Lopez Island Washington Tourism

The glaciers that covered northwest Washington approximately 15 million years ago created the San Juan Archipelago between the Washington mainland and Vancouver Island.

As part of this archipelago, the San Juan Islands now consist of 172 islands ranging in size from small rocky islets to Lopez Island. On the south end of Lopez Island is Aleck Bay. This very beautiful bay was the favorite of fishermen at the turn of the century because of its superb anchorage and ease of getting back to the fishing areas.

Lopez Island is the least hilly of the four main Islands comprising the San Juan Islands. This, and Lopez’s natural land and sea coast beauty, make it very popular with bikers and kayakers. The Islands are served by the Washington State Ferry Service which provides a scenic boat trip for the visitor; the Ferry Captain frequently slows for Orca whales.

The Lopez Village is six miles south of the ferry landing. The Village boasts of a supermarket, bakery, several restaurants, antique stores, gift shops, galleries and art shops. The Lopez Historical Museum also is in the village and chronicles pioneer life on the island. A long list of historical buildings, their pictures and Lopez locations can be obtained by visiting the web site, www.rockisland.com/~lopez museum for a free map showing locations. Accommodations on the island are all very special and generally are bed and breakfasts. Excellent restaurants are scattered across the island and some bed and breakfasts offer dinners for their guests.

National Wildlife Refuges abound the southern coast of Lopez Island. This has promoted an ecology to supporting more bald eagles than any other region in the U.S. Great horned owls, tufted puffins and a variety of other birds and mammals inhabit the island. Salmon, seals, otters, porpoises and Orcas (killer whales) thrive in the waters.

Camping and beach access is available at Odlin County Park and Spencer Spit Park. Agate Beach County Park also provides beach access. The Salish Indians were the first to camp on the Lopez Island. Today, Odlin County Park and Spencer Spit State Park are located just a couple of miles from the ferry landing. They provide picnic sites and campsites on their sand-covered beaches and into a shoreline forest. A boat launch is available, with a two-hour limit on tying-up at the dock. State ferries provide daily service to Lopez Island.