Explore Anacortes 2023

ExploreANACORTES

2023 A visitors guide for a special island community in northwest Washington

Explore Anacortes

Beautiful Fidalgo Island and its one city, Anacortes, are the gateway to the San Juans.

The island features spectacular views from its rocky shorelines to its own little mountain -- Mount Erie. The mountain stands at 1,273 feet with impressive views from the top of the city of Anacortes and the water below.

Other views include snowcapped mountains, including

Mount Baker, the Olympics, beaches, forest lands and some of the most incredible sunsets you'll ever see. Photographers love it here.

You can see nearly all of it from your car, but we hope you'll stop for a bit.

Nature is easily accessible, with numerous trails through the city-owned forest lands. Some trails are on level, paved paths and others go through hilly woods. Wildlife

abounds, from blue herons and eagles to deer. Orca whales often swim in nearby waters and have occasionally been spotted from shore.

Anacortes is home to about 17,000 residents. It’s an eclectic little city featuring 3,000 acres of protected forest lands, a walkable downtown, a large art and music scene and a working waterfront with marinas and boat-builders.

In fact, boats are a big deal

FILE PHOTO

Fidalgo Island is full of natural beauty to be explored.

here — for both business and recreation. See nature from the water on a local tour boat or take a kayak tour at Bowman Bay. If you prefer to stay on land, visit the beach at Searfarers’ Memorial Park or walk the loop at Washington Park.

For fans of outdoor recreation, there is camping at Washington Park, which offers fast access to forest trails, beaches and Puget Sound.

Head into downtown Anacortes for numerous shopping and dining options, most of which are small, locally owned businesses.

Welcome!

Wildlife and hikes with views are among the things visitors may spot around Anacortes and Fidalgo Island.

We are an all-volunteer organization of women dedicated to helping women, children and families. Proceeds from our Thrift Shop enable us to give back to the community and world-wide since 1948. Please come see us at 1107-3rd Street in Anacortes for an amazing selection of clothing, housewares, beautiful jewelry, etc. We are open Tuesdays and Fridays. Please check our Facebook Page or visit our website (www.soroptimistanacortes.org) for shop and donation hours.

Your clean, smoke-free, re-salable donations gladly accepted.

FILE PHOTOS

Voted Best Thrift Shop For 2022!

Anacortes offers festivals and events full of fun for all interests and age groups. Our online calendar, at goskagit.com, offers a look at all upcoming events.

All events are subject to change or had not been scheduled by the production deadline, so check out the organizer's website or social media pages for details.

Winter

• The Daddy-Daughter Dance, hosted by the City of Anacortes, is Feb. 25.

• The Anacortes library hosts an annual genre night, focused on the fantasy genre this year, full of activities for kids, on Saturday, Feb. 25.

Spring

• Easter Egg Dash is Friday, April 7. cityofanacortes. org/490/Parks-Recreation

• The Anacortes Boat and Yacht Show is May 18-20. The fair, featuring brands, dealers, brokers and exhibitors, is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. anacortesboatandyachtshow.com

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The annual Easter Egg Dash is Friday, April 7, at Storvik Park.

Summer

• A kids' fishing derby at Heart Lake is June 3.

• Anacortes Waterfront Festival, June 3-4. This annual family-friendly free event features boat building, boat rides, a children’s area, a car show, vendors, food and entertainment. anacortes.org

• Bark in the Park, a festival celebrating the city’s canine friends, is June 10. cityofanacortes.org

• Anacortes Pride will host a pride parade and event June 17 downtown.

• Race Week, featuring days of sailboat racing, is June 26-30, at Cap Sante Marina. raceweekpnw.com

• Kids-R-Best Fest, a festival full of activities and booths for children, is Saturday, July 8. cityofanacortes. org

• The Fourth of July celebration begins with a town portrait at 10 a.m. in downtown Anacortes at Commercial Avenue. A parade starts at 11 a.m. Later, enjoy music at the Rock the Dock community concert at Seafarers’ Memorial Park followed by fireworks over Fidalgo Bay.

