Wildflower Season in the San Juan Islands

Ah, the Spring Shoulder Season!

This is our favorite time of year in our small corner of Washington State. The days get longer, the beaches are quiet, and the wildflowers emerge.

Our favorite spot to view the wildflowers is from the water on a kayak. On our 3-Day Specialty Kayak Camping Tours, we paddle past Yellow Island, one of the only islands in the San Juans that is a dedicated and protected nature preserve.

Yellow Island is 11-acres of beautiful shoreline and grassy hills that are home to flora and fauna unique to the San Juan Islands. “The native grasslands on Yellow Island are unique and an absence of grazing has preserved the diversity of native plants. More than 50 species of wildflowers, including broadleafed shooting star and hairy Indian paintbrush bloom on Yellow Island. The only cactus species native to western Washington, the brittle prickly pear cactus, also makes its home on the island.”-The Nature Conservancy.

An afternoon paddle past Yellow Island.

Because Yellow Island is well protected, we do our part in conserving the natural beauty by exploring the island by kayak. Along with the wildflowers early season it is common to see harbor seals, bald eagles, and flourishing intertidal life while paddling around Yellow Island.

We hope to see you on the water soon to explore this gem of the San Juan Islands!

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