View of Eastsound from the county dock. Photos by Migael Scherer

By San Juan Island standards, Eastsound is a “big” town, with sidewalks and a supermarket and even its own newspaper. Unlike Friday Harbor, its big brother, Eastsound is primarily focused inland. With no marina and no good protection in the nearby anchoring basins of Fishing Bay and Ship Bay, this isn’t a popular cruising destination.

Nevertheless, the long run up the sound is worthwhile. The white church spire and the two-story Outlook Inn — both historic structures — are visible and welcoming from the water. And a small county float to the west side invites boaters to stop for a while and explore.

Moorings and Anchorage
Stay south of the islet (locally known as Indian Island) in front of the town — a rock is charted 3 feet below the surface. Anchor south of this islet, in 5 to 10 fathoms. There is no protection here from southerly winds, which pick up speed as they move up the sound; in those conditions, the best protection is to the west, in Judd Bay.

The county float on the west side of Madrona Point is for day use only; no overnight stays are allowed. This short float is in shallow water, and is pulled (closed) from November 1 through April 1.

It’s a pleasant walk from the county dock to town and around Madrona Point.

Getting Ashore
The most convenient shore access is at the county float described above. A short road leads from the pier to a small parking area, then north to the center of town.

The beach around and west of Indian Island is part of a small San Juan County park. You can land there, (it’s popular with kayakers), but the tideflats are extensive at low tide.

For the Boat and Crew
Other than a gas station at the road and a hardware store in town that sells some fishing gear, there is little for boats in Eastsound. The supermarket is about a block north of the main road, on Prune Alley. Along the way and beyond are bookstores, a bakery, a hardware store and many restaurants, galleries and shops.

Looking south from the church lawn at Eastsound. Note the boat at anchor and the glaring lack of southerly protection.

Things to Do
The town of Eastsound has several parks. In the commercial center is an open field known as Village Square. The log cabin here is a historical museum, open each afternoon from Monday through Saturday, and Saturdays only during fall and winter. The county park at the head of Fishing Bay includes Indian Island, which is accessible at low tide.

Orcas Island’s Saturday market is held in the field behind the historical museum. Hours run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This market features local produce, breads, meats and some crafts that will leave you wondering why you provisioned at a supermarket.

Madrona Point, once a Lummi Indian burial site, is still considered a sacred place. Visitors are welcome to this area, known as Tsel Whi’sen, property of the Lummi Indian Reservation. Trails wander through the tall grass of this preserve, and the view south makes the sound look like it goes on forever.

Special events in Eastsound include a parade on the Saturday before the Fourth of July, and a Library Fair on the second Saturday in August. Plays and concerts are held year round at the community center on Mount Baker Road.

Sailor, writer and teacher Migael Scherer, who divides her time between Seattle and Lopez Island, is the author of “A Cruising Guide to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands,” published by International Marine/McGraw-Hill. The guide can be purchased online through Armchair Sailor Books & Charts, Captain’s Nautical Supplies, Amazon and other retailers.

About Migael Scherer

Sailor, writer and teacher Migael Scherer, who divides her time between Seattle and Lopez Island, is the author of “A Cruising Guide to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands,” published by International Marine/McGraw-Hill. The guide can be purchased online through Armchair Sailor Books & Charts, Captain’s Nautical Supplies, Amazon and other retailers.

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