I Love Skagit County

COMMUNITY PROFILE Anacortes

Including Guemes Island and Southern Fidalgo Island

Anacortes is located on Fidalgo Island, in the Pacific Northwest and is the destination point for the San Juans and International ferry runs for Washington State. Come explore the island getaway you can drive to, and stroll through our vibrant coastal community. All within walking distance you'll find casual cafes to elegant dining, quirky to sophisticated shopping, art galleries to antique shops and unique accommodations. Whale watching tours, kayaking excursions, sailing, boating, birding, fishing, crabbing, hiking or biking to name a few. The Skagit Tulip and Anacortes Arts festivals are enjoyed by all ages.

Art galleries are a favorite stop for shoppers, especially on the first Friday of each month when the city’s galleries are open for extended hours to support Anacortes’ monthly Art Walk. You may also notice historic buildings and colorful exteriors that have life-size wall murals based on historical photographs strategically placed throughout the town. When it comes to food in Anacortes you will find a wide variety of dining experiences. From casual fish and chips to candlelight dinners, one thing is for certain; the chefs in Anacortes create mouth watering dishes from traditional Northwest favorites like salmon, halibut, and Dungeness crab. Among the quaint cafes, unique storefronts, and gift shops, you will also find specialty shops whose display cases are filled with fresh baked goods and handmade chocolates that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

For those seeking outdoor adventure, Anacortes is full of breathtaking beauty. On the northwest side of Fidalgo Island, you will find plenty to do in Washington Park’s 220 acre spread or in The Anacortes Community Forest Lands where 2,800 acres of beautiful territory is speckled with Heart Lake, Whistle Lake, Lake Erie, and Cranberry Lake along with 50 miles of well maintained hiking and biking trails. Mount Erie offers spectacular vistas of the San Juan Islands, Mount Baker and Puget Sound. This 1,273 foot peak offers four viewpoints that can be reached by foot, bike, or car. The most popular park in Washington State, Deception Pass State Park, is located on both sides of Deception Pass featuring several beaches, beach combing, exploration of tide pools, and miles of forest trail. The historic bridge over Deception Pass that connects Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands is worth the drive alone. Anacortes is also known for its whale watching tours with local companies offering excursions that often guarantee Orca, Minke, Gray and Humpback whale sightings 95% of the time. Other adventures commonly found