San Juan Islands resources

- Information, maps: San Juan Chamber of Commerce, (360) 378-5240 or www.sanjuanisland.org; Lopez Island Chamber of Commerce: (360) 468-4664 or www.lopezisland.com; Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce, (360) 376-2273 or www.orcasisland.org.

- Getting there: There are regular flights out of Seattle and Bellingham to the San Juans, but most people take the ferry. For automated schedule information, call (800) 843-3779 or go online to www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries. Note: The Anacortes ferry landing is a zoo on late spring and summer weekends, and very busy during summer weekdays, too. Arrive at least two hours before your ferry leaves, and even then you may have to wait for the next boat. If you have children, be prepared to entertain them. There is a grassy area for picnics and a beach to wander.

- Lodging: Although Shaw Island has only camping sites at the county park, the other three islands have dozens of B&Bs, inns, motels, lodges, resorts and parks to stay in. The major parks are usually booked far in advance. On San Juan Island, Roche Harbor's Hotel de Haro, (800) 451-8910, is a popular choice. Other lodging there ranges from $200-plus B&Bs to inns, motels, camp sites, log cabins at Lakedale Resort, (800) 617-2267 and waterfront cabins at Snug Harbor, (360) 378-4762. Lakedale Resort's new lodge opens in June.

-Meals: Dozens of restaurants, ranging from bare-bones to upscale, hamburgers to ethnic, dot the three major islands.

-Activities: The big draws are whale-watching and kayaking. San Juan, Orcas and Lopez all have paddling trips.

-San Juan Island National Historical Park: (360) 378-2240. Open year-round with weekend guided walks, living history volunteers, historical songs, lectures and demonstrations, and an encampment on Aug. 25 that re-creates life in the mid-19th century.

-Lime Kiln State Park: Off West Side Road, (360) 378-2044.

-San Juan County Park: North of Lime Kiln State Park off West Side Road. (360) 378-2992.

The Olympian Copyright 2001

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