Lummi Island, a quaint isle in the San Juan Archipelago, has a little arts scene and a lot of peace and quiet.
Seagulls duck and plunge around the ferryboat dock as a line of reasoning of cars dilute onto theWhatcom Chief . To test my ferry karma , I purposefully did n’t consult the docket — a risky endeavor on a warm , clear Saturday in July . A wave of gratitude rushes through me as mine is the last of just 20 car to room the lilliputian ferry that will carry us across the Hale Passage to Lummi Island in just five minute . The postcard - ready scene boast deep blue - green water supply glistening in the sunlight , evergreen trees stand tall and resolute in the distance , and a cloudless , cerulean sky above . As we arrive island - side , the piquant , pungent fragrance of scurvy - tide fills the air .
Lummi Island may not be number among the cool crew of San Juan ’s archipelago , but what it unjustifiably lacks in popularity points , it makes up for with its peaceful , natural refuge devoid of heavy holidaymaker crowd . Just 20 mile to the south of the Canadian mete and about 90 miles northerly of Seattle , Lummi Island seat in the coveted Olympic Rain Shadow , a small area north-west of Seattle that produce significantly more sunlight and less rainwater than the rest of the state , making even many winter days drier and bright than one might require .
With a year - circular universe of just under a thousand the great unwashed — mostly artists , writers , farmers , and fisher — it ’s a cosy respite from buzzy urban center life , where fine art and nature rejuvenate resident and visitors alike .
Aerial View of a Small Car Ferry Servicing Lummi Island, Washington.|Edmund Lowe Photography/Shutterstock
To get there , the 20 - carWhatcom Chiefferry shuttles passengers back and forward across Hale Passage from Bellingham . It ’s a quick , five - instant ride during which the on - plug-in ferry prole will collect your $ 14 payment ( no cash ) one - by - one via hand - have got credit card machines . There are few avail useable on the modest , 9.25 - straight - mi island , so you ’ll need to buy in up on groceries and fuel before head over from the mainland .
travelling Time:2 hour , 30 minutes from Seattle1 hour from the Canadian border
If you don’t do anything else: Hike to the top of Lummi Mountain
On a clear day , the better sight can be see at the peak of Lummi Mountain , a moderate - to - arduous hike up a outrageous , meandering track through the forest . The 1.64 - mile , round - head trip journey provide sensational panorama of Rosario Strait and Orcas Island at the top of the western - face cliff — a 1,060 - substructure ALT amplification . dog are not give up and tramp are asked to signal in at the trail head due to the area ’s ecologic sensitiveness and sometimes hazardous terrain . digest at the top looking out over the Salish Sea , it ’s no wonder the original inhabitants called the islandSa nam a oor “ high-pitched mountain . ”
Fill Your Days:
Hiking and Stargazing on Lummi Island
Lummi Island Heritage Trustowns more than 760 acre of land with miles of public tramp trails through field , forest , meadow and wetlands , including Otto , Baker , Curry and Aiston Preserves . Otto and Curry Preserves each have one all - terrain wheelchair that visitor can borrow at no charge . dog must be leashed and are only earmark at Otto , Curry and Aiston . make out nightfall , bask under starlight . There are no street lights on the island , which do it a nifty berth to dream when the moon is young , especially on the west side of the island which faces away from the vivid lights of the mainland . Experts say the best way to commence explore the night sky is with the unaided eye and an cheap , easy - to - use adept wheel that can facilitate you get wind the star names and constellations .
Relaxing things to do on Lummi Island
A leisurely drive around the island – Take it slow and love island time . The loop road offers heroic view of the Salish Sea and ring islands and is dotted with cat-o'-nine-tails crossings , deer crossway , hide private road and wildlife corridors . You ’re just as likely to see a deer and her fawn scotch the road as you are a pair of walkers or bikers . prospicient walks on the beach – Most Lummi Island beach are secret with just three belittled public waterfronts : Lummi Island Beachadjacent to the ferry wharfage , Sunset Beachjust in the south of the famed Willows Inn and Church Beach and Labyrinth behindLummi Island Congregational Church . They each offer classifiable views of the surrounding archipelago .
Where to experience arts and culture on Lummi Island
If your visit happens to cooccur with the one Clarence Day of the month that theAnn Morris Sculpture Woodsare unresolved , do n’t lack the chance to peruse this incredible , 15 - Akka space . Morris apply myth and metaphor to search the kinship between nature and human beings . The amount of particular and facial expression in the 16 nonliteral bronze carving are impressive . Given as a talent to Western Washington University by the artist and her family , self - pass tours of the Sculpture Woods and accompanying verandah are barren and only undetermined to the populace on the first Saturday of every month .
Stop by theFull Bloom Farmstand for unfermented produce , stick overnight in the loft and attend one of the many creative workshops lead by local and chitchat creative person . This year ’s calendar features family in sewing , drawing , painting , bloom arrange , fish printing process and evenkintsugior gold joinery , the Nipponese craft of restore ceramics .
The island is home plate to many creative the great unwashed , including weavers , thrower , panther , jewelers , sculptors , lensman , furniture makers and crank and fibre artist . Many of them can be found at theSaturday Market , a community event fill with arts , guile , euphony and fresh produce from 10 am to 1 pm weekly .
Eat, Drink and Sleep:
Where to eat and drink on Lummi Island
pluck up basic grocery , snacks , and a handful of beer and wine atThe Islander — the island ’s only market . Perched on a little J. J. Hill just south of the ferry dock , you may also regain local anaesthetic playing checker , fuddle fresh coffee bean or stake information to the community bulletin board .
Dine on fresh , local food like fish and chips , pizza , Greek french-fried potatoes , Warren E. Burger and salad at theBeach Store Cafe . Established in 1901 as a mercantile and gas station , the restaurant is an island favourite , a short walk from the ferryboat landing and a slap-up place to sit and watch the ferrying go by . Stop byFull Bloom Farmstand — a low diversified farm growing a across-the-board range of fruit and vegetables using constitutional practices — to stock up on fresh ballock , flowers and produce from April through December .
Did you forget that feeding bottle of wine for your beach picnic ? Do n’t despair . Artisan Wine Galleryis available anytime to help with “ wine emergencies ” or $ 5 relishing on Friday and Saturday from 4 to 6 promethium , including artisan tall mallow from nearby producers and work by local artists .
The Whatcom Chief leaving its dock in Bellingham, Washington.|Photo by Amber Campbell
Where to stay on Lummi Island
Lummi Island is a sodding position for a day - stumble if you ’re stay put on the mainland in Bellingham . For those who just ca n’t stand to leave , there are scads of Airbnbs on the island , including yurt , cabin , guest room , treehouses , and Airstream trailer for less than $ 200 per dark , and whole , oceanfront homes with sensational views and spicy vat for more than $ 900 per Nox . But they tend to satiate up tight during the summertime months , so make certain to book in advance if possible .
View of San Juan Islands from the top of Lummi Mountain, Washington.|Photo by Amber Campbell
Saturday Market|Photo by Amber Campbell
Beach Store Cafe|Photo by Amber Campbell
