Understand
[edit]
British Marines established a presence here in 1860 after Great Britain and the United States agreed to a joint military occupation until the territory dispute over the San Juan Islands could be resolved. Richard Roche scouted the area for an ideal site for the British Royal Marines encampment. After the territory dispute was settled in 1872 in favor of the U.S., the land encompassing Roche Harbor was homesteaded by American settlers.
Nearby, limestone was quarried, delivered by rail to chutes and dropped into kilns, then bagged or barreled within a short distance from the warehouse and wharf. Tacoma lawyer John S. McMillin established the Tacoma and Roche Harbor Lime Company in 1886, built the Hotel de Haro, and founded the Roche Harbor Yacht Club. Later owners developed the town into a boating resort.
Get in
[edit]By ferry
[edit]From Anacortes on the mainland, take the Washington State Ferry to Friday Harbor, at the other end of the island.
From Friday Harbor, drive down Roche Harbor Rd for about 15 minutes.
By plane
[edit]- Kenmore Air, toll-free: +1-877-359-5366, fax: +1-425-485-4774, [email protected]. Float planes make up to seven flights from Lake Union in Seattle to Roche Harbor marina and Friday Harbor, and then return. Shuttles can bring you from Sea-Tac Airport to Lake Union. A spectacular, though not cheap, way to arrive. $75-139.
- Roche Harbor has a small, private paved airstrip.
By boat
[edit]- 1 Roche Harbor Marina, Reuben Memorial Dr, toll-free: +1 800 451-8910, [email protected].
The U.S. port-of-entry at Roche Harbor closed in 2023. The nearest port-of-entry is Friday Harbor.
By bus
[edit]- San Juan Transit, (office) 10 Front St (Canary Landing), ☏ +1 360 378-8887, [email protected]. A private bus service that covers almost all points of interest on San Juan Island, and drivers can stop almost anywhere along the route. From Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor, there is a departure about every hour between 9AM-6PM in summer, less frequently during the off-season. Some buses meet the ferries and will wait if a ferry is coming in; however check the schedules ahead of time. They also offer chartered services for group travel and guided bus tours for up to 29 people. $8 each boarding, $15 RT, $20 day pass.
Get around
[edit]
Roche Harbor is small enough that you can walk everywhere. The whole town is oriented around the harbor, and the hotels and docks that surround it.
See
[edit]In town
[edit]- 1 San Juan Islands Sculpture Park, 9038 Roche Harbor Rd, ☏ +1 360 370-0035, [email protected]. dawn-dusk. Over 20 acres of 150 creative outdoor sculpture works. Self-guided trails wind through the artwork and dogs are welcome. Near the base of the Roche Harbor runway and Susie's Mopeds, a short walk from Roche Harbor. A not-for-profit work, $5 donation is recommended per adult. San Juan Transit buses stop here. $5.
- Roche Harbor Marina is the heart of town. It is jammed with a variety of pleasure boats. The ambience is very pleasant, especially when the weather is fine. See the toilet service boat, M.V. Phecal Freak (motto: "we take crap from anyone" — really!)
Nearby
[edit]Roche Harbor makes a great base for exploring the west side of San Juan Island:
- San Juan Island National Historical Park, ☏ +1 360-378-2240. The United States and Great Britain once made overlapping claims on the San Juan Islands. In 1859, they nearly went to war over a dead pig. Both established a military presence on the island, which are now preserved by this park.
- 2 English Camp Visitor Center, West Valley Road (between Yachthaven and Roche Harbor Rds). 10AM-3PM, closed Wednesdays. This historic building has the park film, exhibits about the history and natural features of San Juan Island, a bookstore, and rangers on hand. Surviving buildings include a commissary, barracks, blockhouse, and hospital. The Union Jack still flies there, being raised and lowered daily by park rangers, making it one of the very few places without diplomatic status where US government employees regularly hoist the flag of another country. Free.
Do
[edit]Bicycling is pleasant on San Juan Island. There are various bike rental options, including one by the airport. It also rents motor scooters and jeeps.
One of the beaches on San Juan Island is a great place to watch orcas (killer whales).
- 1 Lime Kiln Point State Park, 1567 Westside Rd, ☏ +1 360-902-8844. 8AM-dusk. A great viewing spot on the western end of San Juan Island that overlooks the Haro Strait. In season this is an amazing spot to view orcas and the lighthouse. The park features a richly diverse environment, includes the remnants and landscapes of a history filled with change, along the rocky shoreline and through the wooded uplands. You can explore the beaches and trails as well as bird watch on the high rock crags. San Juan Transit buses stop here. Discover Pass required.
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]Mid-range
[edit]- Lime Kiln Cafe (on the wharf, just above the fuel dock), ☏ +1 360-378-7954 ext 420. 8AM-3PM. Nice cafe on the wharf, pleasant in the summer. Enjoy the action from inside or out! Famous Lime Kiln doughnuts in the morning with their hearty breakfasts and lunch. $10-15 for lunch and soft drink, including tip and tax.
- 1 Madrona Bar & Grill, 248 Reuben Memorial Dr (park in the nearby public spaces, walk the shoreline north, past the old lime works wharf), ☏ +1 360-378-9894 x1405. 11AM-10PM. An over-the-water restaurant dining on coastal-casual cuisine with flavorful cocktails. The deck sits over the harbor, offering diners the only sunset view over-water on the island. Fresh salads, creative grill sandwiches and famous BBQ ribs are menu favorites. 10$10.
Splurge
[edit]- McMillin's Dining Room, ☏ +1 360-378-5757. 5-10PM. A lovely fine dining experience in the top floor of the "deck restaurant" building on the waterfront. In a historically restored building from the original resort. Amazing local seafood and meats with a view! Mains $27-69.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]
- Roche Harbor Resort, 248 Reuben Memorial Dr, ☏ +1 360-378-9820. A range of accommodations includings houses, suites, cottages, and Hotel de Haro, a historic, 130-year-old hotel resort right on the water (double from $170). $170-220.
Go next
[edit]