E XPE RT TAKE BY JACK RILEY
Local Legends Insider intel for your island itinerary: JACK RILEY of ROCHE HARBOR RESORT shares the hometown haunts, adventurous jaunts, and can’t-miss culinary spots beloved by San Juan Island locals.
Where do you like to escape to on San Juan Island to enjoy the summer splendor? Though San Juan Island may not be more than 15 miles long, there are a ton of unique locations packed into this Pacific Northwest paradise. One of my favorite locations to explore is the Roche Harbor trail network. While the resort in and of itself is gorgeous, a stroll out of the core and into the miles and miles of designated nature trails will yield tranquil ponds, dense forests, and sprawling meadows. Many people know the San Juans for their biodiversity, whether on land or sea, and I have become quite a fan of our local wildlife since I moved here five years ago. A few of my personal favorite spots to get out and see wildlife and landscapes are False Bay at low tide, the rolling hills and steep cliffs of Cattle Point with 180-degree views of the Strait of Juan De Fuca as well as the Cascades and Olympics, and (for those looking to break a sweat) the top of Young Hill with panoramic sights stretching clear out to Canada and beyond. The island has also become world-class destinations for amazing culinary experiences. In your opinion, what are a few of the best bites around? A big part of what makes San Juan Island stand out from other destinations is the fact that all of our restaurants are one-of-a-kind, privately owned businesses, operated by passionate individuals that want to offer the best in both product and service. I may be slightly biased, but my favorite place to get a bite to eat is Chef Bill Shaw’s Lime Kiln Café here at the Resort. Serving classic, diner-style breakfast and lunch dishes, this local gem has large proportions that do not disappoint, from belt-busting breakfast burritos to mouthwatering burgers and sandwiches. Of course, would it really be a culinary hotspot if we didn’t have a brewery? We are proud of our one and only San Juan Island Brewing Co. and the award-winning beers they create and serve at their Friday Harbor location. Not only can you get one of their island-inspired brews—such as the Yachter’s Daughter Lager, Harbor Hefe, or Bull Kelp ESB (to name just a few)— but there is a full food menu as well with pizzas, burgers, and salads. 66
While restaurants do a great job of satisfying hunger, a place that takes the term “culinary experience” to the next level is Westcott Bay Shellfish Farm. This working shellfish farm located on Westcott Bay on the north end of the island is a must-see for all seafood lovers. Visitors can choose to dine at the water’s edge in the on-site restaurant, taking full advantage of the expert shelling and preparation of the products, or they can opt to purchase the shellfish and take them home to prepare on their own. Sometimes a sit-down dinner is not in the cards and it’s time for a more relaxed and simple meal. August typically provides many days of sun and with that comes some beautiful sunsets. One of my favorite summer evening traditions is to pick up a pizza (or many pizzas) from Van Go’s Pizza in Friday Harbor and head out to the Westside Preserve with friends and family for a sunset picnic. It’s a summer tradition for many NWY readers to moor at the marina for a weekend respite: Which land excursions do you recommend they take in during their stay? Roche Harbor Resort is a starting point for many boaters and as soon as you are off the dock, there are activities that await such as a stroll to the McMillin Memorial Mausoleum, a historic piece of infrastructure designed by and immortalizing the family of John S. McMillin, the founder of the Roche Harbor Lime & Cement Company (the predecessor to Roche Harbor Resort). There is a lot of symbolism in this unique stone fixture located in the middle of the forest.
