It s 15 miles around Cypress Island, but you ll venture into the strong currents and exposed waters of Rosario Strait on the island s west side. This trip requires a high skill level. If you can only launch at a full flood, and you re well skilled, consider launching from Washington Park, an Anacortes city park just west of the San Juan Ferry Terminal. Tide rips and marine traffic. Take signed route to San Juan Ferries from downtown Anacortes for one-quarter mile, turn north on I Street to Guemes Island Ferry Terminal.
Parking is limited.
Both Cypress Head and Pelican Beach Washington Department of Natural Resources Management Areas are small, with primitive camps, pit toilets and no water. Strong tidal rips and eddies around Cypress Head, especially on ebb tide.