GUEMES ISLAND

Bessner Barn

Nestled amidst the vibrant hues of Guemes Island Valley, the Bessner Barn is a testament to the region's rich agricultural heritage. Its weathered timbers and rustic charm exude a sense of timelessness while the surrounding landscape bursts forth with fiery shades of autumn. The barn emerges as a beacon of enduring beauty as the leaves cascade down from the trees, painting the ground in a tapestry of crimson, gold, and amber.

The Guemes Mountain & Valley Conservation Area is part of a large land conservation effort on Guemes Island. It plays a vital role in establishing a wildlife corridor, along with adjacent properties managed by the San Juan Island Preservation Trust and other land conservation agencies.

Skagit Land Trust   and  San Juan Preservation Trust

Wildlife Guemes Island

Guemes Island is a treasure trove of wildlife diversity, offering habitats that support a wide range of species. The island's coastal forests are home to majestic birds like bald eagles, osprey, and Cooper's hawks, while the cliffs of Yellow Bluff provide nesting grounds for pigeon guillemots. The marine waters surrounding the island are rich with life, including salmon, which are vital to the ecosystem, and orcas, which occasionally grace the area with their presence.

The island's wetlands, shaped by industrious beavers, are a haven for aquatic species. Painted turtles bask in the sun, while amphibians and small fish thrive in the tranquil waters. The wetlands also attract a variety of birds, such as song sparrows, red-winged blackbirds, and the elusive Rufous hummingbird, which can be seen gathering nesting materials.

Things To Do

Guemes Island is not a large island only consisting of 5505 acres in size or about 8.6 sq. miles. But, there is a diversity of wildlife to be found on the island. Just a short 8-minute ride on the Guemes Island Ferry will get you some great parks, hiking trails, events, and photography moments. Many areas are accessible to the public because of organizations like Skagit Land Trust, San Juan Preservation Trust, and Dog Woods, LLC. My personal favorites are the Guemes Mountain Trail and Dog Woods of Guemes. 

Guemes Island has a variety of activities waiting for you to explore.

• Guemes Mountain Trail

• Guemes Island Rocks!

• Guemes Island Cycling

• Peach Preserve

• Kelly’s Point

• Pokemon Go

• Guemes Island Events

• Dog Woods of Guemes

Note: Parking area for any of the activities is very limited. I would suggest that you park on the Anacortes side and walk or bike on the island. Many areas are a brief ride or walk. 

History Of Guemes

• Guemes Island History <- Photos ~ Stores ~ Very Informational

Guemes Island is within the historical territory of the Samish Nation. It was a traditional location for Samish winter villages. The Samish language name for the island is Qweng qwengila, which means "many dogs", referring to Salish Wool Dogs, also called Samish Woolley Dogs.[5] Around 1873, the Samish, displaced from their original village by U.S. government policy that made land available to newcomers, established a new village on Guemes near Potlatch Beach. Because they occupied the only natural spring on the island, the Samish were forced off the island by their neighbors in 1912.[6]

Guemes Island was named by the Spanish explorer José María Narváez as Isla de Güemes during the 1791 expedition of Francisco de Eliza, in honor of the Viceroy of Mexico, Juan Vicente de Güemes Padilla Horcasitas y Aguayo, 2nd Count of Revillagigedo.[7][8]

In 1841 Charles Wilkes of the United States Exploring Expedition gave the name "Lawrence Island" to Guemes Island, to honor the American naval officer James Lawrence. He also gave the name "Hornet Harbor" to Guemes Channel, for the USS Hornet, which Lawrence commanded during the War of 1812. To the waterway north of the island, part of Bellingham Bay, Wilkes gave the name "Penguin Harbor", for the British vessel Penguin, captured by Lawrence. These names disappeared after 1847, when the British Captain Henry Kellett reorganized the British Admiralty charts, in the process removing the "pro-American" names given by Wilkes and affirming pro-British names and Spanish names.[9]

Guemes Island was also commonly known locally as Dog Island in the early 20th century, from the large number of Salish Wool Dogs living wild on the island.[10]

Source History  References

Map Of Guemes

Skagit Transit Shuttle Service Guemes

Guemes Ferry Terminal

Check out this image of the Guemes Island terminal from the Anacortes side! You can find parking on the left side of the exit ramp, which is mainly used by local islanders hopping on the ferry. Right next to the parking area is the holding lane for the ferry. If you glance to the right at the landing, you’ll spot the waiting room. It's a cozy little space, perfect for keeping warm during those rainy Washington days. The building you see in the picture is the Guemes Island General Store, a great spot to grab a snack! Just a heads up, during the summer, you might find yourself waiting for two to three boats—so grab a drink and relax while you enjoy the view!

Guemes Island Ferry Landing 

This site built, maintained, and provided by Chris LeBoutillier, a Guemes resident.