- by Jodie Vinson
Anacortes lies 70 miles from both Seattle and Vancouver on beautiful Fidalgo Island, and serves the Pacific Northwest with state ferry service to the San Juan Islands and Victoria B.C. Arriving from Deception Pass or over the Duane Berentson bridge, many visitors miss the fact that Anacortes is on an island, but they should not overlook the many opportunities for recreation the island terrain affords. With five accommodating marinas, Anacortes is a popular stop for boaters traveling on the San Juan Islands, and remains a popular destination in itself. The variegated landscape offers many different water scenes to kayak or paddle through, from ocean shoreline to calmer waters of a freshwater lake. Lower anchor in one of Anacortes' welcoming harbors, camp near a beach, stay at a scenic B&B or at the historic Majestic Inn while you explore the community and its unique Pacific landscape.
Despite its size, burgeoning industry, and tourism Anacortes has preserved much of its surrounding natural habitat, including the 2,800 acres of Anacortes Community Forest Lands, ideal for exploring on foot or mountain bike. Summit Mount Erie for scenic views at 1273 feet. Rock climbing in the park is also a popular past time. Panoramic views are available on the Cap Sante lookout, overlooking the Cap Sante Marina and the Guemes Channel, with Mount Baker rising in the background. Within city limits is Washington State Park on the northwestern end of the island, with a boat launch, camping facilitates and incredible views of the San Juan Islands.
Anacortes' island topography makes it a perfect destination for wildlife watching. Its seven freshwater lakes and miles of island shoreline support a wide variety of waterfowl and other marine creatures. The most magnificent of these can be found off the shores of the island, as families of Orca whales make the North Puget Sound their natural habitat. Those who stay on the island can beach comb and explore the tide pools for otters, seals, and sea stars. At Rosario Beach you will even find the only existing underwater state park. Deer, squirrel, coyote, and other land creatures can be found in the island's dense forests.
With plenty of shops, art galleries, bookstores and antique dealers, Anacortes is a favorite place for shoppers to browse. The first Friday of each month visitors can participate in an "Art Walk" tour of local artists' galleries. One of the island's biggest events is the Anacortes Arts Festival, begun in 1962. Each year artisans and merchants show off their work and wares in booths downtown, while entertainment is provided by jazz and blues concerts. Further experience the richness of the Anacortes community by participating in the Saturday Farmers Market, kicked off each year with the Anacortes Waterfront Festival.
Anacortes Community Web Site