• Skagit Arts Together artist tour is July 15-16, featuring artists across Skagit County. nwartbeat.com

• Shipwreck Fest is ten-

tatively scheduled for July 15. Each year, Commercial Avenue is closed to traffic for this swap meet and filled with furniture, clothes, lamps, boat gear, tools and collectibles. The event starts at 8 a.m. downtown and wraps up in the afternoon. Free to attend. shipwreckfest.com

• The Pirate Run, which launches the Anacortes Arts Festival and is co-hosted by the City of Anacortes, is scheduled for July 29. Costumes are encouraged. cityofanacortes.org/490/Parks-Rec-

reation

• National Night Out, hosted by the Anacortes Police Department, is at Storvik Park on Aug. 1. The event features first responders, vendors and activities for families.

• Anacortes Arts Festival is set for Aug. 4-6. The festival brings about 100,000 visitors to town and features 250 booth artisans downtown. Arts at the Port showcases 30 more artists in three exhibitions, and there are art demonstrations, live music, kids’ activities, food vendors

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The Anacortes Waterfront Festival offers fun for all ages each June at Cap Sante Marina.

and beer and wine gardens. anacortesartsfestival.com

• The Anacortes Cancer Walk is usually in mid-August. It features a 10-mile walk and live concert to raise money for cancer care. Find the page on Facebook.

• A carnival-style Kids Fun Night is Aug. 29 at the Depot Arts & Community Center.

• Open Streets is usually late August on Commercial Avenue. Take to the streets by foot, bike or skates. Any human-powered vehicle is welcome. Buskers often entertain on street corners.

Fall and Winter

• The 98221 Studio Tour is Sept. 9-10. A self-guided tour of artists living and working in the 98221 ZIP code. About 30 artists participate, open studios and demonstrate techniques. anacortesstudiotour.com/

• The Anacortes Half-Marathon is in September. runsignup.com

• Oyster Run takes place Saturday, Sept. 23, on Commercial Avenue. Anacortes welcomes about 10,000 bikers from various points as part of the largest one-day motorcycle run in the Pacific Northwest. The free event includes motorcycle vendors, musical entertainment and plenty of oysters. oysterrun.

Experience Skagit History

Three outstanding galleries of fascinating Skagit history Preserving and presenting the history of Skagit County ‘for all people, for all time’.

Come explore Skagit History at the top of the hill! SKAGIT

org

• Bier on the Pier is scheduled for Oct. 6-7 at the Port of Anacortes Transit Shed with dozens of breweries and cideries, plus food vendors and music. anacortes.org

• The Haunted Run at Washington Park, full of goblins and ghosts to scare walkers, is Oct. 28. cityofanacortes.org

• The Dallas Kloke Mount Erie Run is generally in October. cityofanacortes.org

• The Coastal Christmas Tree Lighting and the town’s holiday parade are the first weekend in December. The weekend also includes pic-

goanacortes.com

FILE PHOTO

Thousands of motorcycles roar into town each September as part of the annual Oyster Run.

tures with Santa, music, cocoa, an artwalk, gift show and fundraisers. The tree lighting is scheduled for 6-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1. The parade is 11 a.m. the next day. anacortes. org

• Wonderland Walk at Washington Park is 5-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8

and 9. Campsites are decorated with lights and holiday fun. Visitors are encouraged to carpool and bring flashlights. cityofanacortes.org

• Celebrate the Season fundraising dinner and holiday fair are in early December. The dinner is the evening of Dec. 2 and the holiday fair,

open to the general public and free to attend, is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. anacortesschoolsfoundation. org/

• The Anacortes Santa Run is typically the second Saturday in December. runsignup. com/

Explore the Farmers Market

Bouquets of flowers, cheese, vegetables fresh from the farm and homemade creations are available at the Anacortes Farmers Market.

