Lummi Island

Most accessible of the San Juan Islands, Lummi is northwest of Bellingham and an eight-minute ferry ride from the Lummi Indian Reservation. Because of its location, the island is both a bedroom community for Bellingham and a place for retirees and others in search of peace and quiet. Stretching nine miles long and a mile wide, this peanut-shaped island has a mountainous southern end that is relatively undeveloped, and a flatter northern end with roads, homes for 600 or so residents, and a handful of businesses, including salmon fishermen who use traditional reefnet boats. This is one of the only places on earth where this unique fishing ...

Most accessible of the San Juan Islands, Lummi is northwest of Bellingham and an eight-minute ferry ride from the Lummi Indian Reservation. Because of its location, the island is both a bedroom community for Bellingham and a place for retirees and others in search of peace and quiet. Stretching nine miles long and a mile wide, this peanut-shaped island has a mountainous southern end that is relatively undeveloped, and a flatter northern end with roads, homes for 600 or so residents, and a handful of businesses, including salmon fishermen who use traditional reefnet boats. This is one of the only places on earth where this unique fishing technique is used. Historic Lummi Island Congregational Church is an interesting stop, and local artists have galleries scattered around the island, including one where bronze works seem to rise from the earth. A handful of places provide accommodations, most notably the acclaimed Willows Inn. Roads are narrow and winding — not the best for cyclists.

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.