Vancouver

Some friends of mine, Brad and Mel, are going to Washington to vacation over the BC holiday. I was originally going to send this to them, but I think it 's appropriate to share the wonders of Washington with all who can google. So here's what can be done in Anacortes...

Camp at Washington Park - this is just outside of Anacortes proper and offers seclusion with quick city access.

or Camp at Fort Ebey, which even has potential surfing although this is a 45 min drive from Anacortes.

Definitely visit Deception Pass for the views. But you could go mountain biking in the Anacortes Community Forest Lands, with over 50 miles of trails and even stop by Heart or Little Cranberry lake for a dip. Even if you don't mountain bike, a cruiser can be rented here and you can hit the ferry and tour the islands. Although if the ocean is your thing... Saddlebag island is about a 2 hour paddle away by kayak, which can be rented here.

If you like climbing, Mt. Erie offers a lot of crags that have lots of routes! Plus you can take a dip at Erie, Heart, Whistle or Campbell Lakes.

I'm probably leaving out lots of stuff, but defiintely stop for a beer at the Brown Lantern and ask the locals about more stuff to do!