Laid-Back Lopez Island

There are many destinations within the San Juans and plotting a course here means enjoying several anchorages among beautiful scenery and active marine life.

by Amy Nesler

July 26, 2022

12:00 AM

Stephanie Forrer

Scenic moorages - whether on a mooring ball or dock - are found in many areas of Lopez Island.

Words by Amy Nesler

The San Juan Islands have been a favourite cruising destination for more than a century as the entire archipelago is an increasingly attractive escape. Stunning backdrops of snow-capped mountains and wide-open seascapes typify anchorages. Whichever island you choose, you’ll be met with a relaxed island vibe and temperate climate all year. It’s where you can spend hours doing as much or as little as your heart desires.

Leisurely Lopez Island

Lopez Island is perfect for boaters looking to disconnect from the distractions of urban living. Leave the more common creature comforts at home and enjoy the simplicity of island life. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for leisurely strolls along the area’s beaches, in addition to hiking, bird-watching, kayaking, reading and relaxing. Better yet, you won't find rental cars, public transportation, stoplights, mopeds, movie theatres or shopping malls.

Laura Stephens Arbo

Kayaking is popular - try a few selfies during your next trip.

One of the joys of Lopez is biking along historic farmsteads dotted throughout the island and then turning a corner to sweeping views of the ocean. Many pocket beaches and coves have public access; the variety of geology found in the parks and beaches is fascinating, from Agate Beach County Park to sandy Spencer Spit State Park.

Moorage on Lopez can be found at the Lopez Islander Resort in Fisherman Bay. With a fuel dock and county store, you can enjoy a meal in its casual restaurant, and access the swimming pool, jacuzzi, showers and laundry facilities. You are also welcome at the Island Marine Center on Fisherman Bay, which has moorage for 100 boats, a small store, fuel and more. Mooring buoys are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at Spencer Spit State Park on the west side of the island.

Barbara Marrett

Blossom Grocery is one of the options to re-stock essentials.

Lopez Village in Fisherman Bay is a short walk from the marinas and offers boaters a selection of shops and local eateries. There are two fun food trucks—Taco ‘Bout It and Poutine Your Mouth. A favourite among locals is Ursa Minor, located in the heart of the village that’s known for its seasonal and locally foraged menu. (*Ed Note: At the time of publication limited menu items were only available for takeout, so be sure to check its website for updates as well as hours of operation and/or seating capacities).

Not in the mood for a meal, but maybe a pint? Try Brewvado. It has 17 beers on tap that includes a good selection from other Washington craft breweries. Wine, cider, and several non-alcoholic options are also available and there are even board and card games to play and a flatscreen TV to watch seasonal sports. However, no trip to Lopez would be complete without choosing your favourite flavour at the Just Heavenly Fudge Factory.

Keeping the San Juan Islands Safe

While Lopezians and other islanders invite you to take in its serenity, please appreciate its fragile ecosystem as the area had record numbers of boaters in anchorages in 2020 and 2021. Keeping a few simple guidelines in mind will protect the Islands and make boating experiences even more enjoyable.

Jim Maya

Hearing the ‘whoosh’ of orcas and other marine wildlife is always a thrill but remember your presence has an effect - keep your distance.

Eelgrass Challenges

One of the most critical and sensitive marine habitats that are disturbed when anchoring is eelgrass. This flowering plant grows in shallow, light-filled marine waters. It nurtures many species including crabs, juvenile Chinook salmon and is where Pacific herring (a preferred diet of seabirds, salmon, and marine mammals) lay their eggs. Eelgrass damaged by boat anchors can take years to recover. While the impact of just one boat anchoring may be small, the combined effects of thousands of boaters anchoring can be significant.

How you can Help: While eelgrass is present at the popular anchorages throughout the San Juans Islands, damaging the shallow meadows can be avoided by simply enjoying waters deeper than 5 m (15 ft) or 8 m (25 ft). For more information and to do your part visit www.sanjuans.org

Give Wildlife Room to Roam

Further up the food chain, orca, humpback, and minke whales call the Salish Sea home. Hearing the ‘whoosh’ of their exhaled breath or catching a glimpse of a dark fin is a thrill unlike any other. In all of the excitement, however, it’s easy to forget that your presence has an effect. Marine mammals need space to find food, choose mates, raise their calves, and rest. When you get too close, approach too fast, or make too much noise, you may disrupt these activities and cause unnecessary stress.

Barbara Marrett

Spencer Spit State Park on the west side of the island - mooring buoys are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

How you can help: When cruising near whales, fly the Whale Warning Flag, thus alerting other vessels in the area that whales are present so they too can slow down and observe from the proper distance as outlined in the Be Whale Wise guidelines at www.bewhalewise.org, which stipulates federal and state regulations.

This involves slowing to seven knots within a half-nautical mile and maintaining at least a 274 m (900 ft) distance. Be Whale Wise applies in both U.S. and Canadian waters.

When approaching rocks or islets where seabirds, seals and sea lions are hauled out, stay at least 15 m (50 ft) away. While it might be thrilling to see all the birds fly at once or the mammals slip into the water, this disturbance wastes their energy, especially when repeated many times a day due to curious boaters. The best rule of thumb to remember is that if wildlife reacts to your presence in the water or on land, you are too close.

Visitsanjuans.com

Scenic Fisherman Bay.

Is a Clean Vessel a Green Vessel?

Did you know that grey water (used water) is, in many cases, more damaging to marine organisms than black water (water containing human waste)? Although black water may carry pathogens and drugs, which can affect humans and marine mammals, the surfactants in soaps are far more deadly to marine life as they cause damage to the external mucus layer that protects fish from bacteria and parasites.

Luckily, while cruising the San Juans, you’re never too far from a marina that has pump-out facilities and there’s even one in Stuart Island Marine Park. It’s important that greywater, which ends up in the Salish Sea, is managed responsibly. Surfactants dissolve the membranes of these many species that form the basis of the whole food chain - from birds to whales.

This is why putting soap on an oil spill should be avoided (it also carries a heavy fine). Plus, just because the label indicates the cleaning solution is biodegradable doesn’t mean it’s good for the environment. So, always consider vinegar-based cleaners that don’t contain phosphate, triclosan or antibacterial ingredients. For a list of recommended products, check out www.treehugger.com.

Part of being on the water is keeping things out of the water.