# San Juan Islands by ferry

> 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.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/b8-san-juan-islands/

**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. 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 |
| Route | Seattle → Mount Constitution |
| States | WA |
| Updated | June 7, 2026 |

## 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

1. **Seattle** (WA)
2. **Deception Pass Bridge** (Oak Harbor, WA): A 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.
3. **Anacortes** (WA)
4. **Friday Harbor** (WA)
5. **Lime Kiln Point State Park** (Friday Harbor, WA): A 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.
6. **Eastsound** (WA)
7. **Mount Constitution** (Eastsound, WA): The 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.

## FAQs

**How long is San Juan Islands by ferry?**
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.

**How many days do you need for San Juan Islands by ferry?**
We suggest 4 days: about 2 h 21 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does San Juan Islands by ferry start and end?**
It starts in Seattle and ends in Mount Constitution.

**Which states does San Juan Islands by ferry pass through?**
Washington.