Explore
Anacortes
2022 SKAGIT PUBLISHING
A supplement to the Anacortes American
A visitors guide for a special island community in northwest Washington
About the Cover Area photographer Ernie Hayden contributed this photo of the sun over Fidalgo Bay. He took the photo in August 2021 and is a frequent contributor to the Anacortes American. Some other photos in this guide also come from community photographers.
901 6th St., Anacortes, WA 98221 P: 360-293-3122 © Skagit Publishing 2022 All rights reserved
Editor Colette Weeks cweeks@goanacortes.com
Layout Briana Alzola balzola@goanacortes.com
Advertising Duby Petit dpetit@skagitpublishing.com John Williams jwilliams@skagitpublishing.com
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Table of Contents Explore Anacortes ........................... 5 Explore Events ............................... 6 Explore the Area ............................. 9 Explore the Outdoors ..................... 10 Explore Recreation ........................ 13 Explore the Arts ............................. 15 Explore Viewpoints ......................... 17 Explore Tribal Nations ................... 18 Explore History .............................. 19 Explore Guemes Island ................. 21 Weather ........................................ 22 Farmers Market ............................. 22 4
Explore Anacortes 2022
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Explore Anacortes
Welcome to Anacortes and beautiful Fidalgo Island, the gateway to the San Juans. Surrounded by blue sparkling water, Fidalgo features spectacular views from all around the island. You can see snow-capped mountains, green forest lands, beaches, brilliant sunsets and a variety of wildlife without even leaving your vehicle. But please do stop and take a closer look. Nature is easily accessible here, with numerous trails — some on level, paved paths
and others through hilly woods. There is even a mountain to climb. Mount Erie stands at 1,273 feet with impressive views from the top of the city of Anacortes and the water below. Anacortes is home to about 17,000 residents. It’s an eclectic city featuring. 3,000 acres of protected forest lands, a walkable downtown, a large art and music scene and a working waterfront. Boats are a big deal here — for both business and recre-
ation. 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. With an outdoor setting this beautiful, recreation options are plentiful. Camping at Washington Park offers access to forest trails, beaches and Puget Sound. Head into downtown Anacortes for numerous shopping and dining options.
Leslie Dorn / Contributed
Fidalgo Island has many beaches, bike and walking trails.
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Explore Anacortes 2022
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Explore Events Check for event updates at the goanacortes.com online calendar or at the event organizer’s website.
Spring • The Anacortes Spring Wine Festival is noon to 5
p.m. Saturday, April 9. Features more than 30 wineries, plus food. Ticketed event. anacortes.org • Easter Egg Dash is Friday, April 15. cityofanacortes.org/490/Parks-Recreation
• The Anacortes Boat and Yacht show is May 19-
22. The fair, featuring brands, dealers, brokers and exhibitors, is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. anacortesboatandyachtshow.com
Summer • Race Week, featuring
days of sailboat racing, is June 20-24, at Cap Sante Marina. raceweekpnw.com
• Anacortes Waterfront Festival is scheduled for
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Kids can make wooden boats each year at the Waterfront Festival.
June 4-5. This annual familyfriendly free event features boat building, boat rides, a children’s area, a car show, vendors, food and entertain-
Thrift Shop Voted Best 21! 20 r Fo
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. Some restrictions due to the pandemic may affect our days/hours of operation. Please visit our website: soroptimistanacortes.org. or our Facebook Page for updates. Thank you to everyone in our community for your continued support.
Your clean, smoke-free, re-salable donations gladly accepted.
ment. anacortes.org
• Bark in the Park — a
mid-June festival celebrating the city’s canine friends. cityofanacortes.org • Kids-R-Best Fest — a July event full of activities and booths for children. 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 comgoanacortes.com
www.anacortesfarmersmarket.org
food, arts 'n' crafts, & more!
SHOP LOCAL in an OPEN-AIR ENVIRONMENT
2021 File photo
Fourth of July celebrations are kicked off with a town photo downtown.
munity concert at Seafarers’ Memorial Park followed by fireworks over Fidalgo Bay.
• Skagit Arts Together
artist tour is July 16-17, featuring artists across Skagit County. nwartbeat.com • Shipwreck Fest is tentatively scheduled for July 16. 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 • Art Dash, which launches the Anacortes Arts Festival, is scheduled for July 30. www.cityofanacortes.org/490/ Parks-Recreation goanacortes.com
• Anacortes Arts Festival is set for Aug. 5-7. In
a normal year, 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 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. • Open Streets is usually late August on Commercial Avenue. Take to the streets by foot, bike or skates. Any Explore Anacortes 2022
2022 Schedule
Winter:
second Saturdays January - April the Depot @ 7th St. & R Ave. 9am-2pm
Summer:
every Saturday May 7 - October 29 the Depot @ 7th St. & R Ave. 9am-2pm
Pie Festival: September 17 during the market
Holiday:
November 19 & 20 Port Transit Shed @ 100 Commercial 10am-4pm promotional material funded in part by the
human-powered vehicle is welcome. Buskers often entertain on street corners.
