Camano Island, WA: An Island You Can Drive To
From coastal parks, stunning views, trails, local farms and farm-to-table dining options, I soon realized how much I had been missing. I am glad to finally discover this hidden gem. Here are the top places to visit, dine and sleep for a great weekend getaway, whether you’re traveling solo, with friends or with kids. Camano Island has something for everyone.
North of Seattle and just before the vast tulip fields of the Skagit Valley, picturesque beaches and farmland rise from the waters of Puget Sound at Camano Island—all things I had never noticed, having passed the exit on I-5 numerous times.
From coastal parks, stunning views, trails, local farms and farm-to-table dining options, I soon realized how much I had been missing. I am glad to finally discover this hidden gem. Here are the top places to visit, dine and sleep for a great weekend getaway, whether you’re traveling solo, with friends or with kids. Camano Island has something for everyone.
Kristoferson Farm
Historic Kristoferson Farm is a stunning backdrop any time of year. Established in 1912, the original barn stands on the hillside amid 232 acres of rolling hills, lavender fields, wooded trails, and ziplines through the trees.
Highlights:
- Hosted events include workshops, farm tours, holiday happenings and markets
- Canopy Tours NW ziplining adventures offer a birds-eye view from above
- Farm stand with specialty-crafted organic products and produce like apples and pumpkins made/grown right on the farm
- U-Pick lavender starting mid-June
- Visit farm animals such as goats and the barn cat, Alfred
- Seasonal hours
Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!
English Boom Trail County Park
Named after the English Lumber Company and its early days under timber giant Edward G. English, the almost seven-acre English Boom Trail County Park reflects its logging history, with pilings still jutting from the shores.
Highlights:
- ADA-friendly waterfront trail/partial boardwalk, unobstructed views of the Skagit Bay
- A bird-watching platform for your ornithophiles
- Covered picnic spots with great views of the Cascade Mountains
- Kid-friendly/dog-friendly beachcombing and exploring
- Open 24 hours. Limited free parking
Arrowhead Ranch and Flower Farm
Arrowhead Ranch and Flower Farm is a 50-acre working farm and community hub offering year-round activities for all ages.
Highlights:
- Axe-throwing and archery
- Workshops in maker space, including wood, metalworking, or 3D printing
- Arrowhead Ranch flower farm blooms in all seasons with fresh-cut stems for hanging baskets/flower-arranging workshops
- Seasonal markets
- Pumpkin patch and cider pressing in the fall
- Visit animals like chickens, peacocks, ducks and cows
- On-site soapbox derby track hosts races several times throughout the year, along with car-build clinics preceding local races
- Remarkable half-acre outdoor space, L.A.N.E (Little Arrowhead Nature Explore) outdoor play area dedicated to helping children learn and explore nature through outdoor education opportunities
- Seasonal hours
- Accommodations at one of two Airbnb rentals available by Arrowhead Ranch
Camano Island State Park
With far-flung views of the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier, Camano Island State Park is well worth exploring.
Highlights:
- Camping/limited cabin rentals
- Marine trails
- Swimming beaches
- Fishing
- Boat launch
- Open 8 am-5 pm daily – Discover Pass required, available at automated pay station
Camano Commons Marketplace
Located on what is known as Terry’s Corner to locals, you can’t miss Camano Commons Marketplace when you first arrive on the island. It’s a great place to imbibe outdoors and find local treasures for the road.
Highlights:
- Several shops and eateries, like Camano Island Coffee Roasters
- Open outdoor courtyard for dining and sitting
- Indoor/outdoor covered dining areas
- Daily hours vary per business. Free parking
Cama Beach State Park
Cama Beach State Park remains a feather in the Camano cap. Although recent changes have brought the temporary closure of a popular section of waterfront cabin rentals, the park is still open for day use, seasonal camping options, and eating at the cafe.
Highlights:
- Miles of biking/hiking trails
- In-park restaurant and event venue: Cama Beach Cafe & Catering
- Covered/uncovered picnic spots with unparalleled views
- Fishing/crabbing
- Boating
- Playgrounds
- Horseshoe pits
- Seasonal camping available
- Park hours vary depending on weather and season. Discover Pass required
Where to Eat in Camano Island, WA
Breakfast at Cama Beach Cafe
Easily one of the most pleasant and tasty breakfast experiences you will ever have is at Cama Beach Cafe and Catering. Situated within a beautiful lodge overlooking the waters of Saratoga Passage with Whidbey Island in the distance, the cozy stone fireplace and friendly staff are enough to make you a regular.
Order the family-style breakfast for fresh fruit, a baker’s sample of house-made pastries, of which they’re known, home fries, biscuits and sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausage.
Tapped Public House Camano
Tapped Camano, one of several eateries at Camano Commons Marketplace, pleasantly surprised us with its unique take on pub food. The sweet potato waffle fries with honey lime aioli hit the spot, and the extensive selection of beers on tap was impressive. The cherry on top was the bourbon caramel bread pudding for dessert.
Blue Heron Kitchen and Bar
One of the best on-island restaurants is Blue Heron Kitchen. A NW-focused menu offers a variety of seafood, steak, pasta, craft beers, and a fresh cocktail list. The pesto flatbread, for starters, was divine, followed by seasonal salmon. The side of smashed Yukon potatoes was a new discovery and quickly a favorite.
Places To Stay On Camano Island
Several small inns and bed-and-breakfast-style accommodations can be found on the island. Two of my favorite options include the cozy Arrowhead Ranch on-site Bunkhouse or the charming 1914 Arlene farmhouse, just moments away. Plenty more moderately priced Airbnbs are sprinkled throughout the island for a welcoming, home-like atmosphere.
Camping options and limited cabin rentals are also available at Camano Island State Park and Cama Beach State Park.
Getting There
Camano Island is located within Possession Sound in Puget Sound. It spans nearly 95 square miles that includes 52 miles of beautiful shoreline. Unlike many islands, it is accessible only by vehicle and does not offer a ferry service.
Often overshadowed by its larger neighbor, Whidbey Island, Camano Island stands out as a serene oasis and a destination for transformative travel year-round. I am glad to have discovered it and will certainly never overlook it again.
Emily Molina is a freelance writer and author originally from the Midwest. She is a former International Flight Attendant and military spouse with a love for the sea and history, which has led her to pursue new stories and adventures. Currently located in the PNW, her writing and content can be found in various publications, including South Sound Magazine, Northwest Travel & Life Magazine, Experience Cannon Beach, Visit Tacoma Pierce County, Arcadia Publishing, Showcase Magazine, South Sound Business, 425 Magazine, Northwest Yachting Magazine, 48North, South Sound Talk, and more. A proud member of North American Travel Journalists (NATJA) and the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) A passion for history and the sea, combined with a deep curiosity about people, draws her to historic places. While pursuing a story, she discovered the Odyssey, sparking a newfound love that inspired her not only to learn how to sail but to write her first book, Tacoma’s Tall Ship: The Extraordinary Journey of the Odyssey (available on Amazon)
