Most people who come to San Juan Island are aware of Roche Harbor Resort, and possibly a tiny bit of it’s history. What many people do now know of, or have never taken the time to visit, is the mausoleum.

This is not so much of a hike as it is a destination. A worthwhile destination! The walk itself is in total one mile (by my estimation) one way. If you start at the resort the front desk of the Hotel de Haro has a great pamphlet that outlines many interesting things about the history and symbolism that exists at the mausoleum site ~ it will make the trip that much more interesting…and might I suggest a delicious doughnut from the cafe? Or an ice cream cone on those sunny summer afternoons? Once on your way, enjoy the beautiful gardens that lead you to walk along the road/path that take you in front of the only privately owned church in our state, past the expansive lawn and swimming pool and past the original houses that you can now rent. You will follow the fence line towards, and ultimately past, the airport to the trail that is clearly marked. Once on the trail you are treated to a lovely half mile walk through the forest. The trail will then take you through a wooded graveyard in which several graves are surrounded by wrought iron or picket fences. It’s an easy trail to follow with plenty of signs pointing the way to the mausoleum.

You will then pass through a stone and iron gate that marks your arrival. Reference your pamphlet and you will wonder at the forethought that Mr. McMillin had.

This is a very simple, educational journey.

Enjoy!

http://sanjuanislands.kulshan.com/Washington/San+Juan+County/San+Juan+Island/Friday+Harbor/Outdoors/Afterglow+Mausoleum.htm

Another hike that you must do while on the island is on the south side of San Juan commonly known as Mt. Finlayson (some refer to it as Jackle’s Lagoon also). Once you finish skipping rocks at South Beach head just a bit farther south on Cattle Point Road and turn (left) into the parking lot above Jackle’s Lagoon. From there you head up the trail, that at times, skirts surprisingly close to the road, but, trust me, your perseverance will be rewarded soon enough!

Once you head up, and succeed in making it to the top, of what it nicknamed ‘heart attack hill’ you will be presented with sweeping views. You look north to Canada across the beautiful blue ocean, you can see all of South Beach (it’s a full mile long), most days you will see a handful of pleasure boats and with any luck you can spot the whales! On a clear day you can witness Mt. Rainier (it’s actually 123 miles away!). The views will mesmerize you!

When you tear yourself away and continue on your walk, enjoying the fresh air, you are surrounded by the feeling of an open prairie. The trail is easy to navigate and you can loose yourself in your surroundings. After a short time you can duck into the trees on one of the many off shoots of the trail. The dramatic change in scenery that will soon surround you is surprising. You will get the pleasure of looking at old growth cedar trees, salal, and untouched natural beauty.
One of the great things about this hike is that you can do a short walk (20-25 minutes) or you can follow the signs and stretch your adventure to a few hours. The possibilities are endless! One piece of advice…don’t forget your camera!

Enjoy!

http://www.thesanjuans.com/san-juan-island-places/sanjuan-parks-forest/jakles_lagoon_sanjuan_island.shtml

With so much attention put on the waters that surround San Juan Island, many visitors (and locals too!) forget to look inward for stunning things to do on the island. There are so many incredibly beautiful places to hike and trails to explore on San Juan Island that you could spend each weekend on a different trail and not repeat your adventure for months.

May I suggest a starting point?  Mt. Young!  This mountain is a continuation of a trail that starts at British Camp on the northwestern side of San Juan Island not far from Roche Harbor. It’s a 10 minute gentle hike that all ages can take pleasure in.  I have enjoyed it with 5 year olds as well as 65 year olds. I have done the hike in tennis shoes as well as flip-flops.  The prize for your hiking efforts are panoramic views from Olympic Peninsula, Canadian Gulf Islands, Henry Island, Pearl Island, Spieden Island and Garrison Bay.

One word sums it up:  AMAZING!

This is one hike that I wouldn’t miss if I were you!  Stay tuned for other stunning hikes around San Juan Island.

Click here for Mt. Young hiking map.