San Juan Islands by ferry
From Seattle over Deception Pass to Anacortes, then by state ferry to San Juan and Orcas islands for orcas, lighthouses and island views.
- Distance
- 212 km (132 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 21 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 7
- States
- WA
- Updated
- June 7, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 212 km (132 mi) with 7 stops, from Seattle to Mount Constitution. About 2 h 21 min of driving in total.
Route description
Leave Seattle north on I-5 and turn west on WA-20 across Whidbey Island. The high bridge at Deception Pass is worth a stop: walk out over the tidal channel, then explore the beaches and forest trails of the state park below.
Anacortes is the ferry port for the San Juan Islands. Washington State Ferries sail to Friday Harbor in about an hour, with stops on the way; reserve a vehicle spot in summer or plan to wait for hours. Motorhomes are carried, but longer vehicles pay more and fill the reservations first.
On San Juan Island, drive the loop road from Friday Harbor through farmland and madrona forest to Lime Kiln Point, where orcas sometimes pass close to the rocks in summer. The inter-island ferry then takes you to Orcas Island and the village of Eastsound.
On Orcas, the road through Moran State Park climbs to the stone tower on Mount Constitution, with views over the whole archipelago to Mount Baker. Campgrounds on the islands are small and book up early, so reserve before you sail.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Seattle
WA - 2110 km
Deception Pass Bridge
ViewsOak Harbor, WAA 1935 steel bridge high above a tidal channel where the current runs like a river. Park at the lots on either end and walk out on the narrow sidewalk.
- 314 km
Anacortes
WA - 436 km
Friday Harbor
WA - 512 km
Lime Kiln Point State Park
NatureFriday Harbor, WAA small lighthouse on the west shore of San Juan Island, one of the best places in the country to watch orcas from land. Bring binoculars and patience; summer is the best season.
- 632 km
Eastsound
WA - 77 km
Mount Constitution
ViewsEastsound, WAThe highest point of the San Juan Islands, in Moran State Park, topped by a stone lookout tower built by the CCC. A steep, winding road climbs to the summit parking.