Fall and Winter • The 98221 Studio Tour is Sept. 10-11. A self-
guided tour of artists living and working in the 98221 ZIP code. About 30 artists participate, open studios and demonstrate techniques. anacortesartscommission. com/98221-studio-tour.html • Oyster Run takes place Saturday, Sept. 25, 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. It was canceled the last two years due to the pandemic. Check oysterrun.org • Bier on the Pier is scheduled for Oct. 7-8 at the Port of Anacortes Transit Shed with dozens of breweries and cideries, plus food vendors and music. anacortes. org • Fall runs: a Mount Erie Run and a Haunted Run at Washington Park (are usually held in the fall. Check cityofanacortes.org.
• The Coastal Christmas Tree Lighting and
the town’s holiday parade are the first weekend in December. The weekend also includes pictures with Santa,
music, cocoa, an artwalk, gift show and fundraisers. The tree lighting is scheduled for 6-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2. 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. 9 and 10. 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. 3 and the holiday fair, open to the general public and free to attend, is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. anacortesschoolsfoundation.org/
ANACORTES DINNER & ISLAND CRUISE IN ThE SAN JUAN ISLANDS
Cruise the scenic waters of the San Juan Islands in style during this cruise. in style during this nonstop cruise. Simply relax and leave your worries behind while taking in the amazing scenery.
360-333-5282 anacortesdinnercruise.com
Explore the Area Beyond personal vehicles or taxi service, here are some other ways to get around the island and neighboring areas:
By Bus
• Skagit Transit, based in Mount Vernon, provides bus service in Anacortes 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. Other routes will transport riders from Mount Vernon or Oak Harbor to March Point and back. Skagit Transit runs throughout Skagit County with connector service to Bellingham, Everett and Whidbey Island. The main transfer for most routes is in downtown Mount Vernon. Dial-A-Ride service 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
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Ferries run between Anacortes and the San Juan Islands several times a day. Reservations are required.
terminal to Orcas Island, Lopez Island, Shaw Island, Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, and Sidney, British Columbia, Canada. The terminal is at the end of Highway 20, four miles west of downtown. Reservations 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. Explore Anacortes 2022
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 www.portofanacortes.com/airport 9
Denis Law / Contributed
All kinds of wild creatures call Fidalgo Island home or come to visit from time to time.
Explore the Outdoors Forest Lands
The city-owned Anacortes Community Forest Lands property covers nearly 3,000 acres on Fidalgo Island and is free to visit. It 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. Some allow two-wheeled motorcycles. Dogs must be on a leash. Signs show other restrictions. Color trail maps on water-
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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.
Parks • Ace of Hearts Rotary Park, 38th Street and H
Avenue. A Little League field and an off-leash dog park with watering station, washoff hose and separate area for small dogs.
• Anacortes Meditative Labyrinth, 1702 22nd St., is Explore Anacortes 2022
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.
• 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
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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 runs about one mile along Guemes Channel toward downtown.
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The Guemes Chann e l Tr a i l o f f e r s about a mile of paved path along the water.
• John and Doris Tursi Park, 2200 Pennsylvania
Ave., is a neighborhood park just east of the Anacortes Airport. Playground, picnic tables, a log pavilion and nature trail.
• Kiwanis Waterfront Park, 1708 Sixth St. Two
acres overlooking Guemes Channel and the Guemes
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fine art & custom framing Tues-Sat 11am-5pm and by appointment. View our entire show online. Please check our website www.scottmilo.com @scottmilogallery on Instagram and Facebook
Anacortes Museum For Information Call: (360) 293-1915 or Check our Website:
museum.cityofanacortes.org
Anacortes Museum 1305 8th Street • Anacortes, WA
Exploring the history of Fidalgo and Guemes Islands through: • educational Programs • exhibits • research Library • special events
The W.T. PresTon & Maritime Heritage Center 7th Street & R Avenue Check our website for our current schedule
8th Street & M Avenue
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Gallery Open Year-Round Check our website for our current schedule
180064-1
The Carnegie Gallery
Island ferry landing area with benches, picnic tables, pathways, an overlook and beach access. • 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. Named 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.
in the summer, plus a Little League field, two basketball courts, barbecues and picnic shelter. To reserve the shelter, call 360-293-1918.
