"Choose Life on a Two Lane Road" in the San Juan Islands Crow Valley in autumn Washington State Ferry in Wasp Passage, seen from Orcas Island

When you take that first step onto a ferry bound for the San Juan Islands, you'll leave behind the stop lights and congestion and enter a world that doesn't object when time seems to pass slowly. During your journey you'll glide by a string of evergreen jewels, the largest of the 743 islands created during the Ice Age. You'll pass rocky points that define sheltered coves, and beaches surrounded by madrona trees. Forty of our islands are inhabited, some by a lone occupant, but the majority of our population is located on Lopez, Shaw, Orcas, and San Juan Islands.

Each who chooses to live here has a favorite time of year. For some, it is early spring when fawns are born and eagles build their nests. Others love the summer months when the sun takes hours to disappear below the horizon. Crisp autumn days that offer opportunities for contemplative hikes are followed by short winter days that invite solitary beach walks and long evenings in front of the fireplace during the most tranquil part of the year in the islands.

Depending upon which island you choose, you will live in a place where the sounds you'll hear are the wind in the trees, waves lapping on a beach, or the street sounds of a bustling, turn of the century island center. You'll leave behind the malls and milieu of the mainland, but not the opportunities for fine dining, intellectual stimulation, and being part of a fascinating and vibrant community life.

The San Juan Islands have long been known for their profound natural beauty, contrasting landscapes, and island mystique. Many people find inspiration here through the experience of being so close to the natural world.

Harvey Olsan

Contact Harvey Olsan at: Coldwell Banker Orcas Island
Office: toll free (888) 312-4148
Fax: (360) 376-7232
Email: Harvey@TwoLaneRoad.com