Monday survey: What’s your favorite San Juan island?

I’ve spent a lot of my life around the San Juan Islands, and I have some definite opinions on this question — but no pat answer.

Boats on mooring buoys in tiny Rolfe Cove at Matia Island. (photo by Brian J. Cantwell / The Seattle Times)

San Juan Island itself is such an interesting mix of history — that Pig War, you know, and Teddy Roosevelt’s signature in the guest register at Roche Harbor. And if you’ve ever spent a warm August afternoon in Friday Harbor when the happy tourists are charging around like wildebeests, the place has its own special I’m-on-vacation energy.

But Orcas Island has so many winding roads and farms full of sheep and — Moran State Park, the absolute gem of our state parks, with unique island lakes and thousands of forested acres

And then there’s laid-back Lopez, and Sucia, the boater’s paradise, and magnificent Matia…

Click on “comments” and share your opinions on your favorite island in the San Juans. Tell details about what you like and where you stay.

Later in the week, we’ll list the favorites and put it to a vote.

Comments | More in Northwest, Tips & deals | Topics: lopez island, matia island, orcas island

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About Us

Kristin Jackson, travel editor at The Seattle Times, grew up in Italy, went to university in Britain, and worked as a journalist in London and Vancouver, B.C., before migrating back to Seattle where she’s happy at her desk but way happier on the road.

Brian J. Cantwell, Outdoors editor at The Seattle Times, is a Seattle native who chose not to leave -- except for every chance he gets to go someplace interesting or adventurous. He lives on his sailboat at Shilshole Bay Marina.