Nearly Private Island Life

The moment our car hit the road and drove onto the Woodpecker Cabin property, we immediately got the sense that we were on a private island. The journey was made even more special by the small ferry that took us across a flow of ocean to the small community of Guemes Island.

We felt like we were in another world, thanks to the small roads along the water, the unrestricted beachside access and all the incredible wildlife. And whether you spend most of your day on the water, hiking, or in bed, Woodpecker Cabin has everything you need to feel comfortable. Expect to feel cozy and close with your friends or family by the campfire, or with some board games. A short walk to a private cove was calming and tranquil, and I know we are ready to come back with kayaks and paddleboards this summer.

Things We Did

  • Beach
  • Grocer
  • Town
  • Restaurant
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Such a beautiful stroll! Turn over a rock and you may find a crab or hermit crab, or even a few anemones if you look closely.
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Guemes Island General Store is one of two places to find bites to eat. The best part is that the general store has beer on tap as well as wine and tons of dessert options. In addition to their drinks, desserts, and general grocery options, they have a full menu with amazing seafood and non-seafood options.
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Downtown Anacortes is a great place to spend a day getting drinks, snacks, or exploring the little shops along Commercial Ave. Stop in at the cute record store, one of the antique stores, or at Pelican Books – these are must-visit spots on this beautiful stroll.
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Once you drive on into Adrift Cafe, you're welcomed with pleasant servers, clever drinks and quite the spin on traditional seafood dishes. Try the crab dip and a margarita – trust me.
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Kelly's Point was beautiful at golden hour and the perfect way to end the night. A short drive from the general store, it's a beautiful place to stop and take in the views and see wildlife.
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Pelican Bay Books & Coffee house is one of my favorite spaces in Anacortes. It's a great place to discover a new book and grab a cup of Joe. There are SO many books of ALL different kinds on gorgeous cedar shelving.

Our Adventure Map

Where we stayed
Things we did

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Riparide Stories are authentic experiences shared by real travellers (who are handy with a camera). It's like reading your best friend's travel journal - packed with photos, honest reviews and visual itineraries.