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Minimal effort and maximum reward make Cascade Falls one of the best hikes in all of the San Juan Islands. The ‘trek’ can be as short as a half-mile round trip if you depart from the clearly labeled parking lot just off Mt. Constitution Road. Simply follow the well-maintained trails past a series of falls. Word to the wise though, the vertical ascent can be daunting. Consider taking breaks at the various viewpoints to catch your breath.
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Granola. The name evokes a backcountry, hodgepodge scene of slightly under bathed hikers in need of sustenance. And while Harrison House Suite’s combo of nuts and seeds will certainly fortify you to face the day, this granola’s complex flavors are a far cry for hodgepodge.
Carefully tweaked and developed over time, it’s so popular the Friday Harbor B&B sometimes has trouble keeping up with demand. After all, they also have a 2-course gourmet breakfast to cook daily, homemade yogurt to make, and a garden to tend.
(Harrison House has a few fruit producing plants on site – like their prized blueberry bushes and fig trees – which help supply the kitchen when in season.)
But, somehow they manage. And the requests come from far and wide. They’ve shipped all the way to Singapore and regularly supply an Alaskan fisherman with 50-pound batches!
Making the granola takes nearly a full day with the assembly, stirring, cooking, and cooling. It’s comprised of mostly seeds and nuts. Plus, a little touch of unsweetened coconut flakes, honey, and brown sugar for good measure. (They also carry a No B.S. version that has no refined sugar.)
As it cooks, the granola’s sweet aroma is like a grandmother’s kitchen – like the unpretentious goodness of an oatmeal cookie that envelops you up in a bear hug of comfort.
Each guest at Harrison House Suites is treated to a gourmet, 2-course breakfast. The first course always includes some combo of granola and house made yogurt. Typically, this is topped with a fresh fruit or house made compote.
As with most of the kitchen tasks, making the yogurt is a team effort, often spearheaded by husband-wife duo Glenn and Susan Miesch introduced. Glenn and Susan are not only the head innkeepers, they are also the breakfast sous chefs and jack of all trades. The secret to making great yogurt, Susan reports, “Is keeping two cups of the previous batch.” Like sourdough, the reserved culture develops a complex tartness overtime.
The second course is developed and cooked by Chef Jessie Bryan. Her menus put a twist on traditional breakfast fare. She explained:
It’s really a fun opportunity to introduce something surprising to breakfast. One day we might make shakshuka (eggs poached in tomato sauce with peppers and onions) and the next day we might make a riff on Panzanella. It really just depends on what’s available.
You can certainly order a pound (or a few) of the granola online. But it’s best enjoyed in the Harrison House’s quaint dining room prior to a scrumptious second course.
Plan Your Friday Harbor Trip for some Harrison House Suites Granola!
Studio Potter, Penny Sharp Sky, creates beautiful and functional pieces that inspire you to host a dinner party – just to show them off.
What causes a woman to stick her hands in mud? What makes her stay there, shaping it with her palms and her fingers as it sticks to the tops of her shoes and the tip of her nose?
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I love a good field trip. I love to eat. And, I love to spend the day with folks who are downright passionate about food and travel. All the above bookended by round-trip seaplane flight with Pretty Fork? To say I was excited, doesn’t even come close.
The day started at Kenmore Air’s Lake Union terminal where I met with Joey from Pretty Fork. Instantly I knew the day would be filled with laughs and easy conversation. The rest of the party arrived, Joey in introduced himself and talked a little about what to expect from the experience:
The first rule of Pretty Fork Events is you don’t talk about Pretty Fork Events. The destination is a secret. If anyone asks, you just went for a hamburger.
Everyone felt like they were in this adventure together. Touché Joey.
The guests listened on as Joey told them that we were headed someplace in the San Juans via seaplane, however the exact location was a surprise. The excitement grew as we walked down the dock to the awaiting de Havilland Otter Seaplane. Another stroke of luck, we were flying with Anna on Kenmore Air’s custom painted Orca Whale Seaplane. Pilot Anna gave a quick, safety briefing and within moments we were off the dock. The plane glided along Lake Union and then took flight. We were off to our secret destination.
