When should we travel to PNW?
 

My wife and I want to belatedly celebrate our 30th anniversary with a trip to the San Juan islands. Neither of us have been there, but we love the scenery and laid-back vibe. We want to avoid crowds, so summer time is probably not in the cards. We were thinking in the spring some time, but my dad's got us concerned about foggy conditions hiding all that scenery.

So, any of you in that neck of the woods or those who've been - what's your recommendation?
https://imagesus-ssl.homeaway.com/md...ea43b9c1e.1.10

Even summer isn't all that crazy, but certainly right before, or right after summer break for schools will give the longest days (sun chance) w/o "crowds.'

September. But you just never know up there. The San Juans are really a cool place.

The San Juans are interesting, weather-wise. On more than one occasion we've sailed toward the islands in conditions ranging from overcast skies to fairly heavy fog, only to break out into clear, blue skies once we got near them. Over the years I've spoken with several other people whose experience has been the same.

Now, I've also been there when the weather is what some folks would consider lousy - I don't. Pretty much the entire PNW - west of the Cascades anyway - is spectacular irrespective of the weather. Rain and clouds simply offer a different glimpse into the beauty of the region.

Don't be a piker; book your trip and enjoy!

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I would do September weather is good, chance of rain is low, temps will be in the 70s, days are still somewhat long and kids are back in school. Book now though, things fill up months and months in advance.

The San Juan's are very different depending on the Island you visit, town/village you are near, etc. Orcas and San Juan are bigger with a bit more tourist/lodging options. I spend a lot of time on Lopez. My sister owns the village natural foods store Blossom Grocery. The summers are beautiful and can be quite warm and sunny. The winters are very quiet, laid back and the storms can be cool if you've got a warm place with a fire. It all depends on what you are looking to experience.

September is the best and I live here.
Dave

I agree, Sept. is a wonderful time in the San Juans.

Anacortes should be your start point, a ferry terminal that goes to Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and San Juan island. You could rent a house for the week on any of those islands and park the car. You can travel between islands via ferry for free without a car.

Shaw to me is the best real island time, layed back and not much tourist activity. San Juan with Friday harbor as ferry terminal is a small city with Roche harbor on the north side. San Juan was were the Pig War was and you can see the historic English and American Camps. I have not spent much time on Lopez but it has fishermans cove and a killer sunset. Orcas landing is were the ferry terminal is on Orcas Island and the big town is East Sound. Orcas is the mountain island, nice parks and easy to get around with scooters or a bus system.

We sail these waters and if you let me know where you will be and I have the time, we would be happy to take you for a day sail.

Just make sure you take rain gear. We have visited a few of the islands, we spent a week on Orcas, Rosario Resort. a very interesting place. The easy ones to get to are Fidalgo and Whidbey. Drive on.

The plan is to fly in to Seattle and drive a rental to Anacortes. We'd pick up a ferry there and go to Friday Harbor most likely, but all options are on the table.

Sounds like most people like September. I'd rather get there sooner and don't mind drizzle or short days, but I may get hit with fog. Fog's not a deal breaker, as long as it's not all the fog all the time.

By the last week of August there are no crowds. Friday Harbor is nice. I prefer Rosario and Roche. Try to get out on a boat when you are there. Fantastic place to be on the water. Don't forget the Gulf Islands.

Most def September. Simply stunning.
I've got a customer on Orcas. It's pure heaven.
This is the house:
http://cutler-anderson.com/project/long-residence

Let me suggest that you fly from downtown Seattle (Lake Union) to Friday Harbor. Kenmore Air (float planes - mostly turbine) flies there regularly. I've flown to Roach Harbor a couple times this way. Roach Harbor is great, but, unlike Friday Harbor there are no cars/scooters to rent (unless that has changed in the last few years) Although small boats are available (a fun way to tour)

Anyway, you can taxi train or bus from SeaTac to Lake Union /downtown Seattle.

May or Sept....

There are 4-5 days in the year that it had never rained.....till a couple years back.
a very small cluster in the last week in July.
Try thing else at your own risk of a day like yesterday....a gawdawful mix of heavy rain.....but the wind wasn't blowing Hard.....

As a minor sidetrack... we will be flying up to Portland in June for daughters graduation.
Plan is to then drive up to Seattle and see some sights.
What is Seattle like in June?

Lovely. So is Portland.

Except during Rose Festival, when it nearly always seems to rain.

_

Great pic's Nota Apparently they have their own shuttle service. Seattle /Sea-Tac International Airport | Kenmore Air

We went to the Rose festival and paid for seats inside the arena... money well spent ;)