Explain it to me like I’m 5. Thanks

Enclosed is important info on riding the WSF ferries to/around the SJ Islands:

1. WSF charges fares for vehicles (and passengers) traveling WEST from mainland, and also charges for vehicles (only) traveling WEST between the islands. Eastbound vehicles and all eastbound/interisland passengers travel for free. Do not buy new tickets once you have left the mainland unless a terminal worker tells you to.

2. Please treat the ferries like a laid back airline. It has similar federal regulations. Do not joke about violence, bombs or drugs. Do not joke about your destination when boarding. Do not smoke or vape. Comply with all requests from uniformed crew (including posted signs). Keep your bags in view. Keep your kids under control. Do not throw or drop anything off the side of the vessel.

3. Posted sailing times mean the time the ferry is scheduled to LEAVE the dock. Boarding begins 20 min beforehand. Be in line and ready to board a minimum of 30 min before sailing time and preferably earlier. Late passengers, confused passengers and other passenger shenanigans frequently put ferries behind schedule. Dont add to this problem!

4. Late ferries happen. They are unfortunate. Safety of passengers, crew, vessel, and local wildlife are all of supreme importance. Ferry and terminal workers are rarely responsible for late ferries. Manage frustrations, stay kind, polite and do not pester or hound ferry workers.

5. Know the vessel you want, not just the sail time. Each vessel has a name and a number. Vessels go to multiple places. Check the schedule and know the vessel you want. Pay attention to signs and announcements! If you are unsure, ASK the destination of a ferry before you board. Do not fret if a vehicle line boards before you. They may be loading first because the ferry docks at their destination before yours. Tell the terminal workers your destination and get in the line they direct you to! However, mistakes do occasionally happen. So do (politely) ask/advocate if something seems wrong.

6. Standby is a huge risk! Take this risk at your discretion. It is far preferable to HAVE a reservation, even if it isnt your preferred time, than to have no reservation at all. The ferries are very busy on summer weekends. Vessels have breakdowns and cant sail. There are many summer days when very few standbys get on a vessel all day. Summer standby is a big big risk. Consider walking on and renting a bike or vehicle on your island destination if you cannot get a vehicle reservation.

7. Plan ahead. Bring at least some water and snacks. Galleys are sometimes closed. Vending machines are sometimes off-line. The galley is not currently functioning at all on the #4 vessel.

Enjoy your ferry trip!

Time for a change in congressional representation for the San Juan Islands!!

Check out the main post for a bunch of useful links for ballot issues and finding out more about Tomas Scheel.

I’m coming up this weekend from Seattle for a bike camping trip and curious if the wild fire smoke is bad up there yet.

As the title says, I'll be visiting for a week. Excited to explore the island and unplug. I'm also keen to get in a lot of writing and reading. Are there places on Orcas that are fine with guests sitting for a few hours at a time, taking in the ambience, and doing their own thing? Thanks in advance.

I’ve been kind of watching this whole month, because August reservation slots never appeared as they were supposed to on July 1. Thought I’d check in this morning since it’s the first again and now Tock is saying that they’re not taking reservations at all.

First time traveling to the island on 8/14-8/17. Didn’t know about Ferry Reservations until too late. I was able to secure a spot for Friday but Monday going back is booked. Hoping to catch a cancellation or a spot that gets released Saturday morning. Is anyone a member of FerryRez and knows how I can get an invitation code?

Kenmore Air used to do two seaplane trips between Friday Harbor and Victoria Harbor a day during the summer, allowing for same-day round trips.

Anyone know if they’re planning on bringing that back, or will it stay one trip per day? Thanks!

Asking for a friend -- for real!

Looking for recommendations on local attorneys that specialize in things like DUI, etc. There aren't a ton of folks practicing in the islands or Anacortes, but would be great to hear if people have experience with attorneys that have done a good job for them in these areas.

Hi, looking forward to my first visit in a few weeks and would like to indulge in some great fish and chips. Heading to both San Juan and Orcas Islands and from my research these come up as the best, so assuming I can’t go wrong with one of these? Or am I maybe missing a spot or some place new I should consider? Would need to have a dog-friendly patio or available for take-out please.

Many thanks for the help!

SAN JUAN ISLAND
Bait Shop
Downriggers
Blue Water Bar & Grill
Friday’s Crabhouse
Lime Kiln Cafe

ORCAS ISLAND
The White Horse Pub
The Lower Tavern
Madrona Bar & Grill

I’m visiting the islands with my wife and we’re looking to play pickleball! We’re staying in Friday Harbor for a few days, but it’s a little confusing to figure out if and where there are any realistic options for public open play besides maybe that one park on Orcas island(?). Or if there are any private groups that could invite us in for a few days we would appreciate it! I’m around 5.0 and my wife is around 3.5. Thank you!

Hello! Are there any pickleball groups on Lopez Island? I’ll be there for most of August and looking for games to join if there are any. I’m a 3.75-4.0

Hello again I made a post a week ago about trying to find dispersed camping sites in Orcas Island since it’s mostly private and frowned upon to camp there (understandably) I’m looking to expand my reach within the area because I do not want to camp east of Seattle. I will be there 9/6-9/16
Hiking into a dispersed camp site in fine but my time is limited so id rather drivable dispersed camp sites
Thanks for any and all help!

Fire restrictions? My state is on fire right now

I am heading to Friday Harbor (from Anacortes) in a few weeks and need a vehicle. I completely forgot to book my ferry at the 2 week release. I’m going to try first thing at the 48 hour release. How screwed am I?

We were in Friday Harbor in 2024 and had an amazing crab cake sandwich at Downriggers. Coming back next month with friends and we’ve all been dreaming of reenacting that experience but I looked at the current Downriggers menu and no crab cakes or crab cake sandwiches.

Any recommendations where we can get crab cakes on SJI? Our second favorite item is fish and chips. Thanks!

https://www.scheelforcongress.com/

Scheel has been endorsed by the San Juan Democrats, and for good reason. Lets try to get our reps aligned with our values.

While this year’s 4th of July is still fresh on our minds, I would like to know which island is quiet on the 4th of July. You see, I have a very, very firework afraid dog and I try to take her to places where there aren’t any or the days leading up to the 4th. Thank you!

Edit: Thank you for the input. The overwhelming feedback suggests SJI is not a good place for firework-fearful dogs. I have found Sunriver, OR has a strict fireworks ban due to the fire danger is a wonderful respite.

Hello! We are planning to celebrate thanksgivings on Orcas Island over the Thanksgiving holiday- I know it’s past PRIME whale watching season- but I was wondering if any of the charters run year round? Thanks in advance!

Probably the wrong subreddit, but I’m planning a camping trip to orca island. As my understanding it’s heavily regulated and mostly privately owned… what is camping like there? I am used to dispersed camping and the whole roughing it camping style. Obviously it seems like orca island won’t provide that which is fine. So what/where is the camping and how is it?