If you go to the San Juans

Deseret News (Salt Lake City), May 4, 2003 by Susan WhitneyDeseret News staff writer

Camping:

Moran State Park on Orcas Island. Lots of camp sites, some on the shore of a lake, showers, $16 per site. Reservations at www.parks.wa.gov or 888-226-7688.

San Juan County Park on San Juan Island. We found site No. 16, situated on a high bluff over the ocean, to be perfect for a group. Fee is $31 per night plus one-time $6 reservation fee plus $2 per person more than 6 people. Reservations may be made 5-90 days in advance at 360-378-1842.

Lakedale Resort Campground on San Juan Island. Campgrounds are part of a larger resort, $19-31, showers, store, gear rentals. www.lakedale.com or 800-617-CAMP.

Spencer Spit State Park on Lopez Island. One-mile waterfront, flush toilets. 800-452-5687

Kayak Rentals:

(Rules vary as to who can rent and where kayaks can be taken. Ask when you call to reserve.)

In Seattle we've used the Northwest Outdoor Center on Lake Union at 2100 Westlake Ave. Beginners must watch a video before rental. It also rents car racks ($50 per week). Cost is $175 per week for a single touring kayak, and $245 per week for a double. www.nwoc.com or 206-281-9694.

On San Juan Island try Leisure Kayak Rentals and Tours. Prices begin at $45 per day for single kayaks and $60 per day for doubles. www.leisurekayak.com or 800-836-1402

Other notes:

The ferry from Anacortes costs about $32 for a car and two people, unless your rig is over 20 feet long or 7 feet, 6 inches high. We were afraid our kayaks, on top of our truck, were going to be too high. We were told we might have to pay more than $80, but no one measured or charged us extra. www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries

To get to the ferry from Seattle, go north on I-5 to exit 230. Take highway 20 to Anacortes, then follow the signs to the San Juan ferry terminal.

Mount Moran State Park on Orcas Island is advertised as a wonderful place to ride mountain bikes. We found only one path, around the lake. A better use of your time is to hike the trail or drive to the top of Mount Constitution, which provides a view from the highest point in the San Juan Islands.

Group sites are available for camping at Jones Island. Sometimes there is drinking water, sometimes not. Call 360-378-2044 (group site only; July 2003 is already full).

If you don't want to camp at San Juan County Park, it is still a lovely place to picnic and watch for whales.

Our favorite hotel was Hotel De Haro at Roche Harbor (800-451- 8910) on San Juan Island. Rooms begin at $124/night.