Live music, food vendors and a space to sit down and enjoy the sunshine are also part of the experience.

The market features different musicians throughout the summer.

It opens from 9 a.m. to 2

p.m. every Saturday from May to October. An Opening Day Celebration provides a little extra fun on that first market of May.

The winter market is the second Saturday of each month from October to May, and a holiday market is held in November.

The open-air market is held next to the Depot Arts Center at 611 R Avenue.

Information: anacortesfarmersmarket.org

Explore Viewpoints

What is there to see on Fidalgo Island? So much. Here are some highlights:

Cap Sante provides a grand scenic overlook of Anacortes as well as Mount Baker, March Point, Guemes Island and the waters of the San Juans. It's just minutes from downtown. A hike from the top can lead visitors to an amphitheater carved into the side of the island.

Directions: From downtown, take Fourth Street east and take a right on V Avenue, which leads to the park at the top. To hike up, park near the Anacortes Yacht Club and follow the trail.

Sunset Beach at Washington Park on the northwest end of the island has an open beach looking out on Rosario Strait. Nearby is Loop Road, which wraps around the park’s peninsula and offers views of Rosario Strait, Burrows Bay and Island, and the south end of Fidalgo Island. When open to vehicle traffic, the loop has parking spots along the way with picnic tables at Green Point and a landmark madrona tree and views of the Skyline neigh-

borhood at Fidalgo Head.

Directions: Take the 15-minute journey to the city-owned park by following 12th Street west. The name of the road changes to Oakes along the way but leads to the park. Take the right fork near the beach area.

Mount Erie provides views from the center of Fidalgo Island. On a clear day, most of the island can be seen, along with parts of Whidbey Island to the south, the North Cascade mountains to the east and other San Juan islands to the west.

Directions: Head south on Commercial Avenue, turn right on 32nd Street and left on H Avenue. The road turns into Heart Lake Road. Go

past the lake, and turn left onto Ray Auld Drive to Erie Mountain Drive. The best viewpoint is just beyond the access to the huge cell tower at the top.

Deception Pass State Park extends across both Fidalgo and Whidbey islands. Scenic spots in the state park include Pass Lake, Rosario Beach and Bowman Bay. The iconic photo spots are at pullouts along Highway 20 at the two Deception Pass bridges. Walk out over the bridges to take in the views.

Directions: Follow Highway 20 to Oak Harbor. A state Discover Pass (daily option is available) is needed to park on the Whidbey side of the bridge.

FILE PHOTO

Cap Sante is the best way to take in views of the City of Anacortes and is located just minutes from downtown.

Explore the Outdoors

The Anacortes Community Forest Lands and city parks offer free access to miles of trails, green spaces and beaches.

Forest Lands

The city-owned Anacortes Community Forest Lands property covers nearly 3,000 acres on Fidalgo Island.

It's free to visit and features forest lands, meadows, wetlands, Mount Erie and Sugarloaf Mountain, as well as Cranberry, Whistle and Heart lakes.

It has 50 miles of trails to accommodate hikers, bicyclists and horse riders, though not all trails allow all modes of transportation. Some allow two-wheeled motorcycles.

Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Color trail maps on water-resistant paper are available at City Hall, 904 Sixth St., and at the Anacortes Visitor Information Center, 819 Commercial Ave. Suite A.

Electronic versions are on the city’s website, anacorteswa.gov.

Find more information at friendsoftheacfl.org/

goanacortes.com

FILE PHOTO

Little Cranberry Lake, in the Anacortes Community Forest Lands, offers the chance for water sports, hiking and fishing.

Parks

• Ace of Hearts Rotary Park, 38th Street and H Avenue. A Little League field and an off-leash dog park with watering station, wash-off hose and separate area for small dogs.

• Anacortes Meditative Labyrinth, 1702 22nd St., is open to all.

