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Cities and Towns in San Juan County, Washington

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Founded in 1873, San Juan County is one of 39 counties in the state of Washington. Historically, San Juan County was formed from Whatcom County. The city of Friday Harbor is the county seat. With FIPS code of 55, San Juan County has a population of 17,788 and area of 174 square miles (451 km²).

List of all cities in San Juan County, WA alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Anacortes, WA 98222 360/564
Blakely Island, WA 98222 360/564
Deer Harbor, WA 98243 360/564
Doebay, WA 98279 360/564
Eastsound, WA 98245 360/564
Friday Harbor, WA 98250 360/564
Lopez Island, WA 98261 360/564
Olga, WA 98279 360/564
Orcas, WA 98280 360/564
Port Stanley, WA 98261 360/564
Roche Harbor, WA 98250 360/564
San Juan Island, WA 98250 360/564
Shaw Island, WA 98286 360/564
Waldron, WA 98297 360/564

Major Cities and Towns in San Juan County, Washington

San Juan County, located in the far northwestern corner of Washington State, is a collection of islands known for their stunning natural beauty, maritime heritage, and tight-knit communities. The county includes both populated towns and smaller islands, each with a unique history and cultural character. Below are the key cities and towns in San Juan County:

Friday Harbor

Area

  • 1.91 square miles

Population

  • Approximately 2,500

Zip Codes

  • 98250

Latitude and Longitude

  • Latitude: 48.5353° N
  • Longitude: 123.0207° W

City Location and History

Friday Harbor is the county seat of San Juan County and is located on San Juan Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands. It is named after a Native American called Friday, who lived in the area and helped early European settlers. The town’s history dates back to the mid-1800s, when it was established as a trading post and port for ships traveling through the Puget Sound. Friday Harbor’s growth was closely linked to the shipping and fishing industries, and it became a hub for the region’s maritime trade. The town played a significant role in the Pig War of 1859, an international conflict between the U.S. and Great Britain over territorial boundaries. Today, Friday Harbor serves as a charming and bustling destination, with its historic waterfront, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to ferry routes that connect the San Juan Islands to mainland Washington.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Friday Harbor is served by the San Juan Island School District, which includes Friday Harbor High School, a key institution for secondary education. The town also hosts a branch of Skagit Valley College for local higher education opportunities. Key landmarks in Friday Harbor include the San Juan Islands Museum of Art, which showcases regional and contemporary art, and the Whale Museum, dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of orcas and marine life in the region. The picturesque waterfront features historical buildings like the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal, and the area is known for its Victorian architecture. Visitors often enjoy exploring the nearby Lime Kiln Point State Park, a premier whale-watching location, and the San Juan Historical Museum, which offers a look at the island’s early history and Native American heritage.

Eastsound

Area

  • 0.75 square miles

Population

  • Approximately 1,200

Zip Codes

  • 98245

Latitude and Longitude

  • Latitude: 48.6882° N
  • Longitude: 122.9150° W

City Location and History

Eastsound is located on Orcas Island, the largest island in San Juan County after San Juan Island. The village sits on the island’s eastern shore, offering picturesque views of the surrounding waters and nearby islands. Originally established as a small fishing village, Eastsound grew in the early 20th century as Orcas Island became more accessible via ferry routes. The town’s economy has historically been tied to agriculture, fishing, and logging, but it has transformed over the years into a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty and arts community. Eastsound is a peaceful and scenic location, offering easy access to outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and whale watching. The village maintains its small-town charm, with locally owned shops, galleries, and restaurants, making it a cultural hub for Orcas Island.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Eastsound is served by the Orcas Island School District, which includes Orcas Island High School. The area is also home to the Orcas Island Library, an important community resource. Eastsound is known for its vibrant arts scene, with the Orcas Center for the Arts offering a variety of performances, events, and workshops. The town is also near several landmarks, such as the Moran State Park, which offers scenic hiking trails and beautiful views of the island’s landscape, and the famous Obstruction Pass State Park, known for its marine life and quiet beaches. The Eastsound waterfront is a key feature of the village, offering boat docks, ferry access, and several charming shops and restaurants. The nearby Orcas Island Historical Museum highlights the history of the island and its people, from indigenous communities to modern-day settlers.