The plane ride was spectacular. It was clear for miles. The mountains connected to the waterways and the little islands dotting the vast open water. Passengers were pulling out the Kenmore Air route maps and pointing out landmarks all the while trying to figure out the big secret.
Where were we going?
The plane eventually turned in toward Orcas and gently set down outside of Rosario. We taxied in to find a host waiting with our first course, Oysters and Bubbly on the dock. We disembarked the plane and were greeted with a chilled glass of bubbly and a quick introduction to oysters and how to enjoy them Northwest Style. After a few slurps we walked up the dock toward Rosario Resort with excited anticipation on what was coming next.
We were greeted upon arrival by the General Manager of the resort, Christopher Peacock. He invited us to relax for a few minutes in the music room, where a 1900 Steinway Grand Piano rested. After a brief historical overview of the property, Christopher treated us to an original piece he had composed. It was heavenly.
Once Christopher had us at the brink of tears, he invited us to tour the library. While we’d been impressed by the piano, we were blown away by the resort’s 1913 Aeolian organ. Built into the structure of the room, it had 1,972 pipes! And, we were once again delighted by a musical piece. From music and history, we went to the dining room.
The excitement was building.
This is what we came for and yet this trip had already been so incredible. Was the meal going to be a sensory masterpiece to match the flight, the champagne arrival and the divine musical presentation?
We were seated in our own private space nearby the windows and the kitchen, fully immersed in the beauty of our destination. I loved looking out to the sea and then through the glass to the kitchen to watch the mastery unfold.
Executive Chef Raymond Southern introduced himself and presented us with the first course; Burrata and Famer John’s Tomatoes, a gorgeous local tomato topped with creamy, tangy burrata and tempura arugula. This simple dish answers the question, “How does a chef make a salad better than me?”
For starters, a chef can tempura a leaf of arugula that he grew 20 feet from his kitchen. To round out this course, we sipped on cucumber lemon soda with an arugula crema. So good. What’s next? 
Mussels in Curry. This was another play on local bounty. The mussels had been harvested from Penn Cove and were served with local apples, mint grown in the chef’s garden and an apricot shrub. It was fabulously comforting with a zesty summer fruit finish. We then tucked into a bright salad picked from the chef’s garden that morning and offered simply with a light spritz of lemon and olive oil. (Can you see the pattern? Chef’s garden. Local products. Incredibly fresh ingredients.)
The savory courses began with rabbit. (It was local of course.) Joey playfully asked the table how many had tried rabbit; not a big show of hands. When the dish arrived, it was a perfect portion of warm, earthy comfort starring chanterelle mushrooms and rabbit loin in a delightful marsala sauce.
Not to worry Pacific Northwesters, the final savory course was our local hero, halibut. Gorgeous and simple presentation, chef Raymond knows how to let the halibut be the star.
Dessert was a masterpiece; a simple fried squash blossom filled with pineapple cheesecake. It was just two bites of sweet satisfaction. Amazing.
Shortly after dessert, it was time to applaud the glorious meal and the talented chef and head off to catch our flight back to Seattle.
This was an experience that literally hit all the senses. There was mystery, excitement, an amazing view, a unique culinary experience of local goodness served up by a talented chef and his team, an unexpected musical performance and a tour of a historic mansion all wrapped up with a seaplane flight.
I have lived in Seattle my entire life and this was a hometown experience I knew was going to be fun. However, I didn’t expect it to be breathtaking, amazing and unquestionably one of the coolest things I’ve done here.
Bravo Pretty Fork, Seattle is ready for what you’re serving up.