• Ben Root Skate Park, 2313 R Ave. in the Alice Parchman Newland Park. A 7,500-square-foot concrete skate area with lights, seating and restrooms.

• Cap Sante Park, 1000 W Ave. A 37-acre forested area at the top of Cap Sante, offering views of Anacortes, Fidalgo Bay and March Point. A newly improved trail allows people to walk from the base of the hill to the top.

• Causland Memorial Park, 710 N Ave. This 2-acre park is dedicated to Anacortes veterans and is on the National Register of Historic Places, featuring decorative rock structures,

including a bandstand and amphitheater.

• Clearidge Park on Blakely Drive is a small neighborhood park with two tennis courts and a basketball court.

• Guemes Channel Trail starts at the Edwards Way cul-de-sac. The walking/biking path

ACORTES DINNER

Upgrades are expected soon at the Ben Root Skate Park.

runs about one mile along Guemes Channel toward downtown.

• John and Doris Tursi Park, 2200 Pennsylvania Ave., is a neighborhood park just east of the Anacortes Airport. Playground, picnic tables, a zip line, a log pavilion and nature trail.

• Kiwanis Waterfront Park, 1708 Sixth St. Two acres overlooking Guemes Channel and the Guemes Island ferry landing area with benches, picnic tables, pathways, an overlook and beach access.

• Mount Erie, Ray Auld Drive and Heart Lake Road, offers a road to the top, with many stops for viewpoints and places to hike around.

• Pickett Pocket Park, 2100 Commercial Ave., a small space with some art and benches.

• Q’elech’ilhch Park, formerly the N Avenue Park, Second Street and N Avenue. Small park at a street end with views of Guemes Channel. Renamed in honor of the Samish Indian Nation.

• Roadside Park, Kansas and Oakes Avenues. Small park at a street end with picnic tables and views of Guemes Channel. Stairs lead to Guemes Channel Trail.

• Rotary Park, 701 T Ave. The 1.5-acre park runs along the shoreline of a Fidalgo Bay

inlet at the base of Cap Sante and next to Cap Sante Marina. Features disc golf course, walking trails, a gazebo, picnic tables and beach access.

• Ship Harbor Interpretive Preserve, between the Washington State Ferries terminal and Edwards Way cul-de-sac. Features 25 acres of freshwater wetlands, 5 acres of upland habitat and 2,000 feet of sandy beach and eelgrass beds. A walking trail/board-

walk protects sensitive areas.

• Shugarts Playground, 10th Street and N Avenue. A park next to the Anacortes Public Library with a small playground and benches.

• Storvik Park, 1110 32nd St. The 8.7-acre park is home to the community-built Our Town Our Park playground. Includes a spray park open in the summer, plus a Little League field, two basketball courts, barbecues and picnic

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The Kiwanis Waterfront Park overlooks the Guemes Island ferry landing. It includes beach access and some places to sit, as well as some sort walking areas.

• Pasta & Sauce, Salts and Seasoning • Olives, Tapenades, Salami & Crackers • Melamine and Olive Wood platters & plates

Napkins, Dish towels, Peanut Brittle & toffee candy

Salt & Pepper grinders & many other gift ideas

taste - Discover the freshest Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Fused and Infused Olive Oil, Specialt y Oils, White and Dark Balsamic Vinegars and Specialt y Vinegars that Skagit Count y has to offer In addition we have the following:

GIANT JACKPOTS!

PLAY. STAY.

SINO st EAT.

shelter. To reserve the shelter, call 360-293-1918.

• Tommy Thompson Trail is 3.3 miles of paved trail for pedestrians and bicyclists that runs along the west side of Fidalgo Bay, leading to a walkway over the bay on a former train trestle connecting to March Point. Trailheads are at 22nd Street and R Avenue, 30th Street and U Avenue, and in the Fidalgo Bay Resort at 4701 Fidalgo Bay Road.

