Best place to see July 4 fireworks in the San Juans?

[johnniethek]

Hello one and all,

I'm heading out in the Red Ranger July 1 for the San Juans for most of a week, and am trying to figure out where I should be to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Where's the best place to watch July 4 fireworks from an anchored or moored boat in the San Juans?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

Cheers,

John

 

[Bruce Moore]

Hey John - we've never been there, and we're heading for Poulsbo this year. But there's enough going on the 4th in the San Juans has it's own website, just for starters.

Cheers!

 

[j&lgray]

We've been at Fisherman's Bay on Lopez Island at anchor several times by boat and it has always been wonderful! The best part is hanging out on the bow, looking up at the fireworks, and then just going down below for bed. No driving in traffic and a beautiful way to celebrate the 4th! I also know that Friday Harbor has fireworks, but we've never seen them. I would highly recommend Fisherman's Bay.

Laurie

 

[Harmony]

We live in the San Juans. Lopez Island has the best fireworks. Someone left an entire estate to fund the yearly fireworks extravaganza. Slips in Fisherman's Bay are probably all booked up by now, but you can see those fireworks for miles. Friday Harbor has an ok fireworks display. Again, you may not find moorage. And Roche Harbor also has fireworks and is booked months in advance for the fourth. Hope that helps.

 

[johnniethek]

I called Lopez Islander and Islands Marine Center. Both are booked up, and the Islander now requires a three-night stay with reservations. They didn't have that last year.

However, both places suggested anchoring in the bay to watch the fireworks, and they recommended I get there early. So that's what I'll do, crawl into Fishermen's Bay early afternoon and just hang out until the fireworks. The person at Islander Resort said this year's fireworks are supposed to be something special, on top of an already-special display.

This may be the first time I've spent a night on the hook...any advice from those who have anchored in that bay before?

 

[Lobo]

Best advice for Fisherman's Bay on Lopez" CHECK TIDES!!! Don't go in on a low tide, you will hit bottom, even in a 21' boat. Follow the buoys in the proper manner (red on your right going in, on your left coming out). There is a day marker off the entrance -- don't pass to the south. Once in the bay it's wonderful! If you anchor in the area of the two marina's you can dingy ashore (hotel, bar, restaurant, marine chandlery) and walk to "town" (1 mile to your left as you come off the docks). Fuel is available (do R21's actually use fuel?) Fishermans Bay is usually a well protected bay although once time I had to give up anchoring for moorage. I love this place. Wish I was there this weekend but I'm in the Nanaimo area.

Dave

 

[johnniethek]

Thanks for the info, Dave. I hope I will have a dingy for this trip, but am not sure about it.

I'm trying right now to finagle a way to use my pontoon boat as a dingy. It won't tow like a regular dingy because it's not designed to do that. I am putting together a set-up where the end of the pontoons ride up out of the water on a 2x2 extension to the swim step. The extension is held firmly to the swimstep via C clamps.

Keep your fingers crossed!!!

J

 

[johnniethek]

As an FYI, I did go to Fisherman's Bay for the fourth, and the fireworks were all they had been cracked up to be. Simply outstanding!!!

In addition, I had my own private island from which to view them. Let me explain: When I first got there I went to the fuel dock to fill up the Red Ranger (took 10 gallons, at $3.39/gallon). While talking with the boat-boys, I noted a platform that was in the harbor about 30 yards from the dingy dock. It had some construction material on it.

I asked the resort manager if I could tie up to the platform, and she said absolutely! So, even though the docks were completely full (with a 30-boat waiting list), I was able to tie up to this platform for free for two nights. I had others come over for the fireworks because there was plenty of room to set up chairs and watch the display there.

I also watched the Lopez July 4 parade, which passes right in front of the marina. Very home-grown floats, with a major eco-friendly theme. A wonderful slice of life on the People's Republic of Lopez.

 

[Stella Maris]

John,
While the fireworks at Poulsbo were "okay", the people and boat watching was incredible! Bruce and I actually took our dinghy out and joined the dinghy parade..... not sure if they were refering to the type of vessel or the people on board..... We then went and crashed a huge sunflower raft! Cruising right through the opening doing a 360 while giving the parade wave, and then high tailing it out before we got bombed with water balloons!

There had to be over a 1000 boats in Liberty Bay for the festivities! I would never go back for the fireworks however, for the people and boat watching, we are there next year!

 

[R-Matey]

As an FYI, I did go to Fisherman's Bay for the fourth, and the fireworks were all they had been cracked up to be. Simply outstanding!!

The fireworks were superb! Lots of ooh and aahs and horns honking in appreciation. We were rafting with a 44' Atlantic and a 27' C-Dory towards the south end so I think that's why we didn't see you.

Ruth and Joe
R-MATEY