HISTORY

Guemes Island, Washington has a deep and vibrant history rooted in the culture of the Coast Salish peoples, particularly the Samish Indian Nation, who traditionally used the island as a winter village and gathering site. The island was later named after Spanish explorer Juan Vicente de Güemes during early European mapping of the Salish Sea region. In the 19th century, European settlers arrived, contributing to Guemes Island’s early logging and fishing industries, which became key elements of Skagit County’s maritime economy. Today, Guemes Island’s heritage is honored through cultural preservation, land conservation, and active community stewardship, reflecting the island’s lasting connection to its Indigenous and pioneer past.

INFORMATION & LOCATION

Located in northwest Washington State within Skagit County, Guemes Island is nestled in the Salish Sea, just a five-minute ferry ride from Anacortes, WA. With 8.6 square miles of land and a small population of approximately 600 full-time residents, Guemes is a peaceful, uncrowded destination perfect for those seeking a Pacific Northwest island escape. The island features a mix of forested trails, rolling countryside, coastal bluffs, and pebbled beaches, along with stunning views of Mount Baker and the San Juan Islands. Offering a unique balance of seclusion and accessibility, Guemes Island is beloved for its quiet charm, natural scenery, and close-knit community—just minutes from the mainland.

EVENTS

Guemes Island, WA features a year-round calendar of events that reflect its artistic energy, community spirit, and island lifestyle. The Guemes Island Community Center Association (GICCA) hosts regular programming including live music nights, dance classes, holiday markets, art exhibits, and workshops. The Guemes Island General Store—the island’s central social hub and only commercial business—frequently offers live entertainment, community dinners, and fundraising events. Family-friendly traditions like Guemes Island Rocks!, where locals and visitors hide and discover painted rocks throughout the island, create playful connections that celebrate the island’s warm, inclusive vibe.

ACTIVITIES

From hiking to kayaking, Guemes Island offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature immersion. The popular Guemes Mountain Trail winds through lush Pacific Northwest forest to a summit with panoramic views of the Salish Sea, Fidalgo Island, Lummi Island, and beyond. For a gentler stroll, the Peach Preserve offers forested trails rich in wildlife and native plants, ideal for birdwatching and peaceful exploration. On the western shoreline, Kelly’s Point is a favorite for tidepooling, sunset watching, and quiet beach walks.

Cycling on Guemes Island is a popular activity thanks to the island’s low-traffic roads and scenic terrain. Visitors often bring bikes on the Guemes Island Ferry and enjoy a self-guided ride around the island’s winding loops. Families will enjoy community features like Dog Woods, an off-leash forest trail maintained by island residents, and interactive games like Pokémon Go, with gyms and PokéStops located near the ferry landing and community center.

BEACH ACCESS & WATER ACTIVITIES

Guemes Island, Washington is surrounded by calm waters and scenic beaches ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, beachcombing, and wildlife viewing. Young’s Park, near the Guemes Island Resort, features an east-facing beach with views of Samish Island, Vendovi Island, and Mount Baker. To the west, the beach at Edens Road is perfect for watching vivid sunsets over Cypress Island and the San Juan Islands. Visitors often find agates, sea glass, and other coastal treasures along the island’s shores.

Guests staying at the Guemes Island Resort enjoy a variety of lodging options—from rustic beachfront cabins to modern waterfront accommodations with private hot tubs. Resort amenities include complimentary use of kayaks, paddleboards, rowboats, a cedar sauna, and on-site massage services, making it one of the top spots for Pacific Northwest island relaxation.

IN SUMMARY

Guemes Island, WA is a serene island sanctuary that offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and small-island community life. Just minutes from Anacortes by ferry, Guemes invites visitors to explore scenic hiking trails, unwind on quiet beaches, or join a local event at the Guemes Island General Store. Whether you're kayaking the shoreline, cycling peaceful roads, or watching the sunset over the Salish Sea, Guemes Island delivers a uniquely Pacific Northwest experience—peaceful, authentic, and unforgettable.

FERRY INFORMATION

The Guemes Island Ferry, operated by Skagit County, runs daily between Anacortes and Guemes Island. For current ferry schedules, rates, and service updates, visit the official Skagit County Guemes Island Ferry page.