• 28th Street Playground at Q Avenue intersection is a children’s playground.

• Volunteer Park, 1915 13th St. The city’s sports center has a fastpitch/Little League field, two regulation baseball fields, a field house, Kiwanis Meadows soccer field, basketball court and Doug Colglazier Playground. The park also has walking paths and a covered picnic shelter.

• Washington Park, 6300 Sunset Ave. The park encompasses 220 acres on the west side of Fidalgo Island. It has day-use and overnight camping facilities for tents and RVs, a boat launch, picnic shelters, playground and showers. A scenic 2.3mile loop road around the park can be walked or driven. Camping reservations: 360293-1918

goanacortes.com

Explore Recreation

Marinas

• Cap Sante Marina, 1019

Q Ave., is owned and operated by the Port of Anacortes. It is a Customs port-of-entry on the west side of Fidalgo Bay within walking distance to downtown stores and restaurants. The marina provides permanent and transient moorage. Floats have power and water. It features restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, fuel dock, pumpout stations, boat launch and Wi-Fi. portofanacortes.com/ marina. 360-293-0694.

• Skyline Marine Center, 2011 Skyline Way, at Flounder Bay on Fidalgo Island is a full-service marina with slips up to 100 feet. Features guest moorage, a travel lift, fuel, pump-out services, shower and laundry facilities. skylinemarinecenter.com. 360-2935134.

Kayaking

• Anacortes Kayak Tours offers tours and guides, including everything from an hour or two to multiple days. anacorteskayaktours.com.

• Blue Otter Outfitters offers equipment rentals of kayaks,

paddleboards and more. blueotter.com.

• Fidalgo Paddlesports, offers classes and private lessons on the water. fidalgopaddlesports.com.

Tours, charters

Heading out in a boat may mean a glimpse of marine life ranging from orcas, gray whales and humpbacks to seals, otters and bald eagles.

• Skagit Guided Adventures offers hiking, birding and

sightseeing trips.skagitguidedadventures.com, 360-4747479

• Anacortes Dinner Cruise, anacortesdinnercruise.com, 360-333-5282

• Island Adventures, island-adventures.com, 800465-4604 or 360-293-2428

• Outer Island Excursions (plus charters and fishing), outerislandx.com, 360-3763711

• Deception Pass Tours, deceptionpasstours.com,

goanacortes.com

Recreation of all kinds is available to get visitors on the water.

888-909-TOURS

• Sail Anacortes, www. sail-anacortes.com, 360-5046135

• Freedom Boat Club, a members-only way to have regular access to a boat, www.freedomboatclub.com/

Charter services also offer transportation or fishing.

• Island Express Charters, islandexpresscharters.com, 360-299-2875

• Jolly Mon Charters, jollymoncharters.com, 360-2022664

• R&R Charters, randrfishingcharters.com, 360-9416515

• San Juan Adventures, sanjuancharters.net, 360-6615475

• Highliner Charters, highlinercharters.com, 360-7700341

• StoutFish Charters, stoutfish.com, 425-345-9577

• Anacortes Yacht Charters, anacortesyachtcharters.com, 1-800-233-3004

• Crown Yacht Charters, crownyachtcharters.com, 800426-2313

• Ship Harbor Yacht Charters, shipharboryachts.com, 360-299-9193

• Paraclete Charters, www. paracletecharters.com, 360420-5187

• Mocean Yacht Charters,

www.moceanyc.com, 360612-2973

• Blue Kingdom, www. bluekingdomtours.com, 564900-6565

• Catchmore Charters, www.catchmorecharters.com, 360-293-7093

Cycling or Walking

• The Anacortes Community Forest Lands is city-owned property offering easy to moderate trails. Maps on water-resistant paper are available atcityofanacortes.org or pick up at City Hall, 904 Sixth St., and at the Visitor Information Center, 819 Commercial Ave. Suite A.

