The San Juan Islands are the gems of the Pacific North-West and as always, we schedule our week there at the perfect time of year.  The temperatures are in the 80’s and the Orcas are plying the western side of the San Juans searching for the salmon that come into Haro Strait mid-April through September.  Our two days of sea-kayaking almost guarantee sightings of these magnificent killer whales. Explore hidden beaches and quiet coves and see eagles, otters and seals. Hike through the old-growth forests on Orcas Island to the top of the highest mountain in the San Juans ... huge vistas!  Our day of biking is a surprise highlight with comfortable saddles and relaxing scenery. This is Canyon Calling’s first all-camping trip – we hope you like gourmet cooking!  There’s really no better way to connect with the sunsets, the wildlife … and the quiet.

Sat                  
Fly to Seattle.  Book into the Super 8 Motel near SEATAC Airport ph (206) 433-8188. Their shuttle will deliver you from the airport to the motel.

Sun                 
Breakfast at the motel.  Tour begins when your guide meets you there at 7am.  Load gear into the van and drive two hours to Anacortes ferry terminal where we’ll drive board the ferry for the hour ride to Lopez Island. Purchase brown bag lunch en-route. Arrive Lopez Island, set up base camp at a private campground with showers. Early evening welcome dinner followed by a short hike at the rugged Shark’s Reef Nature Sanctuary complete with great marine and birdlife viewing. This is a secluded spot with spectacular views of the currents ripping through the San Juan Channel and the Straits of Juan de Fuca.

Mon                
Today is biking day on the charming country back roads of Lopez. Our route wanders through small, forested areas, past patchwork fields, yummy roadside blackberry bushes and picturesque farms. There’s plenty of time to stop and chat with the locals along the way.  We’ll picnic lunch at a great seaside vista, with time to wander the beach searching for the perfect stone.  Back at camp after hot showers, it’s fun to pitch in and help prepare dinner.

Tue                 
Early start this morning for our ferry crossing to Orcas Island. This very mountainous island offers great hiking through wonderful old-growth forest. We spend the day hiking in Moran State Park and up to the summit of Mt. Constitution, the highest point in the San Juans. The views from this point are unparalleled in the islands! You look down a 1000’ foot sheer drop and out over an unobstructed view to Canada, the Olympic Mountains, the Cascade Mountains, and the entire San Juan Archipelago! We’ll eat dinner on Orcas Island at one of the many good restaurants.

Wed + Thurs  
Your guide will teach basic sea kayaking skills so you can fully enjoy two full days exploring the west coast of San Juan Island in double kayaks. These are lovely paddles that offer plenty of diversity - quiet coves, forested shorelines, private beaches, fun water and wildlife! We’ll make good use of the tides and wind conditions to minimize strenuous paddling. This southern community of Orca whales has ninety members in three different whale pods. We hope to have wonderful sightings of the Orcas and great photo opportunities.  Picnic lunches en route are a great chance to relax on shore and maybe even take a mid-day dip.  Snoozing in the sun on the beach is delicious and the real world seems very far away! Return each evening to our base camp next to the shore.  Some evenings we even hear the Orcas blow as they meander past our campsite!
                                                                                                                                                           
Fri                   
A leisurely morning, packing up and leaving on the early afternoon return ferry to Anacortes. Arrive Seattle between 5:30 and 8:00pm. Farewell dinner.  Accommodation at the Super 8 near SEATAC is included in the tour.

Sat                  
Transfer on motel shuttle to the airport for your flight home.