ust 2 hours northwest of downtown Seattle is your departure point to one of the nation’s most beautiful destinations, the San Juan Islands. Your relaxing vacation at Bayhill Lavender Farm on Lopez Island can start the moment you begin your scenic drive, taking you through the tulip fields of the Skagit Valley, along roadside stands of organically grown produce and flowers, and past an art-filled waterfront town to a stunning ferry ride through a vast archipelago. Here is a map to accompany your drive.

 

Seattle to Fir Island   60 miles

You’ll leave Interstate 5 about 50 miles north of Seattle just a few miles south of Mount Vernon, via Exit 221/WA-534. Head west on Pioneer Highway, passing through the historic town of Conway before crossing the South Fork of the Skagit River to drive across the fertile bottomlands of the Skagit River Valley.

 

As you head west along Fir Island Road in the winter you may see flocks of white Trumpeter Swans, whose majestic eight-foot wing span and long slender necks create a captivating sight against the brown fields. After three miles the road turns north, and soon flowers and crops tell you you’re almost to Snow Goose Produce. This popular roadside stand makes a wonderful rest stop for espresso, lunch fixings of smoked fish, bread, wine and, artisan cheese, fresh flowers and produce, or immodestly large ice cream cones.

 

Fir Island to La Conner    9 miles

 Just 3/10 mile beyond Snow Goose you’ll leave Fir Island when you turn left onto Best Road, which crosses the North Fork of the Skagit River and takes you onto higher ground. As you traverse Chilberg Heights you’ll see panoramic views of the Skagit Valley and the Cascade Mountains to your right. After 2 ½ miles, turn left on Chilberg Road, which takes you another 2 ½ miles through dairy farms and produce fields toward the waterfront town of La Conner. At the traffic circle, take the second right toward La Conner if you want to spend an hour or two in this tiny art haven, which boasts galleries, shops and the Museum of Northwest Art in its picturesque location on the Swinomish Channel.

 

La Conner to Anacortes    12 miles

If you’re driving to catch the next ferry, take La Conner Whitney Road on the north end of the traffic circle. In the spring, you’ll be rewarded with several miles of vibrant colors from the daffodil and tulip fields that make this area a popular tourist attraction. On the right, stop at the Berry Barn for fresh pies, local berries and delicious ice cream. Turn left at Highway 20 and follow it 8 miles to Anacortes, where you’ll drive north on Commercial Avenue before turning west on 12th Avenue. You’ll continue to follow the highway as it winds along the waterfront and ends at Ferry Terminal Road adjacent to Ship Harbor.

 

Anacortes to Lopez   9 miles

Lopez Island is the closest of the four major islands served by the Washington State Ferries out of Anacortes. A short 40-minute ferry ride takes you to the north end of this pastoral island. Once you disembark, you’ll drive south along the wooded Ferry Road, passing Odlin County Park and then turning left on Center Road, which traverses more than 5 ½ miles down the center of this 12-mile long, narrow island. As you drive through the bucolic countryside, you’ll see small Hummel Lake on your left and a bit farther, the K-12 Lopez Island School, where a Vita Parcours Lopez Island Fitness and Ecology Trail is open to the public from sunrise to sunset every day. When you reach the Y in the road, follow Richardson Road to the right, then head south for 1 ½ miles. You’ll make a sharp left on Paradise Road just past the 90-degree turn. This gravel road through the woods takes you past several homesteads before you reach the gates of Bayhill Lavender Farm. You’re home on Paradise.