• The Tommy Thompson Trail is a scenic, flat ride or walk from downtown along the east side of the island on a paved trail that leads to the trestle that crosses Fidalgo Bay to March Point. Cyclists

Explore Anacortes 2023

can add more miles by following the road around the point and then back to the trestle.

• The Guemes Channel Trail follows the shore on the north side of Fidalgo Island. It offers scenic views of the channel, Guemes Island and Mount Baker. Trail connections are off Edwards Way in the San Juan Passage subdivision and down the wooden stairs at Oakes and Kansas avenues.

More fun

• Swinomish Golf Links, 12518 Christianson Road, is an 18-hole, par-72 public course on the west side of Fidalgo Island between Fidalgo and Similk bays. The course is rated 67.8 for men and 65.2 for women. It has a slope rating of 110 for men and 106 for women. Operated by the Swinomish Casino & Lodge.

goanacortes.com

BRIANA ALZOLA / ANACORTES AMERICAN

Guided tours allow visitors to take a closer look at the orcas that call the waters around Anacortes home.

swinomishgolflinks.com. 360293-3444.

• Six tennis courts are at Anacortes Middle School, 22nd Street near J Avenue.

• Pickleball courts are at Clearidge Park, 1900 block of Blakely Drive next to the Anacortes Airport.

• Fidalgo Pool & Fitness Center, 1603 22nd St., has a schedule that includes times for open swims and lap swims. The facility includes a 1,900-square-foot fitness center. fidalgopool.com. 360293-0673

• A spray pad for kids is at Storvik Park, 1110 32nd St, is open during the warmer months.

Weather

Sunny skies are pretty normal for Anacortes and Fidalgo Island, which sit in a rain shadow provided by the Olympic Mountains.

This area is shielded from much of the rain that hits the region each year. While not every day is sunny, most days the sun peeks out from behind the clouds at least once. The area typically receives about 28 inches of annual rainfall, but summer brings a long stretch of sunshine, dry and fabulous with moderate temperatures averaging in the 70s from

July to September.

October offers what is typically a short fall season, with colder temperatures, wind and more rain usually arriving in November. Snow sometimes falls on Anacortes a couple times a year, with some periods of cold, but it’s never too cold for long.

The same clouds that bring a little rain also serve as a blanket of protection from colder temperatures.

Signs of spring usually begin to show as early as February.

Explore the Arts

Anacortes is home to many arts-focused events and celebrations, largely because it is also home to some amazing artists.

Art events

The Anacortes Arts Festival fills downtown with thousands of people every August.

• The First Friday Gallery Walk features some of the best new art around Anacortes. Galleries and businesses host shows with special hours and artist receptions from 6-8 p.m. on the first Friday of each month.

• The annual Quilt Walk in

FILE PHOTO

April by the Fidalgo Island Quilters features fabulous fabric art. Again, downtown businesses and shops do their part to feature pieces from the quilters in their stores. Visit fidalgoislandquilters.com.

• August brings the annual Anacortes Arts Festival. This isn't just any art event. This one features the work of 250 art vendors (not just anyone gets a spot), a fine art show and musical acts. It also draws thousands of people to see it. Visit anacortesartsfestival.com.

• The 98221 Studio Tour lets visitors see artists in their natural habitat -- their studios. See demonstrations and art pieces. The event is Sept. 9-10 this year. Visit anacortesstudiotour. com.

Music

• Summer wouldn't be complete in Anacortes without the outdoor concerts. There are several, including the rock and blues series hosted on Friday nights at Seafarers’ Memorial Park in Cap Sante Marina. During part of that series, a Wednesday jazz series brings even more live music to the area. Learn more at portofanacortes.com.

• The Heart of Anacortes also hosts an outdoor summer music concert series. Visit theheartofanacortes.com.

• Live music is Saturdays during the summer at Deception Pass State Park.

