Seattle to San Juans in an R21EC

[andrewcraft]

Hello all. I'm about to take my first expedition up the coast from Seattle to the San Juan's. I've got my Waggoner's and am just starting to put together the plan. I'm wondering if anyone has input on:

1. Best places to make fuel stops on the way up
2. Best places to make fuel stops in the islands
2. Best marinas or parks (I have a season pass) to moor on the way up
3. Best hotels to stay at in the islands
4. Any special advice for staying safe in the R21

Any insight appreciated!


Andrew Craft
Whimsy, R21EC

 

[mrrlc]

Hi Andrew,

I think I would like to make the same voyage someday. Let us know how it goes.
Be safe and have a great 4th!

Bob

 

[Red Raven]

Hi Andrew,

For distances and time estimates you may want to use:

http://nwcruising.net/nm_index.html

For recent fuel prices:

http://www.fineedge.com/fuelsurvey.html

We recently had a very nice stay in Everett. Very clean and lots of transient slips at reasonable cost and good restraints with walking distance.

We keep out boat at Oak Harbor. They have available low cost transient slips, diesel price is one of the lowest on Puget sound but there are no restaraunts within walking distance.

We stop to eat in LaConner all the time. Lots of great restaurants and shops. Nice new transient docks in front of the shops/restaraunts. Fuel is a bit steeper. Great Marina with full services.

Notable state parks are at Deception Pass, James, Sucia, Jones, and Stuart Island.

I recommend using Active Captain to get more reviews regarding marinas and state parks. Too many options to cover here.

 

[JamesTXSD]

Just a heads up, depending on when you plan to go. With this being a holiday weekend, it is going to be VERY busy all over the San Juans. Hotels, marinas, and anchorages will be full.

One of my favorite anchorages in the San Juans is Blind Bay, on the north side of Shaw Island. If you can find a place at Reid or Prevost Harbor (Stuart Island), there is a great hike to the Turn Point Lighthouse from either harbor. I would expect Sucia to be packed. I've heard that there is a waiting list at Friday Harbor (Port of Friday Harbor Marina) for the weekend - Friday Harbor is a great place to reprovision: a grocery store just a couple blocks from the marina, lots of good restaurants.

Your Waggoner's will give you lots of good info.

Enjoy!

 

[spierp]

We're also headed up to the San Juans for the first time this weekend, and of course severely underestimated the foretold crowds on 4th of July weekend. We have no reservations other than la conner tonight, but we're hoping to find a spot in friday harbor. They have no reservations available but understand 70% of the marina is available on a first come first serve basis, so the earlier you get there the better.

If that falls through, does anyone have any recommended fail safe well-protected anchorages where there is sure to room even on 4th of july weekend? We're with a 20 month old so would really prefer to be as safe as possible, hoping we don't have to anchor but want to be prepared...

thanks!

 

[Red Raven]

Reid Harbor on Stuart Island has lots of room to anchor and is really well protected. Can't imagine you would not be able to find room there even on the busiest weekend. There are also several state park mooring balls, floats, and a dock if you get there early enough. You'll be fine.

 

[andrewcraft]

We'll be heading up in mid-July so we'll miss the 4th crowds. We'll also be traveling during the week so I suspect there won't be much competition for moorage.

Thanks, all, for the input. I'll post news and pictures when we return.

 

[Bruce Moore]

If that falls through, does anyone have any recommended fail safe well-protected anchorages where there is sure to room even on 4th of july weekend? We're with a 20 month old so would really prefer to be as safe as possible, hoping we don't have to anchor but want to be prepared...

thanks!

Fisherman's Bay, Lopez Island, is a large sheltered bay with plenty of anchorage. They have a wonderful fireworks display and community parade. You may be able to get in there. Try Lopez Islander Resort. If you go, be very mindful of the entrance channel. Plenty of water for our boats, but not a lot of room for error. Plenty of detailed advice available on the web and any of the cruising guides.

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[BradOwens]

I also think Everett and LaConner are two of the best stops along the way. Great restaurants with guest docks in both places. That route also puts you on the east side of Whidbey Island, which is a safer passage than the west side. The Skagit River delta area can be deceiving with how far out the shallow water goes, but watch the buoys and it's not difficult.
You may want to check out pacificNWboater.com for great video clips of the marine parks.