San Juan Islands - Part 2

The San Juan Islands are located in Puget Sound, approximately 80 miles north of Seattle, Washington. They are increasingly at the top of the list of great places to live.

The four largest islands out of a group of approximately 172 islands - San Juan, Orcas, Lopez and Shaw islands - are accessible by Washington State Ferries based in Anacortes.

Discovered in the 18th century by British and Spanish explorers, the earliest inhabitants were Indians, primarily of the Lummi nation.

Today the island draws artists, writers and others who have the freedom to choose where they want to live. The islands are also increasingly popular with retired people.

Photo by Matt Sutherland for Northwest Seen- all rights reserved