Lopez Island at a glance
Lopez Island is one of the three main destinations in the San Juan Islands, next to San Juan Island and Orcas Island. The ferry from Anacortes calls at Lopez. A fall 2026 sample sailing takes about 55 minutes (10:05 to 11:00 am).
A day on Lopez can combine a bike rental, a beach and a shoreline walk, and you can camp at the county park. Odlin County Park lies roughly 1 mile (1.6 km) from the ferry landing and 3 miles (4.8 km) from Lopez Village.
What to do on Lopez
Four places that cover a day on the island.
Cycling
Lopez Island Sea Kayak and Bicycle Works, at Fisherman Bay, rents bikes and kayaks by the hour up to the week. The shop lists e-bikes, tandems and trailers. According to the shop, you do not need to reserve a bike. That is the shop's own statement, not a promise of a particular model. Ask about current prices.
Odlin County Park
The park has sandy beach access, a boat ramp, drinking water and simple toilets. There are no showers. Kayaks and small boats can launch there.
Shark Reef Sanctuary
The local chamber of commerce describes a forest trail to the rocky shore at Cattle Pass, with views of harbor seals and reefs. The county manages the site for gentle day use. Cattle Pass has a strong current, so do not treat it as a place to swim or to paddle as a beginner.
Spencer Spit State Park
The park protects a sand spit and a saltwater lagoon. It is open from 8 am to dusk. Day parking needs a Discover Pass.
Lopez Island and San Juan Islands tours
Kayak tours, whale watching and island day trips in the San Juan Islands, with live prices and availability.
Odlin County Park and Spencer Spit compared
Two parks, two different roles. Pick by what you need.
| Odlin County Park | Spencer Spit State Park | |
|---|---|---|
| Address or location | 148 Odlin Park Rd. | Sand spit and saltwater lagoon |
| Distance | About 1 mile (1.6 km) from the ferry landing, 3 miles (4.8 km) from Lopez Village | – |
| Hours | – | 8 am to dusk |
| Fee | Boat launch and day parking for boat trailers are free. Overnight parking is charged. | Discover Pass: $10 per day or $45 per year (2026) |
| Camping | 35 regular sites, 10 of them on the beach, plus a group area with 8 sites | Hiker/biker sites, first come, first served, no reservation (notice of May 26, 2026). Weekends can be full. |
| Facilities | Boat ramp, drinking water, simple toilets, no showers | – |
Guests who camp in a state park do not need an additional Discover Pass to park there. For other pass-required sites, you may need one.
Getting to Lopez and fares in 2026
Lopez is one of the stops on the Anacortes route. The 2026 base fare from Anacortes is $18 for an adult on foot and $9 for a senior (65 and older) or a rider with a recognized disability. A car with driver costs $45.25, or $36.25 with a reduced-fare driver, for a vehicle from 14 to under 22 feet (4.3 to 6.7 m).
From May 1 to September 30 a 35 percent vehicle surcharge applies. A bicycle adds $2, or $4 in that season. Paying by card adds 3 percent. Passengers aged 18 and under ride free, and the fare is collected once for the round trip.
Foot passengers and bikes do not need a reservation. If you bring a car, reserve each direction separately, and note that you cannot reserve a car space from Lopez eastbound to Anacortes. Arrive 45 to 60 minutes before sailing and check in at least 30 minutes ahead. See the ferry guide for the reservation windows.
Safety and weather
Currents at Cattle Pass are strong, so stay on the shore at Shark Reef unless you know the water. Beaches being open does not mean the water is safe, and warnings can change at short notice. Check signs on site.
The islands lie in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains. At the Friday Harbor Airport station, July averages a high of 72°F (22°C) and 0.5 in (12 mm) of rain. October averages a high of 58°F (15°C) and 2.3 in (59 mm). These are 1991 to 2020 normals, not a forecast, and Lopez will not match them exactly. More in our weather guide.
Lopez Island: frequently asked questions
How long does the ferry take from Anacortes to Lopez?
On a fall 2026 sample sailing it takes about 55 minutes (10:05 to 11:00 am). Check the current timetable before you go, because times differ by sailing.
Can I rent a bike on Lopez?
Yes. Lopez Island Sea Kayak and Bicycle Works at Fisherman Bay rents bikes and kayaks by the hour up to the week, including e-bikes, tandems and trailers. The shop says reservations are not needed for bikes. Ask about prices.
Is camping available on Lopez?
Yes. Odlin County Park has 35 regular campsites, 10 of them on the beach, and a group area. Spencer Spit State Park has hiker/biker sites that are first come, first served. The hiker/biker sites can fill up on weekends.
Can I swim or kayak at Shark Reef?
Do not plan on it. Cattle Pass has a strong current. Treat the site as a shoreline walk with views of seals and reefs.
Does Lopez Island need a Discover Pass?
For day parking at Spencer Spit State Park, yes: $10 per day or $45 per year as of 2026. Odlin is a county park and is listed with its own fee rules.