Guemes is an island that even the Washington lifers don't often know about until they've seen it on a map or visited. Having a chance to visit this beautiful tiny home felt like a true getaway; you don't realize the view you are about to come upon while driving in, but the Eagle's Nest delivers on its name.
Because the island only has one store and one food option, we stopped in Anacortes before hopping on the ferry so we could utilize the barbecue on the incredibly large, covered deck that the Eagle's Nest provides. After a light but sweaty hike, and some incredible views of barges, mountains and incredible wildflowers, we headed back for our dinner with all the PNW vibes. Then, of course, we ended the day with a spa treatment in the hot tub.
Although there was rain the next morning, the covered porch and fire pit offered us shelter and warmth to drink our coffee and meditate. That said, the Eagle's Nest provided more than just shelter and supplies – it gave us a weekend full of peace and relaxation.
Guemes Mountain Trail is one of a few hikes on the island and is perfect for a midweek adventure. There are 360-degree views from the top and, on a clear day, you can see all the beautiful Washington mountains. It was quiet, and just the right level of workout for a light hike.
This was our top choice for paddleboarding on Guemes. There is public access to the beach and ample parking, as well as a bathroom – big tick. It was super easy to blow up the board on the grass and launch right by the cars. It's on the northern end of the island, and I highly recommend driving around the island after!
Being such a small community, the general store is the only spot that people really gather, but it's a blast and even more so when there is live folk music. This little band was so cute and definitely having a lot of fun.
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Riparide Stories are authentic experiences shared by real travelers (who are handy with a camera). It's like reading your best friend's travel journal - packed with photos, honest reviews and visual itineraries.
