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San Juan Islands Images and Information
The San Juan Islands are nestled between
Bellingham, Washington and Vancouver Island, British Columbia. While
Washington State land use laws provide for few legal kayak landings
(most of the shoreline is privately owned), you will find this a
paddler's paradise. Lots of little islands await exploration, there are
current, wind, and navigation challenges to satisfy paddlers of any
level, and the chance to see some of the local orca pods (along with
numerous sea lions). Bonus: official Washington state campgrounds on
the islands feature maintained restrooms!
Scroll down for information about the most recent event at this location
Additional resources
- How to submit more pictures for this page
- Click to view the map location for the San Juan Islands
- Orcas Island information
- Lopez Island Information
- Weather and Navigation Links
- Body Boat Blade International - boating instruction for all levels
- The Orca Network - where to look for recent whale sightings
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LOPEZ ISLAND 2021 EVENT INFORMATION
Your volunteer On-site staff:
- Event Manager -- Chris Mayou
- Trips Coordinator – Dave Smith
What: A camping and kayaking trip in the San Juan Islands. Socially distanced evening campfires and camaraderie. For 2021, paddle trips will occur on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
When: Thursday-Monday, Sept. 16-20, 2021
Trips: Level 2 through Level 3 trips around Lopez Island. Most trips will require driving, but we can launch from Odlin County Park. All trip sign-ups will be done on-site unless otherwise announced.
Clothing on the water: A wet suit or dry suit will likely be required for all trips; clothing requirements will follow the OOPS Cold Water Policy. Wet exit certification is required. Bring layers and wind protection. Organizer will communicate requirements.
Meals and Gatherings: Bring your own food, stove etc. We will likely not have potluck meals in 2021. For those who are interested, we might bring our own food to a communal picnic. Registrants will receive more information from event staff. Please do not bring firewood. Your event fee covers the cost of firewood that we will purchase locally. Please plan to join us for group campfires!
Accommodations and Cost: We have sites at Odlin County Park overlooking the water and Shaw Island. Vault toilets are nearby. Registration fees are found on the calendar. See detailed campground information below.
Parking: If you stay outside the park, there is free day use parking within the park.
Time from Portland or Salem: About 4.5 hours driving plus the ferry ride and queue. Allow about 7 hours.
How to sign up or get more info: Go to the OOPS website Calendar and click on Lopez Island.
Camping Details: We have sites at Odlin County Park, which overlooks the water and is across from Shaw Island. Vault toilets are nearby. There are no showers at Odlin County Park, but modern coin-operated showers are located in downtown Lopez Village. Plan to swing by there after your paddle trips. Note: these showers were closed in 2020 due to Covid. We will monitor this for 2021.
Check-in begins Thursday at 4 p.m. Campsites will be shared. We have planned for approximately two-four people and 2 vehicles per site.
What if you don’t know anybody to share a campsite with? This is your chance to meet some new paddle buddies! We are a friendly group! OOPS will assign the campsites based on your vehicle/equipment needs and the size of the campsites.
Your event registration fee for camping is for the complete event. This includes four nights of camping and additional vehicle fees. DO NOT pay the extra vehicle fee until you have visited your campsite or OOPS HQ and you are sure that you are the “extra” vehicle, not the first vehicle. The Event Manager will either pay for or refund any extra vehicle fees on site.
State Park firewood advice: “Please protect the Pacific Northwest from invasive species by getting your firewood at the campground, or close to it. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference.”
General Information about the park
https://www.sanjuanco.com/495/Lopez-Island
https://www.sanjuanco.com/DocumentCenter/View/10646/Odlin-Park-site-map?bidId=
Directions:
ยท From Portland: Travel to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal to access a ferry to Lopez Island. Odlin County Park is about 1 mile from the Lopez ferry terminal, on the right.