• Tommy Thompson Parkway 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 half-acre children’s playground. • Volunteer Park, 1915 13th St. The city’s sports center has a fastpitch/Little • Ship Harbor Interpre- League field, two regulation tive Preserve, between the baseball fields, a field house, Washington State Ferries Kiwanis Meadows soccer terminal and Edwards Way field, basketball court and cul-de-sac. Features 25 acres Doug Colglazier Playground. of freshwater wetlands, 5 The park also has walking acres of upland habitat and paths and a covered picnic 2,000 feet of sandy beach and shelter. eelgrass beds. A walking trail/ • Washington Park, 6300 boardwalk protects sensitive Sunset Ave. The park encomareas. passes 220 acres on the west • Shugarts Playground, side of Fidalgo Island. It has 10th Street and N Avenue. day-use and overnight campA half-acre park next to the ing facilities for tents and Anacortes Public Library RVs, a boat launch, picnic with a small playground and shelters, playground and benches. showers. A scenic 2.3-mile • Storvik Park, 1110 32nd loop road around the park can St. The 8.7-acre park is home be walked or driven. Campto the community-built Our ing reservations: 360-293Town Our Park playground. 1918 Includes a spray park open Explore Anacortes 2022
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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. 360293-5134.
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Anacortes Kayak Tours is one way to see the island from the water.
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 Kayaking Tours generally run from • Anacortes Kayak Tours April to October with rates offers tours and guides, inranging from about $60 to cluding everything from an $150. hour or two to multiple days. Binoculars are encouraged. anacorteskayaktours.com. • Island Adventures, island• Blue Otter Outfitters ofadventures.com, 800-465fers equipment rentals of kay4604 or 360-293-2428 aks, paddleboards and more. • Outer Island Excursions blueotter.com. (plus charters and fishing), outerislandx.com, 360-376Nature tours, charters 3711 Heading out in a boat may • Deception Pass Tours, mean a glimpse of marine deceptionpasstours.com, goanacortes.com
Explore Anacortes 2022
888-909-TOURS 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, 13
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 ofCycling or Walking fers scenic views of the chan• The Anacortes Community nel, Guemes Island and Mount Forest Lands is city-owned Baker. Trail connections are property offering easy to mod- off Edwards Way in the San erate trails. Maps on waterJuan Passage subdivision and resistant paper are available down the wooden stairs at atcityofanacortes.org or pick Oakes and Kansas avenues. up at City Hall, 904 Sixth St., and at the Visitor Information Center, 819 Commercial Ave. More fun Suite A. • Swinomish Golf Links, • The Tommy Thompson 12518 Christianson Road, Parkway is a scenic, flat ride is an 18-hole, par-72 pubor walk from downtown along lic course on the west side the east side of the island on of Fidalgo Island between a paved trail that leads to the Fidalgo and Similk bays. The trestle that crosses Fidalgo course is rated 67.8 for men Bay to March Point. Cyclists and 65.2 for women. It has a 800-426-2313 • Ship Harbor Yacht Charters, shipharboryachts.com, 360-299-9193
slope rating of 110 for men and 106 for women. Operated by the Swinomish Casino & Lodge. swinomishgolflinks. com. 360-293-3444. • 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.
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412 Commercial Ave. Anacortes 360-293-2544
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The biggest event of the year is the Anacortes Arts Festival, each August downtown.
Explore the Arts
Many artists call Anacortes home, and their works can be seen all over town.
Public art
Anacortes has numerous murals and sculptures, available 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. “Three Sails” doubles as a welcome sign near the Anacortes ferry terminal entrance. “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 Osgoanacortes.com
borne is a bronze at Kiwanis Park. “The Bird Family” is a bronze piece by Philip McCracken at the Post Office downtown.
that operated here in the early 1900s. Visit anacortesartscommission.com to see the location of
“How Much Longer”
by Peregrine O’Gormley at Fourth Avenue and O Street “The Leaking Vase” by Andries Lukas Breedt at the N Street Park. Others 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. Murals of townspeople, created by Bill Mitchell, appear in various places around town. Even the garbage cans offer an artistic touch. The “salmon cans” downtown pay homage to 11 salmon canneries Explore Anacortes 2022
Historic and Contemporary Guest Rooms Multiple Indoor and Outdoor Private Event Spaces 5th Street Bistro and Bar- Fresh PNW Cuisine, Craft Cocktails, Regional Microbrews, Outstanding Happy Hour Rooftop Dining (seasonally)- Remarkable San Juan Sunset Views
419 Commercial Ave Anacortes, WA ~ 360.299.1400 ~ www.Majesticinnandspa.com
permanent pieces and what’s new. Maps are at the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center on Commercial Avenue.
