Lopez Island is slow-paced and quiet. A small village offers a few shops and restaurants, but most of all, a peaceful setting for an easy day of sightseeing. So how do you make the most of your day trip?
We recommend following the main road to Lopez Village. Whether by car or bike, you can enjoy the rolling pastoral views in all directions.
Use the itinerary below to find the must-visit stops for your day on "slow-pez!"
Pro-Tips for day trippers to Lopez coming by ferry:
1) You will need to make a reservation to bring a vehicle with you to Lopez Island from Anacortes. However, you will not need to make one for the return. Lopez to Anacortes is loaded first-come, first-served.
2) Lopez Village is about 4 miles from the ferry terminal. It is not a close walk, however, Lopez is great by bike! If you can, leave the car in Anacortes. You can take bikes on the ferry or rent them on Lopez. Reserve your bike with enough notice and the bike shop may even pick you up at the ferry or leave the bikes for you at the ferry terminal!
4) Try to take the earliest possible ferry you can from Anacortes. When you leave the island for your return to the mainland, plan on departing no later than the second to last ferry of the night. We suggest this to be sure you have the buffer of another ferry, in case of any unplanned long delays or cancelations.
5) Try to avoid booking a tour or any activity that requires ticketing or reservations within 3 hours of your ferry's scheduled arrival on island. If the ferry is delayed, you may not make it in time for your trip. Many operators do not provide refunds if the ferry is delayed.
6) Be sure to subscribe to the WSDOT ferry alerts a couple of days ahead of your travel so that you can be made aware of any delays or cancelations with as much advanced notice as possible.
At the Lopez Ferry Landing, you can find maps and information for your stay on Lopez. During the summer, bike rentals are available at the landing. Odlin County Park is just a mile down the road on the way to Lopez Village, about 4.5 miles away, where you'll find cafes, galleries and shops, as well as a well-stocked Chamber of Commerce office with friendly locals to help you find what you need.
Odlin County Park is just one mile from the Lopez Island Ferry Landing and three miles from Lopez Village. This 80-acre waterfront park features 30 campsites, separate group camp, a lovely sandy beach, a boat launch, hiking trails, a full-sized ball field and several picnic areas. Enjoy a hike or eat lunch in the picnic pavilion. There is also seasonal water, (no sewer hook-ups) toilets, five mooring buoys, and a day use dock.
Nestled beside Fisherman Bay, Lopez Village is the compact, commercial hub of the island. About 4 miles from the ferry landing, you can easily stroll among a variety of shops and galleries, coffee shops, a bakery, and restaurants, as well as a fully-stocked grocery store, pharmacy, and organic grocery.
The Lopez Island Historical Society & Museum, located in the heart of Lopez Village, features indoor and outdoor exhibits focusing on Lopez Island history and life. With an active public programming schedule, there is sure to be a family event or educational talk to pique your interest.
Shark Reef Sanctuary is a hidden gem, tucked away on the west side of the island, where a short 10-minute walk through a forest will lead to a rocky shoreline with stunning views over the water and an almost certain seal (and perhaps sea lion and otter) sighting.—just be sure to follow the path around to the left. Length: 1.0 miles, roundtrip. Elevation: Gain: 40 ft; Highest Point: 60 ft.
Spencer Spit State Park, on Lopez Island, is a 138-acre marine and camping park. The park is named for the lagoon-enclosing sand spit on which it rests. There are many sheltered and unsheltered picnic tables, and two miles of hiking trails. The park has a reputation for excellent crabbing and clamming.
Looking for a little more adventure? Check out the recreation and wildlife tours on the island. Book a whale and wildlife tour or a multi-hour kayaking trip. Or, stay on land and consider renting bikes or finding a trailhead. Explore hiking routes at Spencer Spit State Park, Shark Reef Sanctuary, and Upright Head Preserve.