Lopez Village

Area

  • 1.2 square miles

Population

  • Approximately 2,300

Zip Codes

  • 98261

Latitude and Longitude

  • Latitude: 48.5009° N
  • Longitude: 122.9066° W

City Location and History

Lopez Village is the primary settlement on Lopez Island, one of the San Juan Islands. Named after Lopez de Villalobos, a Spanish explorer, the island was originally inhabited by the Coast Salish people before European settlers arrived in the mid-19th century. The town’s history is rooted in fishing, farming, and shipping, with settlers building farms and homesteads that thrived due to Lopez Island’s fertile soil and abundant maritime resources. Lopez Village developed as the commercial and cultural center of the island, where fishing, agriculture, and tourism have long been important industries. The island itself is often referred to as “the friendly island,” due to its welcoming atmosphere and slower pace of life. Today, Lopez Village remains a peaceful and picturesque town with a strong sense of community and a focus on sustainability and preserving the natural environment.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Lopez Village is served by the Lopez Island School District, which includes Lopez Island High School and Lopez Middle School. The island’s Lopez Island Public Library is a hub for educational and cultural programs. Key landmarks in Lopez Village include the Lopez Island Historical Society Museum, which showcases the island’s history, and the Lopez Island Community Center, which hosts a range of local events and activities. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy exploring the island’s many parks, including the scenic Lopez Hill, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands, and Spencer Spit State Park, a popular location for kayaking and picnicking. The village also boasts a small but vibrant arts community, with local galleries, workshops, and artisan shops that highlight the island’s creative spirit.

Shaw Island

Area

  • 3.4 square miles

Population

  • Approximately 240

Zip Codes

  • 98286

Latitude and Longitude

  • Latitude: 48.5599° N
  • Longitude: 123.1064° W

City Location and History

Shaw Island is the smallest and least populated of the four main islands in San Juan County. Named after a settler, Thomas Shaw, who homesteaded the island in the 19th century, Shaw Island’s history is tied to agriculture, fishing, and logging. Unlike some of the more populous islands in the county, Shaw Island has retained much of its rural charm and is known for its quiet lifestyle. Historically, the island served as a key location for ferry travel, though today it is accessible by a limited ferry schedule. Shaw Island’s community is tight-knit, with a focus on conservation and maintaining the island’s natural beauty. The island has very few commercial businesses, making it a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the more developed islands in the region.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Shaw Island is served by the Shaw Island School, which provides education for students from kindergarten through eighth grade. The island has limited public facilities, but its landmarks include the Shaw Island Library, a beloved resource for local residents. One of the most scenic spots on the island is the Shaw Island County Park, offering tranquil beaches and forested trails that are perfect for hiking and birdwatching. Shaw Island is also home to the Shaw Island Historical Museum, which preserves artifacts and displays relating to the island’s history and the Coast Salish people who originally inhabited the area. With its low population density and emphasis on conservation, Shaw Island provides a peaceful haven for those looking to enjoy the beauty of the San Juan Islands without the crowds. The island’s ferry dock and marina are key access points for those arriving by boat.

Orcas Island

Area

  • 57.2 square miles

Population

  • Approximately 5,000

Zip Codes

  • 98245

Latitude and Longitude

  • Latitude: 48.6934° N
  • Longitude: 122.9052° W

City Location and History

Orcas Island, the second-largest island in San Juan County, is known for its rugged beauty, scenic vistas, and abundant wildlife. The island was originally inhabited by the Coast Salish peoples and was later named after the Spanish ship Orcas that visited the island in the 18th century. The island’s economy has historically been centered around agriculture, fishing, and logging. It became more widely known in the 20th century as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and artists, attracted by its diverse landscape and access to the waters of the Salish Sea. Orcas Island remains one of the more popular islands for both residents and visitors, with a strong community and a focus on preserving the island’s natural environment. The island is also home to Moran State Park, one of the region’s largest and most popular outdoor destinations.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Orcas Island is served by the Orcas Island School District, which includes Orcas Island High School and several elementary and middle schools. The island also hosts a public library and several arts organizations, such as the Orcas Center for the Arts. Orcas Island is home to Moran State Park, a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, and camping, with Mount Constitution offering sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding islands and waters. The island also features the Orcas Island Historical Museum, showcasing the island’s history, including exhibits on early settlers and the native Coast Salish tribes. Other notable landmarks include the Orcas Island Public Market, which highlights local goods and crafts, and the picturesque villages of Eastsound and Deer Harbor, both of which offer quaint shops, restaurants, and marinas for visitors.

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