Despite patches of conifers and hardwood trees, the island often looked more like Kansas than Sherwood Forest. Deception Pass made for a fitting roadside break. The bridge over the pass crosses a fiordlike inlet named in 1792 by Capt. But there was nothing deceptive about the treacherous abyss of whorling water 100 feet below the bridge. Anacortes, a seaport on Fidalgo Island, is crenelated with marinas for pleasure craft and commercial vessels.
Warm weather brings long waits, as all four islands are popular with campers and cyclists.
But there is more to the islands than great camping, freshwater swimming, hiking and cycling. Bed and breakfasts are the accommodation of choice on the islands. Although there are many affordable choices, they fill up early and must be booked weeks, even months, ahead. Boomer's Landing may well be the best place to eat in Anacortes. The combination of candlelight on the tables and the moon's reflection off the gently lapping water outside created an almost decadent atmosphere within.