The San Juan Island Hike Worth Taking The Ferry To Explore
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published August 24, 2023
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Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
If you’re planning your next Washington getaway, reserve a spot on the ferry and visit Lopez Island. It isn’t the largest or most populated destination, but those who love Lopez (or “Slow-pez” as its residents fondly refer to it) prefer it that way. This island is a hiker, cyclist, and small-town lover’s dream. Sure, Shark Reef Sanctuary isn’t the only breathtaking attraction worth exploring on the island. But this underrated gem is my favorite bite-sized trail with out-sized beauty in the state. While this waterfront park in the San Juans might only be a mile, I’ve never spent less than three hours there. All that’s required to make this your most memorable outdoor adventure yet is a good snack, a camera for the memories, and a willingness to be moved by the Strait of Juan de Fuca’s beauty.
In under 20 minutes, the trail going to Shark Reef Sanctuary will lead you through the coastal forests of the San Juans. At the end of this trail, you'll start catching glimpses of the water between the trees. Eventually, the path will deposit you along the bluffs overlooking the glittering water.
But wait! Part of what makes visiting Slow-pez so unique is that you'll have to take the ferry there. Make reservations for your car in advance or just bring bikes. I've explored the island both ways, and you'll find it's perfectly possible to get around without a vehicle. It may be an hour from the Lopez ferry terminal to the Shark Reef trailhead by bike, but the journey there is so gorgeous I'd still highly recommend it.
Despite comprising just 40 acres, numerous animal species call Shark Reef Sanctuary home. Visitors will likely see harbor seals snoozing along the reef and the shore of distant Deadman Island. Lucky lookers might catch sea otters playing in the pristine kelp forest beside the bluffs. In spring and fall, you may catch migrating whales breaching among the waves.
It's no surprise that many visitors who've shared their experience at Shark Reef describe it as one of the most beautiful places they've ever visited. If you're a lover of coastal views, this stunning park on the island's bootheel should be on your bucket list.
As a bonafide Lopez Island fan girl, I've visited the island during almost every season. Each offers something different. Summers are gorgeous. The grass on the bluffs turns golden and the ocean is remarkably blue. In the fall and winter, fog sometimes blankets the coast and rains can whip the shoreline into a frenzy. These days, Shark Reef has a moody and mysterious beauty. In spring, the weather can vary by the hour, meaning you may get all of the above in just one short visit!
If you happen to catch the bluffs on a clear day, the panoramic views are worth drinking in. Going left to right from east to west, you'll see: 1. The peaks of the North Cascades National Park mountains, 2. Mount Rainier, 3. The Olympic Mountains and the Olympic Peninsula, 4. Deadman Island, 5. Victoria Island, and 6. Friday Harbor with the San Juan Islands National Monument.
If you’re planning your next adventure in Washington State, consider checking out Shark Reef Sanctuary, a stunning waterfront park in the San Juans. Even if you don’t stay on Lopez Island, there are plenty of unique accommodations on the other islands just a ferry ride away!
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