• The library hosts free jazz concerts on the second Sunday of each month.

• Local eateries often offer live music all year.

Performing arts

• Anacortes Community Theatre presents several shows each year, including comedy, drama and musicals. Visit acttheatre.com.

• Fidalgo DanceWorks school holds classes for all

goanacortes.com

FILE PHOTO

The Port of Anacortes hosts summer concerts at Seafarers’ Memorial Park.

ages throughout the year, as well as shows in June and December, in addition to the annual holiday ballet “The Nutcracker.” Visit fidalgodanceworks.org.

Public art

Art is such a big part of life here that Anacortes offers numerous public murals and sculptures that can be seen any time and in any weather.

“Aerie” is a large bird nest culture in the roundabout on the way into town where Highway 20 turns onto Commercial Avenue.

“Lady of the Sea” stands watch over Cap Sante Marina, along with the Seafarers’

Memorial.

“Annie Curtis” is the bronze orca fin named after the town’s namesake and created by Gerard Tsutakawa.

“Windsong” by Leo Osborne is a bronze bird at Kiwanis Park.

“The Bird Family” is a bronze piece by Philip McCracken at the Post Office downtown.

“How Much Longer” by Peregrine O’Gormley is at Fourth Avenue and O Street.

“The Leaking Vase” by Andries Lukas Breedt is at the N Street Park.

“Three Sails” doubles as a welcome sign near the Ana-

Award-Winning

Deli & Bakery

Whether you need healthy food to-go, a quick pick-me-up, or just don’t feel like cooking, you’ll find a wide variety of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and whole food choices for every meal— all made from scratch by us, for you.

cortes ferry terminal entrance off Oakes.

Murals of townspeople, created by the late Bill Mitchell, appear in various places around town, particularly downtown.

Other pieces include: a painting on the south side of the Wilson Hotel on Eighth Street of city namesake Anne Curtis Bowman, who was wife of city founder Amos Bowman, by Swedish artist Lisa Liedgren.

Even the garbage cans offer an artistic touch. The “salmon cans” downtown pay homage to 11 salmon canneries that operated here in the early 1900s.

Explore History

The Anacortes Museum and the Maritime Heritage Center offer looks back in time through the history of Anacortes.

The museum, located at 1305 Eighth Street, is open daily except Mondays and is free to visit. The former Carnegie Library generally has a rotating exhibit as well as permanent displays of Anacortes history.

The museum also runs the Maritime Heritage Center and W.T. Preston snagboat, located at 703 R Ave. The Heritage Center focuses on Anacortes’ tradition of fishing and history of boatbuilding and marine transportation. Outdoor signs and displays showcase the marine history of the area and are available for viewing any time.

The center is usually open on weekends in April, May, September and October and daily (except Mondays) from June to August.

The W.T. Preston is a historical sternwheeler that served as a snagboat, located next to the heritage center. It’s the last one to work in Puget Sound and one of only two snagboats remaining in the United States. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and retired from duty in 1981. It came to Anacortes in 1983 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989. Visit cityofanacortes.org/333/Museum.

Museum visitors can check out an online database filled with more than 20,000 photos, see short documentaries and more on the museum website.

The museum also set up a QR code system on murals around town, so visitors can use their smartphones to look up more information about historic residents and events.

Check cityofanacortes.org/333/Museum or

find the Museum on Instagram and Facebook for updates.

Tours

• Self-guided tours are available year-round to see the beautiful sights of Anacortes.

• The Tommy Thompson Trail starts at the intersection of 11th Avenue and Q Street and continues south through town and out onto the water toward March Point. Along the way are Discovery Points filled with facts about Fidalgo Bay’s history and diverse ecology.

• The Cap Sante esplanade is located behind the W.T. Preston snagboat. The waterfront walk offers views of Fidalgo Bay and several interpretive displays featuring the area’s history.

