5 Totally Uncrowded Places on San Juan Island in the Summer

Updated June 2020

San Juan Island always has been a place where you can get away from it all, even in the height of Summer. Now in these new times, when we are re-learning what it means to vacation, dine out and have fun, what better place to get your proverbial feet wet than our pristine isle, where social distancing literally comes with the territory. Check out these uncrowded places, soak in the views, hear nothing but birds, breathe the salty, clean air, and relax and rejuvenate your senses.

^{Beach art at the lagoons}

1. The Lagoons by Mt Finlayson

On the south end of San Juan Island, in American Camp National Park, nestled on the bottom of Mt. Finlayson, you’ll find three precious lagoons: First Lagoon, Jakles Lagoon and Third Lagoon. Protected from wind, the waters here are calm and the beaches perfect for sun-bathing, tide pooling and picnicking. The Lagoons are home to many birds and other wildlife. A sophisticated network of trails leads you through woodlands, and along pebbly beaches. Watch Bald Eagles soar, Blue Herons patiently await their prey and seals and sea lions sun on nearby rocks. This is the perfect spot for the entire family to have a fun beach day away from it all.

2. Deadman Bay

Don’t let the charming name make you miss this San Juan Island treasure. This tiny bay is located just a short hike south from Lime Kiln State Park, along rugged, steep cliffs and feels like you are in the tropics but with the wrong trees. Deep green waters swirl around rich tide pools, low tide exposes another, even smaller bay. Watch otters feed and whales swim by. This is a fantastic place to be at sunset.

3. Mt. Young

Above English Camp National Park on the north end of the island towers Mt Young. A steep 1.6-mile trail leads you through old growth Douglas Firs, Madronas and Red Cedars to the spectacular top where you will delight in a spectacular view of all the other islands. In the spring the forest ground and mountain top are carpeted with wildflowers. Lay under wolf trees in the soft moss, count eagles and hawks. While Mt. Young is a popular island hike, there is room to spread out and be alone on top of the world.

^{The prairie at American Camp}

4. The Prairie above Grandma’s Cove

The vast, 100-acre, trail-lined prairie above Grandma’s Cove in American Camp National Park is a a splendid spot to take a comfortable hike with breathtaking views of Mt. Baker to the north and the snow covered Olympic Mountains to the west. The prairie is home to millions of bunnies and just as many foxes, as well as deer, sea-otters, Bald Eagles and Hawks. Walk as far as you can see or find, among the many coves, your own private beach paradise.

^{The broken column at the mausoleum symbolizes that man dies before his work is completed}

5. Roche Harbor Mausoleum

Who is up for an easy hike through the Roche Harbor forests to find a mysterious mausoleum deep in the woods? Before it became the popular resort that it is today, Roche Harbor, on the north end of San Juan Island, was a Company town to its lime kiln operation owned by the McMillen family. Park at the Roche Harbor airport and follow signs and arrows on the trees along old graves of Japanese slaves and former lime kiln workers. Soon you’ll come to the otherworldly looking mausoleum, which incorporates symbols of Masonry, the Bible, the Sigma Chi Fraternity and classic architecture to form this impressive resting place of the Mc Millen family. This spooky, cool spot makes for a nice before or after dinner stroll away from the hustle and bustle of Summer.