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The Islands of Washington
 
Aboard a ferry to the islands of Washington, you can look back at the white pyramid of Mount Baker standing at the edge of the continent. Eagles carve circles in the sky above. Orca whales and porpoises feed and play in the lush water below. This legendary archipelago was a gift of the glaciers that covered Washington 15 thousand years ago. It is a refuge for some of the world's most rare and regal species, for humans who seek a respite from their life on land and for artists who find inspiration here. Galleries, vineyards and fine restaurants coexist with some of the tastiest canoeing and kayaking waters along the Pacific Coast.
The Island region includes Whidbey Island, Camano Island, Fidalgo Island and the San Juan Islands. Many islands and islets make up the San Juan Islands, but it's the four main islands, Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and San Juan, that are accessible to visitors. Highways connect Camano Island and Fidalgo Island to the mainland. The Washington State Ferry system serves the San Juans, as well as providing an alternative route to Whidbey and Fidalgo. Fidalgo itself is also a main point of departure to the San Juans and Victoria, British Columbia.
Whidbey Island is known for its quaint inns, historic towns, white oak forests and Ebey's Landing National Historic Reserve - 17,000 acres of protected nature and historic sites, including 19th-century military fortifications and relics of the area's exploration and settlement. Camano Island State Park is a popular escape that encompasses 134 acres of protected forest and more than a mile of coastline. Visitors to Camano Island will enjoy vistas of the Cascade Mountains to the east, Olympic Mountains to the west and Mount Rainier to the south. These white, icy beauties are in sharp contrast to the blue waters of Puget Sound surrounding Camano's rolling green pastures and warm sunny weather, often enjoyed on the island. The thriving artist community on the island adds culture to this quiet island. Wildlife is abundant. Public golf is available. Camano Island State Park is a popular escape that encompasses 134 acres of protected forest and more than a mile of coastline. Orcas Island, the largest and most rugged of the San Juan Islands, boasts the enormous 5175-acre Moran State Park, including 2,409-foot Mount Constitution, the highest point in the region. From the summit, you can peer out over the entire island chain to Mount Baker and the North Cascades, plus the Canadian Coastal Range. When you're on the trails, watch for eagles and owls perched in the giant, old-growth forest of the park. The San Juans are home to more eagles than any other region of the contiguous states. Lopez Island benefits from being visited less often. The rolling farm roads and woodlands are perfect for biking. A coastline of steep cliffs is interspersed with secluded beaches and coves that make for magical little adventures and love affairs. Rent bikes one day and kayaks the next, then retreat to your Jacuzzi.
Britain and America almost went to war over the San Juan Islands during the Pig War of 1859. What remains of the British and American forts is now part of San Juan Island National Historic Park. There's also a whale museum where you can see complete whale skeletons and exhibits that depict whale biology, behavior and sounds. Lime Kiln State Park provides a good vantage point for watching Orca pods and minke whales in summer.
 
 

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