• A walking tour of historic downtown Anacortes offers a chance to see the city’s older homes. Brochures are available at the Visitors Center and online at cityofanacortes.org.

FILE PHOTO

The W.T. Preston snagboat is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Explore Guemes Island

Just a few minutes away by ferry is Guemes Island, which boasts a general store with food and live music, hiking trails and more. Recreation options include Young’s Park, which is 13 acres at 4243 Guemes Island Road and offers picnic amenities and water access.

Head east for a view of nearby islands from Guemes Mountain. Take a hike that is roughly 2.4 miles roundtrip and has 550 feet of elevation gain. The trailhead is just off South Shore Road and includes a bike rack.

The Peach Preserve is located off South Shore Drive and is well-known for birdwatching with 64 acres of protected land and a half-acre of trails. Kelly’s Point beach is protected land accessible for low-impact, non-motorized use.

Parking is accessible from West Shore Drive.

If you're looking to spend more than a day on the island, the Guemes Island Resort offers a variety of accommodations and features a boat launch, kayaks and sauna.

The Guemes Island Store, right near the ferry landing, is the main commercial operation on the island. It offers local food, some grocery items and frequent live music entertainment.

Guemes Island is accessible only by boat, but it’s a short five-minute ferry ride from Fidalgo Island. The ferry terminal is located at 500 I Ave. and offers frequent trips across the channel.

Visit skagitcounty.net/Departments/PublicWorksFerry/main.htm

Explore Tribal Nations

The Samish and Swinomish tribal nations are indigenous to the Fidalgo Island area.

Stops on their lands are part of the annual Canoe Journey, which features traditional dress, dances, food and other cultural sharing.

Samish Indian Nation

The Samish Indian Nation owns the Fidalgo Bay RV

Resort, featuring scenic views of Fidalgo Bay and access to the Tommy Thompson Trail, which can be taken into town by bicycle or on foot.

Information: samishtribe. nsn.us

Swinomish Indian Tribal Community

The Swinomish Casino &

Lodge is located on Highway 20, just east of Anacortes. Views from the building take in the land that the Coast Salish people have called home for thousands of years.

The tribe also operates an RV park and Swinomish Links Golf Course.

Information: swinomish-nsn. gov

Explore the Area

There are many ways to explore both Anacortes and its surrounding areas through public transportation by land and sea.

By Bus

• Skagit Transit, based in Mount Vernon, provides bus service Monday through Saturday.

Route 410 includes stops at the Guemes Ferry terminal, the Washington State Ferries terminal and March Point.

Route 409 runs from 10th Street and Q Avenue downtown to Island Health, with stops including the Guemes Island Ferry, Fidalgo Pool and the senior center. Route 40X goes from March Point to Mount Vernon. Route 615 does the same, but with stops in La Conner.

Skagit Transit runs throughout Skagit County with connector service to several areas. Paratransit is available for people with disabilities who cannot travel on fixed routes. A Park & Ride lot is east of Anacortes at March Point.

Information: 360-757-4433 or skagittransit.org

By Ferry

• Washington State Ferries

provides passenger and car service from the Anacortes terminal to multiple San Juan Islands. Though the route to Sidney, British Columbia, has been closed since 2019, it may open again this summer. Check with Washington State Ferries.

The Anacortes ferry terminal is at the end of Highway 20, four miles west of downtown. Reservations are required for vehicles.

Information: 888-808-7977 or wsdot.wa.gov/ferries

• Guemes Island Ferry provides ferry service for passengers and vehicles from Anacortes across the Guemes Channel to Guemes Island. The dock is located at Sixth Street and I Avenue.

Information: 360-419-7618 or skagitcounty.net/Departments/PublicWorksFerry/ main.htm

By Airplane

• Anacortes Airport, at 4000 Airport Road, offers various airport services. Charters and scenic flights are available. Call San Juan Airlines at 800874-4434.

Airport information: 360299-1828 or portofanacortes. com/airport