Fuck yeah. They are gorgeous.

Orcas Island is great. Moran State Park is there, and you can camp there if you like. Take a hike through the park's rainforest up to the top of Mt. Constitution, where there is a stone tower which will give you 360 degree views of the sea, the USA, and Canada.

Or you can stay at Doe Bay and hit the hot springs in the nude, heat up even more in the sauna, and cool off in the icy-cold pool. Doe Bay also has massages onsite and sea kayaking tours leaving from the property. You're pretty much guaranteed to see outrageously cool wildlife sea kayaking. Doe Bay has cabins, yurts, or tent spots.

If you are looking for real isolation to get away from everyone and everything, rent a place on Lummi Island. It is the least traveled of the San Juans.

I've always wanted to go but I don't speak Spanish. I don't want to be one of those American tourists who expects everyone down there to speak English.

Go see Lime Kiln State Park while you're there too!

What's the hassle? A relatively short drive followed by a gorgeous ferry ride? Hell yes it's worth it! If you live around here and you've never been to the San Juans you've missed something truly beautiful. Go!

Yes. Orcas.

I was at Friday Harbor labs taking a class there one summer. It (San Juan Island) was quite pretty, but there's not a whole lot to do. One thing I really really loved, though, was the bioluminescence in the water at night. Rowing through the water at night, a beautiful blue color would appear where the water was disturbed. Seriously wonderful.

Yes yes yes!

I haven't spent enough time on different islands to have a favorite, but I'll tell you that I had a wonderful time camping on Lopez and kayaking around the surrounding islands. Just watch out for the ferries while crossing. . . those bitches are faster than they look. Eep.

I love the tiny islands, going through on a sail boat or kayak trip and camping in near isolation - but also second the recommendation for Lummi. It's beautiful and easy to get to from Bellingham. Orcas has more to offer from a quaint small town, organic farms and hippy hotsprings point of view.