Lopez Island

Located on the east end of the San Juan Islands, bucolic Lopez Island is approximately nine miles from north to south and covers almost 30 square miles of gentle terrain. Agriculture has long dominated, with specialty farms sprinkled around Lopez, producing everything from kiwi fruit and heirloom tomatoes to mohair yarn and apple cider. The relaxed pace of life (they don't call it "Slowpez" for nothing) and relatively affordable land attract newcomers. The island is especially popular as a cycling destination for families, with good roads, pastoral landscapes, lovely shorelines, and bike rentals. Lopez Island also has fine sea kayaking and ...

Located on the east end of the San Juan Islands, bucolic Lopez Island is approximately nine miles from north to south and covers almost 30 square miles of gentle terrain. Agriculture has long dominated, with specialty farms sprinkled around Lopez, producing everything from kiwi fruit and heirloom tomatoes to mohair yarn and apple cider. The relaxed pace of life (they don't call it "Slowpez" for nothing) and relatively affordable land attract newcomers. The island is especially popular as a cycling destination for families, with good roads, pastoral landscapes, lovely shorelines, and bike rentals. Lopez Island also has fine sea kayaking and camping, an organic winery, fishing charters, historic farmhouses, and a cluster of businesses in Lopez Village. Visitors to Lopez can camp at Spencer Spit State Park and Odlin County Park on the north end, or explore several smaller parks on the south end of the island, including Iceberg Point, Shark Reef Park, and Agate Beach.

About the Expert

Don Pitcher has written or photographed 10 travel guidebooks to Alaska, Wyoming, Yellowstone-Grand Teton, and the San Juan Islands for Avalon Travel Publishing, Random House, and Sasquatch Books.