This page was last updated by the Content Provider on 01-Aug-2007
San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands have a moderate climate and offer a variety of water-oriented and other recreation opportunities. The group includes more than 1,970 islands lying between the Straits of Juan de Fuca and Georgia, west of the Bellingham-Anacortes area. These islands are the exposed peaks of a submerged mountain range that once connected Vancouver Island, British Columbia, with the United States mainland.
The islands are generally wooded and rocky, with steep slopes along the shores. Many are deeply indented by narrow inlets. Topographic relief ranges from sea level to Mt. Constitution, which is 2,049 feet above sea level. The total coastline is about 375 miles, of which 270 miles remain in state ownership.
The San Juan Islands' climate is relatively dry and moderate with the 28-inch average rainfall occurring chiefly during the winter months. Summers are cool, midsummer afternoon temperatures are about 70° F, and winters are normally mild with small daily temperature variations. Snow falls infrequently.
Friday Harbor Small-Boat Marina, San Juan Islands
Completed Section 107 Navigation Project (Seattle District)
The Friday Harbor Marina Expansion project, authorized in 1981 consists of 1,600 feet of concrete floating breakwater with recreational facilities. New work construction costs through September 1998, $1,575,500; maintenance costs, $155,151.
The breakwater, including its recreational facilities, cost about $2.8 million, shared by the federal government and the Port of Friday Harbor, local sponsor. Allowing marina expansion to accommodate a total of 625 boats, the facility provides needed moorage facilities in the heavily visited San Juan Islands.
