6 San Juan County Parks & Trails Guide
Meet an islander on the Scenic Byway
T
he San Juan Islands Scenic byway is the route locals recommend to their guests. The byway connects the must-see vistas, trailheads, farms, parks, and quaint shopping and dining establishments that locals share with their visiting friends and relatives. A group of historians, naturalists, public land managers, business leaders, and farmers worked for three years to get the byway route recognized as a Washington State Scenic and Recreational Highway, the first step to attaining National Scenic byway status. Under the leadership of the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, the group adopted a vision to provide access to a unique marine and island experience. They crafted a plan to protect sensitive resources, promote ecologically-sustainable tourism, and preserve the culture and quality of life in the islands. The San Juan Islands Scenic Byway is the community consensus of the best – and most accommodating – places on Orcas and San Juan Islands. The gateway to the byway is the Washington State Ferries (WSF) terminal in Anacortes. The WSF vessels follow the ancient canoe trails plied by Coast Salish peoples for thousands of years. Each terminal on the ferry route is included on the byway and
To Sidney B.C.
here visitors can find information to services and accommodations, trailheads and parks. The byway on San Juan Island and Orcas Island is over scenic county roads, ready to explore by shuttle, bicycle or private vehicle. At each stop along the byway visitors will find amenities such as comfort stations, interpretive signage, trails information, and, often, enthusiastic local volunteers eager to share their knowledge and love for this special archipelago. Moved by a sense of place, locals spend many summer hours sharing local lore, maintaining trails, and teaching about flora and fauna. When you encounter a local on the beach or trail, chances are you’ll be talking to a graduate of a naturalist training course, a Master Gardener, or a trained Beachwatcher. New for 2012 is a promotion to encourage visitors to come without their cars. The Byway Explorer Pass, a free companion fare on the local shuttle, lets two people travel the byway for the price of one. Funded in part by the Federal Highway Administration, this special pilot program runs from Summer Solstice through Labor Day (June 23-September 3, 2012). For more information see: www.visitsanjuans.com/scenicbyway.