!! San Juan Island offers up a gorgeous vacation destination year-round, but as summer gives way to shorter days and crisp air, things quiet down a bit in the fall.
That doesn’t mean there’s any shortage of reasons to visit, though—and one of the best reasons? Catching a glimpse of majestic trumpeter swans as they make themselves at home. If you’re looking for a swan-derful way to pass the winter months, we’ve got everything you need to know to enjoy peak trumpeter swan season at Lakedale Resort!
Trumpeter Swan 101
Winter on San Juan Island is serene, complete with cloudy skies, misty shorelines, and a quiet calm that settles in. The season also brings something extra special: the arrival of trumpeter swans that add a dash of wonder to an already enchanting time of year.
As the largest waterfowl in North America, trumpeter swans are a sight to behold—from their snowy white feathers to their long necks and deep, trumpet-like calls.
And yes, they really are that big. Adult trumpeter swans typically weigh between 20 and 30 pounds and boast a wingspan of up to 10 feet. For a little perspective, that’s wider than the 7’7” arm span of basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal!
But while these super-size swans are some of the largest things you’ll see in the air around here, they’re also among the most graceful. Despite their size, trumpeter swans are surprisingly elegant—enthralling lucky bird watchers with their unmatched natural beauty.
Everything You Need to Know About Trumpeter Swan Migration
Like many of their feathered friends, trumpeter swans follow a predictable migration pattern each year. As the weather turns colder and their breeding grounds in Alaska begin to freeze, the swans make their way to milder climates, including San Juan Island.
From November through February, visitors to Lakedale and SJI are treated to the sights (and sounds) of trumpeter swans as they make themselves comfortable in our island’s lakes and wetlands. By March, they’ll begin making the trek back north to nest and show their cygnets (baby swans) the ropes—so if you’re planning a winter trip to the island, you’re right on time for swan season!
(Side note: For an instant boost of joy, go ahead and Google image “cygnets.” You won’t regret it.)
Where to See Trumpeter Swans in Washington
Catching a glimpse of trumpeter swans in flight—or hearing the haunting trumpeter swan call echo across a quiet lake—is nothing short of magical. More than just winter visitors, trumpeter swans are a reminder of the beauty of nature, right in our own backyard.
And while San Juan Island may be small, it affords visitors several spots to view trumpeter swans during their winter vacay. The typical trumpeter swan migration route takes them to shallow wetlands, lakes, and large ponds, so peep these recommendations that fit the bill:
- Zylstra Lake Preserve: Centrally located on SJI and just five miles south of Lakedale, Zylstra Lake Preserve is one of the best places to see trumpeter swans in Washington. Don’t forget your binoculars—there’s a good chance you’ll see multiple birds gliding across the water or perched along the shoreline.
- Egg Lake: With a public dock perfect for enjoying the tranquility of bird watching, this is an egg-ceptional spot for island visitors to see trumpeter swans. (Bonus: It’s also a short, 20-minute walk from Lakedale!)
- Beaverton Valley Preserve: Northwest of downtown Friday Harbor, this peaceful preserve attracts an array of waterfowl, including trumpeter swans.
- Lakedale Resort: Our home base is an excellent place for trumpeter swan sightings on San Juan Island. Folks flock to us to see these elegant creatures in person—and with 71 trumpeter swans counted on SJI in 2025, lodging here at Lakedale means you’ll be primed to see some, too (at least two couples, probably more)!
They say the early bird gets the worm, but it’s also true that the early bird watcher sees the swans. Head out before dawn and dusk—times when trumpeter swans are most active—and you could be richly rewarded.
See the Swans, Stay for the Magic
There’s something otherworldly about witnessing trumpeter swans gliding across the still waters of San Juan Island—and it’s just one more reason to love the Quiet Season at Lakedale. Fewer crowds, peaceful trails, and front-row seats to nature’s more serene moments make this time of year a hidden gem for visitors and bird lovers alike. Whether you’re cozying up in a log cabin or sipping cocoa by the fire in the Lake House, Lakedale is the perfect place to experience the island’s winter wonders—swans included. Book your escape online or give us a call at 800-617-2267!
Many thanks to John Miller for the above images of trumpeter swans, all taken at Lakedale!
Thanks to Madeleine Wilson for this peaceful shot!