The San Juans are an archipelago of islands scattered in the straits between mainland Washington and Vancouver Island. The San Juan Islands enjoy an average of 247 days of sunshine a year and average just 29 inches of rainfall a year—about half the rainfall of Seattle. Sheltered by the Olympic Mountains to the southwest and Vancouver Island to the west, they are in a rain shadow or “banana belt.”
The San Juans’ spectacular topography and diverse natural beauty—sheltered coves, lush forest, sunny meadows and temperate climate are ideal for outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, and bicycling.
Getting to the San Juans requires transportation aboard a Washington State ferry, airplane or passenger boat. There are no bridges connecting the islands to the mainland! Only four of the 172 named islands can be reached by the ferry—San Juan, Orcas, Lopez and Shaw.
“Top Five Islands in the Continental U.S. and Canada”
2004 World’s Best Awards, Travel & Leisure Magazine
“Top 10 Island Destinations of North America”
2004 Readers’ Choice Awards, Conde Nast Traveler Magazine
“Best Places to Vacation: Secret Seasons”
2004 Money Magazine
Because of the popularity of the San Juan Islands, the average prices have soared in the past few years. As of the end of the third quarter of 2005, the average price of a used single family home on less than five acres is now $538, 351; the average for undeveloped land is $156,545.
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