The San Juan Islands offer some beautiful scenery and also a variety of Pacific Northwest birds and wildlife. From watching whales spout offshore from the beach to capturing photographs of winter shorebirds while hiking, visitors to our island experience nature firsthand. There may be birding near Seattle and the Washington birding trail, but the San Juan Islands offer a unique glimpse into Washington birding. In fact, the San Juan Islands are considered one of the best birding locations in the entire state. This may be attributed to the over 200 species of birds and varied habitat of the main island.
Find out more about all of the wonderful nature near Tucker House Inn when you download our free Vacation Guide. It’s full of the best recommendations for outdoor and wildlife activities, such as Washington birding.
Outdoor Adventures in the San Juan Islands
If you’re looking for a serene place for any kind of outdoor adventure in Washington, then San Juan Island is your destination. Our beautiful oasis features forests, beaches, meadows, cliffs, and more enthralling landscapes. Great outdoor activities abound, particularly during the busy summer season. In autumn and winter, the pace of the island slows, creating a magical atmosphere for crispy air and occasionally snowy expanses. Year-round, there are hiking and cycling opportunities. In the warmer months, kayaking is also a preferred outdoor activity, along with whale watching and other boating. Washington birding is another wonderful way to spend your time in nature on San Juan Island.
Where to Go Washington Birding
There are some wonderful Washington birding safaris available, including some among the San Juan Islands. You can charter a boat from San Juan Safaris for a three to four hour wildlife adventure. The Sea Lion seats up to 24 people and offers a great viewing deck, complimentary high-quality binoculars, blankets, jackets, and knowledgeable wildlife guides. Sea Quest Kayak also offers some great Washington birding tours. You can join a professionally led bird watching tour in northern Puget Sound. This will take you on a journey through many of the most popular bird watching areas. Excellent birding habitat is found particularly in the San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, San Juan Island National Historical Park, and Moran State Park, the fourth largest state park in Washington state.
Just A Few Bird Species in Washington
- Pacific Loon
- Red-Necked Grebe
- Double-Crested Cormorant
- Great Blue Heron
- Canada Goose
- Harlequin Duck
- Surf Scoter
- Turkey Vulture
- Bald Eagle
- Peregrine Falcon
- Black Oystercatcher
- Marbled Murrelet
- Rhinoceros Auklet
- Belted Kingfisher
- Surfbird
- Red-Tailed Hawk
- Golden Eagle
- American Kestrel
- Great Horned Owl
- Western Screech-Owl
- Trumpeter Swan
Stay at Tucker House Inn
Friday Harbor is a great home base for your San Juan Islands Washington birding adventures. You can catch a boat out to Orcas Island or stay onshore and go hiking through some beautiful parks. There are a variety of magnificent birds you are bound to see during your adventures! Make Tucker House Inn your home during your stay in Friday Harbor. We offer a luxurious retreat with comfortable accommodations and our very own restaurant. Relax and enjoy your stay here in the beautiful San Juan Islands!
