📷 Photo by Chad Peltola on UnsplashSan 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.
More road trips in Washington · More road trips from Seattle
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.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Seattle → Deception Pass Bridge · 69 mi · 1 h 13 minOvernight nearby, for example: Thousand Trails La Conner (4 mi); Washington Park Campground (7 mi).
- Day 2: Deception Pass Bridge → Anacortes · 9 mi · 0 h 10 minOvernight nearby, for example: Washington Park Campground (4 mi); Thousand Trails La Conner (8 mi).
- Day 3: Anacortes → Friday Harbor · 22 mi · 0 h 24 minOvernight nearby, for example: Shaw County Park Campground (4 mi); Washington Park Campground (15 mi).
- Day 4: Friday Harbor → Mount Constitution · 32 mi · 0 h 34 minOn the way: Lime Kiln Point State Park, Eastsound.Overnight nearby, for example: Doe Bay Resort & Retreat (3 mi); Washington Park Campground (14 mi).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. Cold, short days in January. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
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.
Where can you camp along San Juan Islands by ferry?
OpenStreetMap lists 106 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Trailer Inns of Bellevue, Fay Bainbridge Park Campground and Burlington / Anacortes KOA.
When is the best time for San Juan Islands by ferry?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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