Have a Puddle-Wonderful Spring in the San Juan Islands

As Maya Angelou says, “No one comes from the earth like grass. We come like trees. We all have roots.” Come to the San Juan Islands for a chance to plant some new roots this April during National Volunteer Month.

Spring into action for Earth Day and join locals for Great Island Cleanups at some of Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Islands’ most beautiful beaches. This is an opportunity for our community and guests to get outside and help make our islands plastic- and litter-free by the sea. Cleanup after parties will have live music, local food and drinks, and trash art projects for kids. Find more ways you can help take care of the Islands here.

Ride your bike in the 18th Annual Tour de Lopez on April 27th. Since 2004 the Tour has been the kickoff event for cycling in the beautiful San Juan Islands and serves as a great introduction to what Lopez Island has to offer visitors. This is a great family event – come for the day or come for the weekend. It’s a non-competitive rural road tour with marked short and long routes (3.1, 5, 10, 18 and 31 miles), on public county roads through the scenic landscape of Lopez.

Kick up your heels during the fourth annual Daffodil Frolic at the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park. There will be over 8,000 Daffodils spread through the 20-acre park and thousands of Irises to follow. Starting April 3rd, join expert birder Tyler Davis for the monthly bird walks on the first Wednesday of every month. Tyler has so far identified over 100 species of birds at the Sculpture Park.  All bird watchers are welcome - no fee, but donations are appreciated!

Interested in learning more about local flora and fauna? Join The Whale Museum for their hybrid spring Marine Naturalist Training and get an in-depth look at the San Juan Islands natural history. Or just dip a toe in the water with a half-day whale and wildlife tour – their local naturalists are experts in identification and often share stories about the family history of familiar whales.

Other Earth Day stewardship events throughout April make a springtime visit to the San Juans not only a relaxing getaway, but a great learning opportunity for families with children. After a trip to the Islands, you might just discover the best version of yourself.