Whether you're chasing a warm pebble beach, a grassy meadow or a green forest, you'll find it at Saddlebag Island.

Among the easternmost of the San Juan Islands, Saddlebag sits between Padilla Bay and Guemes Island and is only accessible by boat. Its low-slung mass is often thought of as a North Puget Sound island, and not part of the San Juan chain.

Like many Puget Sound islands, Saddlebag offers crabbing and fishing (in season). The island's proximity to Padilla Bay, a National Estaurine Sanctuary, means wildlife sightings are common. Bald eagles and peregrine falcons are known to frequent the area, and harbor seals rest beneath Saddlebag's stony cliffs. Please stay at least 100 feet away and do not disturb them; doing otherwise is illegal. April and May bring a profusion of wildflowers that light up the meadows. Motorized water sports are permitted here, so don't forget water skis!

This park is a 4-mile kayak from Anacortes through Guemes Channel, a strenuous day trip or a solid overnighter, and the area around Dot Island is very shallow, so kayak is king. After your exploration by land or by water, pull up a camp chair, grill up the catch of the day, and enjoy this San Juan island outlier.

Saddlebag Island Marine State Park

Skagit Island Marine State Park has the feel of the San Juan Islands but is closer and more accessible to most Puget Sound area locations. Located within kayaking distance of Cornet Bay in Deception Pass State Park, this little island has it all. Forest, meadows, rock outcroppings, sandy beaches and blue water are all on offer here.

Despite its small size, Skagit Island provides camping for all boaters, as well as primitive sites for paddlers. For those who prefer to camp on their boats, there are two mooring buoy on the northwest side of the island.

This may be a getaway that offers solitude and a feeling of seclusion, even though it's quite close to civilization.

State Parks Tagged With: Anacortes