Farm Tours of the San Juans celebrates local farms, food, fiber, and community across Lopez, San Juan, and Orcas islands. Join us!
Washington State
What is the Rain Shadow (and Why is it a Good Thing)?
Despite the (rather ominous-sounding) name, a rain shadow means more sunny skies here in the San Juan Islands. Read on to learn more about this fascinating weather phenomenon!
Did Juan De Fuca Really Reach the PNW?
Read on for the tale of Juan de Fuca – all about the 16th-century Greek explorer (born Ioannis Fokas) whose legend is as big as the waterway named for him!
The Best Time to See Orcas in the San Juan Islands
Want to see orcas in the San Juan Islands? Peak whale watching season runs from May through September, with tours boasting a 90% sighting rate. Check out our local tips on the best times to visit, what to bring, and how to maximize your chances of spotting these magnificent whales in the wild!
Our Guide to Glamping in Washington State
Forget roughing it. Washington State has glamping experiences that combine outdoor adventure with real comfort—think canvas tents with king-size beds, yurts with hot tubs, and even a treehouse built around a living cedar. From the Pacific coast to the Cascades, discover glamorous stays where luxury meets nature.
San Juan Island vs. Orcas Island: The Differences
Discover the key differences between San Juan Island vs. Orcas Island in Washington’s San Juan archipelago—from San Juan’s bustling whale-watching hub and historic sites to Orcas Island’s mountainous, forested landscape, artist galleries, and Moran State Park. Learn what makes each island special and plan your Pacific Northwest island-hopping adventure.
Upcoming Washington State Ferry Improvements You’ll Love
If you’ve ever relied on Washington State Ferries to get to San Juan Island or anywhere else in our neck of the woods, you’ve probably felt the sting of reduced sailings over the past few years. Thankfully, we’re here with the ferry good news that change is on the...
MV Kalakala: Remembering Washington’s Most Beloved Ferry
At Lakedale, we’re all about celebrating the unique charm of the Pacific Northwest, where rugged beauty and rich maritime history intertwine. Few stories embody this connection more than that of Motor Vessel (MV) Kalakala. Sleek, silver, and ahead of her time, this...
PAE To FRD: Getting To San Juan Island By Wheeled Airplane
When we learned Kenmore Air was planning to run wheeled flights from North Seattle’s Paine Field in Everett (PAE) to Friday Harbor Airport (FRD), we knew we had to book a roundtrip as soon as reservations became available. And, because we are many things, and...
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...