This Stunning Washington Island Has A Tranquil State Park With Pretty Beaches

It's not a reach to suggest most people cognitively link the words island and tropical when thinking about vacation destinations, but some of the most beautiful islands in the entire world exist with nary a palm tree in sight. We're talking about places like Washington's Camano Island. Pronounced Ca-MAY-no, the island community located about 60 miles north of Seattle is an outdoor enthusiast's dream come true. It may not be for everyone, but if you're looking for a quiet place to temporarily retreat from the chaotic energy of 24/7 connectivity without sacrificing 21st-century conveniences, Camano Island may be right up your alley.

One of about 35 islands in Puget Sound, Camano is a short hop across the Stillaguamish River via the Camano Gateway Bridge, so it's easily accessible by island standards. Boasting 52 miles of shoreline, Camano Island is best-known as a place to explore outdoor activities. It's relatively small — about 6.5 miles across at its widest point — but it's home to two state parks and more than a dozen county and local parks, trails, and beaches. At 224 acres, Camano Island State Park offers a little bit of everything including about a mile of rocky shoreline, forested hiking trails with views of the Olympic Mountains, and a boat launch for access to all manner of water activities in Saratoga Passage.

Time it right and you may witness the spring migration of Pacific gray whales as they navigate the passage. The lesser-visited Cama Beach State Park sits at the northern end of the island and was home to a charming 1930s fishing resort until it closed in 1989. Washington state purchased the land to keep the park open to the public for outdoor recreation.

Other popular parks and trails include Iverson Spit Preserve where a mile-long beachfront hike offers views of Port Susan Bay and the Cascade Mountains. A short trail through English Boom Historic Park is a lesser-known beachfront walking trail with expansive water views, and Camano Ridge Trail is a 3-mile woodlands hike. For a change of pace, head inland from Cama Beach State Park to Cranberry Lake. 

Pack your binoculars. As a great birdwatching destination in the United States, the 2-mile round-trip trail loops through woodlands and wildflower fields en route to the water lily-filled pond. Barnum Point is a relatively new addition the Camano Island's roster of county-managed parks. Named for the Barnum family who lived on the land for three generations, the park features a network of well-marked trails. In search of an adrenaline rush? Consider ziplining through island forests with Canopy Tours Northwest. Excursions include transportation to the site, short walks between platforms, six zip lines, and a thrilling 47-foot descent to the final platform. The zipline is located on Kristoferson Farm. The working farm also hosts events including pick-your-own and crafting workshops.

Speaking of crafts, Camano Island is home to a vibrant arts community. A self-guided studio tour is one of the best ways to discover the eclectic artists who live and work on Camano Island. In 1999, a group of island artists compiled a roster of 14 venues open to the public. By some accounts, the original "tour" was a hand-written list of participating artists. The idea was a hit and, year by year, the Camano Arts Association created a new list. Over time, the annual lists became polished brochures complete with maps and artists' biographies. Today, the self-guided Camano Island Studio Tour ranks among the top arts-related discoveries in the Pacific Northwest.

A gallery featuring works by local, national, and internationally known artists, Matzke Fine Art and Design is also home to a 10-acre sculpture garden. It's a space that combines two of Camano Island's best features — art and nature. Trails wind through the garden revealing more than 150 sculptures (bronze, stainless steel, stone, wood, and glass) tucked into wooded nooks throughout the landscape. Another interactive introduction to the Camano Island art scene, the Great Northwest Glass Quest takes place each year in February. Hosted by the Camano Island Chamber of Commerce, the annual 10-day, island-wide scavenger hunt is open to the public. The quest involves finding one of 400 plastic "clue balls" hidden around the island. Anyone who finds a clue ball is entitled to redeem it for a limited-edition hand-blown glass ball created by a local artist.

In keeping with its rustic back-to-nature vibe, the Camano Island dining scene is relatively casual. Offering expansive views of Puget Sound, Cama Beach Cafe is the go-to place for weekend brunch and made-from-scratch baked goods. Located in Camano Commons Marketplace, The Baked Cafe is another good bet for breakfast, but it's also known for its burgers. If you're looking for a slightly more upscale dining experience, Blue Heron Kitchen & Bar hand-crafted cocktails and a Pacific Northwest-inspired menu. Given that Washington is the second-largest wine-producing state and one of the nation's top spots for wine tasting, it seems appropriate to visit Camano Island's wineries. Open the first weekend of the month, or by appointment, Dusty Cellars Winery is a small family-owned boutique winery. Another boutique winery, Edward Lynne Cellars specializes in producing estate wines. Lest we forget the beer lovers among us, Ale Spike Brewery produces an interesting variety of craft beers.