Blog

Do Orcas Come Out in the Rain?  And Other Frequently Asked Questions

Do Orcas Come Out in the Rain? And Other Frequently Asked Questions

Mamma always said “There’s no such thing as a stupid question”, and we all know that Mamma knows best!  So when you’re traveling, especially if you’re headed to an environment that you’re less than familiar with, it’s a good idea to remember Mamma’s advice and ask a...

The Lakedale To-Do List

The Lakedale To-Do List

Even though Lakedale is open year round, many of our guests know us only from our fun and frolicking summertime vibe. But in the deep quiet of winter (which is also a cozy time to stay in our lodge, log cabins or new yurts) the Lakedale elves are always busy at work...

Furry Friends and Feathered Fun!

Furry Friends and Feathered Fun!

It would be an understatement to say that we love and appreciate our natural environment and the various species of wildlife that make their homes on San Juan Island.  I mean, who wouldn’t love to be able to watch Bald Eagles hunt from their living room couch, or take...

Stories from Lakedale: How to Make a Really Large Sculpture

Stories from Lakedale: How to Make a Really Large Sculpture

I'm an artist. Actually, I'm a sculptor, and there's nothing I like better (with a few exceptions) than being totally engrossed in making a piece of art. One of the questions many people ask when they see a piece of work is "How did you think of that?" and then "I...

Year Round Glamping – in a Yurt!

Year Round Glamping – in a Yurt!

Since our last post on "Yurts - Reinvented", we've opened all seven yurts in our new Yurt Village! With only minutes to spare (yes, really) before our first guests appeared, the bath hardware was installed, construction dust was swept out of nooks and crannies, and...

Summer Events on San Juan Island 2018

Summer Events on San Juan Island 2018

San Juan Island has more than its share of gorgeous natural attractions, which is one reason our guests love to visit. Starting with the ferry ride across the Salish Sea, to the drive through the island to arrive at Lakedale with peaks of Mt. Baker and glimpses of...

An Old-Fashioned 4th of July on San Juan Island

An Old-Fashioned 4th of July on San Juan Island

One of the best things about San Juan Island and Friday Harbor is the small town vibe...no stop lights, lots of local stores and the fact that we LOVE the 4th of July!  As a matter of fact, we even have a beach on the island called 4th of July Beach! The day starts...

Camping Tips and Tricks

Camping Tips and Tricks

After nearly eight months of hibernation, the sun has started to show its face and summer is nearly upon us!  Brighter, longer, and warmer days can only mean one thing: It’s camping time!  Around the globe, especially in the Pacific Northwest, a wide range of people...

7 Reasons to Love Glamping in the Pacific Northwest

7 Reasons to Love Glamping in the Pacific Northwest

It's summer time and glamping season is here! Our Canvas Cabins and Canvas Cottages have been spruced up after the long winter, comfy beds are freshly made and are waiting for your arrival. Our new Yurt village is getting its final touches right now -  we're...

Four Seasons of Weddings at Lakedale

Four Seasons of Weddings at Lakedale

I have a confession to make, I'm a closet wedding stalker. There...it's out. Whenever there's a wedding at Lakedale, I'm running around with a camera, taking photos of every detail, from the guests checking in, to preparations for the rehearsal dinner on the lodge...

Yurts Reinvented at Lakedale on San Juan Island

Yurts Reinvented at Lakedale on San Juan Island

Here at Lakedale, we are very excited to welcome our newest addition to our collection: The Yurt Village! Early in Spring, we’re still in the construction phase of our new village, but we wanted to give our fans a preview of these new accommodations, as well as a peek...

Best Museums in the San Juan Islands

Best Museums in the San Juan Islands

With all the fantastic outdoor activities in the San Juan Islands, our guests are always surprised by the number of great "intellectual" activities we offer too! When that rainy day arrives and you need somewhere new to explore, here are some of our favorite...