It’s wild how many memories of mine are connected with sunsets and sunrises. Is it the sleepy-yet-energized state that awakens in me when the sun is around the horizon? Or the beautiful colors that imprint my mind? Whatever it is- there is something about a sunset. My favorite kind of sunset: a San Juan Island Sunset.
San Juan Island is perfectly positioned in the rain shadow of the Olympic mountains. How it formed vs. how some of the other island formed is pretty unique, but I’m saving that for another post. It is surrounded by water (it’s an island!): the Haro Strait on one side and the San Juan Channel on the other. Seven miles to the west are the Gulf Islands of Canada.
This seven mile body of water helps the west side deliver THE BEST sunsets. The longest days of the year offer a 9:19pm sunset. While that is usually my past my bedtime, I promise you it is worth staying up for.
Crystal Seas Kayaking offers Sunset Paddles from April-October that perfectly time a west side paddle and the sunset. Plan on coming early or late summer for a sunset that aligns better with the kid’s bedtime!
Not interested in staying up that late? Early riser instead? Well, good news: San Juan Island is an ISLAND! There are some great sunrise views too! My favorite would be to go to Cattle Point on the south end of the island. You can sometimes see Mount Baker in its alpine glory.
Whether you are looking for sunsets, sunrises, or just beautiful sunny days…. San Juan Island is the place to find them. Let Crystal Seas Kayaking plan your vacation!