding option-Animal Inn for the day, allowing us to enjoy our whale watching adventure.
We also enjoyed the Bakery San Juan for fresh sourdough, pizza, pastries and sandwiches to go.
The farmer’s market was also a great spot to get some local produce and some delicious prepared food like paella.
And finally although not dog related, we loved the Print Shop for its handcrafted apparel featuring designs by local artists. We all got T-shirts which they printed on site.
Orca in the Salish Sea. Photographed with on a Sony 6400 with a 70-350mm Telephoto Lens
Visiting San Juan Island with your dog is an unforgettable experience, offering a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation. From scenic hikes and dog-friendly beaches to charming towns and breathtaking views, we can’t wait to go back. So pack your bags, leash up your dog, book a ferry, and get ready for an incredible getaway to the San Juan Islands!
