 We mean it about the gorgeous. Along with Iceberg Point (last post) & Shark Reef Sanctuary (next post), Watmough Bay completes the tri-force of awesomeness that exists only on Lopez Island.   The parking lot is small & has restrooms & don't worry about a Discover Pass - you're on island property. After you park, a less-than-a-mile trail heads through the forest to the beach. Once you get there just relax & take it all in. Rocky cliffs meet the Sound in this secluded cove. You'll almost forget you're in Washington state's San Juan Islands & that the light blue water is icy cold - this is the Northwest Caribbean! ~Paul, Amber, Mom, Sis ETC  
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 No reading. The internet ends here. Do not read this blog post. This is a private article. Do not enter. Oh, hello! Sorry about that - I just wanted to prepare you for exploring Iceberg Point on Lopez Island. It's one of our favorite places in the Northwest and we almost missed it…twice…due to the secretive/no trespassing vibe that surrounds this gorgeous place!  First, park at nearby Agate Beach Park. Make sure to use the best composting toilet on the planet while you're there (pics below).   After parking at nearby Agate Beach and walking up a residential gravel road (hence the no parking signs everywhere), you'll almost miss your right turn unless you're looking out for the rusty, small, almost hidden Iceberg Pt. sign. From there, cross a few more warning signs and start down the path. Luckily some super nice neighbors, including a really furry one, pointed us in the right direction. After a little of woods walking you'll arrive at fields overlooking the Strait. Cliffs jet down to the sea and you'll see the Olympics across the water. Look to the west and you'll be staring at Canada!    An amazing place. Totally worth the short hike from Agate Beach. We were here on a sunny summer day and the place was totally free of people. If you're anywhere close to Lopez Island you must come here! ~Paul, Amber, Sis, Mom, Furry-dude    The actual point.    In our next few posts we're gonna profile our favorite island in Washington's San Juans - Lopez. It's the quieter one. The one where all passing cars wave at you as you drive by. It's a great place to cycle. We think it's the prettiest! Our first stop: Spencer Spit State Park.  The entrance to the park is about 4 miles from the ferry terminal (10 minutes when you factor in all of the waiving to oncoming drivers). Ferries leave the mainland at the town of Anacortes.  From the parking lot, there's a trail down to the spit/lagoon/beach/waterfront. Campsites are along the way - near the water and in the woods. Reservations can be made in the summer months (info here) and the park is closed late Oct-Feb. The park is around 138 acres and there's plenty to explore. It has a great beach on one side of the spit, and a cool lagoon on the other. There's day use picnic tables near the beach, more trails through the woods, and a old cabin near the end of the spit. There's kayak rentals in the summer months - look for a small hut near the beginning of the beach.   Definitely worth a stop if you're on the island and a great place to camp in the summer. Be sure to bring your WA state Discover Pass for parking. Stay tuned to the blog this week for more posts from Lopez! ~Paul & Amber ETC Links: More ETC posts from the San Juans Eating Seaweed  I'm pretty sure that's kelp…anyone? 
Well, Autumn is officially here in the Northwest. October is usually a mix of gloomy and rain and perfect sunny days. If your day off happens to be on one of those sunny days (sometimes we get lucky and it's the weekend), a great way to spend the afternoon is at the Washington Park Arboretum. We've kayaked there many times but a hidden gem for a land adventure is the 3.5 acre Seattle Japanese Garden. These pics were taken in the Spring, but now is the time to catch the gorgeous Fall colors. Admission is low and plan to spend 30 mins to an hour to see everything. Head over and stroll the grounds! ~Paul & Amber ETC 
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