San Juan County, Washington
San Juan County is a stunning island destination in the Salish Sea, located northwest of Seattle near the Canadian border. The county consists of 172 named islands, although ferry service is available to only four of them.
The surrounding waters are home to orcas, while bald eagles can often be seen soaring above the islands. Life moves at a slower, more peaceful pace here, with kayaking, whale watching, beachcombing, and relaxing by the water among the favorite activities.
Friday Harbor, located on San Juan Island, is the county’s largest community and a charming tourist destination. Hiking and biking are popular ways to explore the islands, with breathtaking views of forests, mountains, and sparkling waters around nearly every corner.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | San Juan County |
| County Seat | Friday Harbor |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Friday Harbor, Eastsound, Lopez Village, Roche Harbor |
| Interstates and Highways | WA-20, WA-291 (ferry routes connect islands) |
| Etymology | Named after the San Juan Islands, which were named by Spanish explorers |
| FIPS Code | 53-055 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 621 sq mi (Land: 174 sq mi; Water: 447 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time Zone (PT) |
| State | Washington |
| Coordinates | 48.5361° N, 123.0833° W |
| Major Landmarks | Lime Kiln Point State Park, San Juan Islands National Monument, Orcas Island |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Whatcom County (Northeast), Skagit County (East), Island County (Southeast), Jefferson County (South), Clallam County (Southwest) |
| Population | Approximately 18,000 |