Art events
• From 6-9 p.m. on the first Friday of each month, the First Friday Gallery Walk features some of the best new art around Anacortes. Galleries and businesses host shows with special hours, artist receptions and refreshments. • The Fidalgo Island Quilters feature their stunning fabric art each April during the annual Quilt Walk. Businesses and shops downtown feature pieces from the quilters in their stores. Visit fidalgoislandquilters.com. • The Anacortes Arts Festival each August brings thousands of people to see the work of 250 traveling art vendors, a fine art show and musical acts. Visit anacortesartsfestival.com for details. • The third weekend of October, the Arts Commission hosts a 98221 Studio Tour, which allows visitors to stop by the studios of dozens of local artists, see demonstrations and enter to win prizes. Visit anacortesartscommission.com/98221-studio-tour. html.
Music
• A summer series of rock and blues concerts are held Friday nights at Seafarers’ Memorial Park in Cap Sante
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The Port of Anacortes offers live music each summer at Seafarers Memorial Park.
Marina. Also in summer, 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. • The library hosts free jazz concerts on the second Sunday of each month. • Local pubs often offer live music.
Performing arts
• Anacortes Community Theatre presents several shows each year. Visit acttheatre.com. • Fidalgo DanceWorks school holds classes for all ages throughout the year, as well as shows in June and December, in addition to the annual holiday ballet “The Nutcracker.” Visit fidalgodanceworks. org.
An enticing selection of common and uncommon plants Vintage Home & Garden Gifts ChristiansonsNursery.com • Open Daily
15806 Best Road • Mount Vernon • 360-466-3821 gifts and antiques 180120-1
Explore Viewpoints There is so much to see around Fidalgo Island. Here are some top options: 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. Cap Sante provides the most scenic overlook of Anacortes as well as Mount Baker, March Point, Guemes Island and the waters of the San Juans. 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. 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 goanacortes.com
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The Cap Sante Viewpoint offers a look over Anacortes.
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 neighborhood 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 along the way but leads to the park. Explore Anacortes 2022
Take the right fork near the beach area.
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. But the iconic photo spots are at pullouts along Highway 20 at the two Deception Pass bridges. Directions: Follow Highway 20 to Oak Harbor. A state Discover Pass is needed to park on the Whidbey side of the bridge. 17
Explore Tribal Nations The Samish and Swinomish tribal nations are indigenous to the Fidalgo Island area. Both are stops on the annual Canoe Journey, which features traditional dress, dances, food and other cultural sharing. Both also cohost a cultural day each summer at Bowman Bay.
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
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The tribal nations share their culture with members of the commuunity throughout the year.
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
Contact your Anacortes Multi-Media Account Executive today and reach your community!
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John Williams
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The W.T. Preston snagboat is located at 703 R Ave.
Explore History
History buffs will find what they need about the local area at the Anacortes Museum and the Maritime Heritage Center. 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 goanacortes.com
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 Explore Anacortes 2022
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. Check www.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 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
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The Anacortes Museum on Eighth Street offers a look into the past with some permanent displays and a changing featured exhibit.
homes. Brochures are available at the Visitors Center and online at cityofanacortes.org. • 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.
Skagit Valley Food Co-op’s
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Open Daily at 7am • Just off I-5 • Exit 226• skagitfoodcoop.com • 360.336.9777
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Guemes Island is accessible via a ferry, which leaves about once an hour.
Explore Guemes Island For a hike or easy day trip to a nearby island, catch a quick ferry to Guemes Island. Recreation options include Young’s Park, which is 13 acres at 4243 Guemes Island Road and offers picnicking amenities and water access. Head east for a view of nearby islands from Guemes Mountain, which offers a hike that is roughly 1.2 miles and has 550 feet of elevation gain. The trailhead is just off South Shore Road and includes a bike rack. goanacortes.com
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. You can stay longer than a day. 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 Explore Anacortes 2022
the main commercial operation on the island. It offers frequent live music, local food and some grocery items. 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. For schedule and pricing for passengers and vehicles, visitskagitcounty.net/Departments/PublicWorksFerry/ main.htm. 21
Weather
Fidalgo Island benefits from the rain shadow provided by the Olympic Mountains, shielding the island from some clouds that pass over. As a result, the area can claim more hours of sunshine than its neighbors to the east. Most days offer at least a peek beyond the clouds. 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. There is even occasional snow. Still, the mercury rarely dips below freezing for DAVE KUZMA / CONTRIBUTED long. The same clouds that bring Anacortes boasts spectacular sunsets throughout the year. a little rain act as a blanket of peratures. gin to show as early as Februprotection from colder temSigns of spring usually beary.
Farmers Market
Farm-fresh vegetables, jams, bread and honey are sold alongside art and bouquets of cut flowers at the Anacortes Farmers Market. Stay long enough to enjoy baked goods or a hot lunch from one of the many participating vendors. Live music is often featured along with community programs. 22
The Market opens from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday from May to October. 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 Anacortes 2022
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Photos contributed by Ernie Hayden (top), Denis Law (right) and Cynthia Richardson.
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Explore Anacortes 2022