Sara Satterlee is a Seattle-based photographer, specializing in wedding and portrait photographer. She’s quick to smile, loves to travel, and is full of pizzazz. Her knack for seeing unique opportunities – whether that be within the frame or in life – has made her a standout in the industry. She and her handsome husband live locally with their two kids and dog.
Kenmore Air is excited to announce we’re the official airline of the third annual Orcas Island Film Festival.
Each year, this amazing festival brings a collection of thought-provoking films from around the world to the island. From October 7 – 10, more than 15 different films will be shown in theaters throughout Orcas Island. This year’s lineup includes:
What happens to a teenage girl’s mind after a disastrous birthday party? Directed by Rosemary Myers, Girl Asleep takes you into the absurd, scary, and beautiful heart of the matter.
When an eight-year-old Swiss orphan is torn between the home of her grandfather in the mountains and her wealthy aunt in the city, the adventures are endless. Directed by Alain Gsponer, Heidi is tested to the core as she forms an unlikely friendship and makes the best of a bad situation.
Directed by Elite Zexer, Sand Storm + Storm of the Century, follows the tale of two Bedouin women as they defy the tradition of polygamist marriage. Experience what it means when a teenage girl and her mother refuse to comply in southern Isreal.
As the Official Airline of the Orcas Island Film Festival, all Kenmore Air customers will receive 15% off a Weekend Pass to the festival. A Weekend Pass will give you:
To redeem this offer, purchase your Weekend Pass on the Orcas Film Fest website and use the code: Kenmoreair
They came to the water’s surface like elegant dancers, their dorsal fins tickling the air. Breaths were gasped. Pictures were snapped. Little children pointed with glee.
Until then – until that moment when I saw my first Orca – I didn’t get it. I’d been told that images, video, and stories pale in comparison to seeing these noble creatures first hand. Just how true this is, I didn’t realize.
Until now.
How mammals of that size can move with such grace is beyond me. But they do.
Just outside Friday Harbor – in the waters that twist and turn around the San Juan Islands – Orcas swim in pods. They hunt. They eat. And occasionally, they play.
While several island lookouts offer land-based whale watching opportunities, the best views are from the water. Getting out on a boat with an experienced captain is your best bet to see them. This is why Kenmore Air partners with San Juan Safaris – a whale watching operation based out of Friday Harbor.
These folks know what they’re doing. And, I’m not just saying this for kicks and giggles. Yes, they are our partners. But, we work with them for good reason – they have a 90% Orca spotting success rate!
In addition to their impressive ability to follow the whales, San Juan Safaris also hires expert naturalists to accompany their tour groups. Armed with a wealth of knowledge, these folks are available to answer questions, point out additional wildlife, and describe the natural habitat as you see it.
What else will you see while out and about with San Juan Safaris?
Tons! Over 250 different species of birds live or migrate to the San Juan Islands. Many of these magnificent creatures frequent the shoreline and the nearby waters. You’ll often be able to spot bald eagles perched in trees. Great blue herons can regularly be seen close to shore. Double-crested cormorants like to hang out on rocks while taking a break from their daily fishing expeditions. (See a full list of birds here.)
You might see harbor seals, sea lions, porpoises, and otters.
While passing Spieden Island – a 550 acre, privately owned island north of San Juan – you might observe a few non-native animals such as Corsican big horn sheep and Fallow deer from Asia. (In 1969, a group of investors bought the uninhabited island to transform it into a shooting preserve. More than 30 years ago, the preserve was shut down. But, the non-native wildlife that had been imported remains to this day – living harmoniously together.)
Just a Day Trip
If you’re in Seattle and you want to maximize your time – Kenmore’s your best bet. Why? Because there are just two ways to get to the San Juan Islands: by boat or by plane. That’s it. If there is absolutely no traffic, you could catch the Anacortes ferry and be in Friday Harbor in just over 2.5 hours. This is a big if.
With Kenmore Air, there’s no driving. There are no lines. And, the flight is just 45-minutes.
To catch a San Juan Safaris tour, you typically board an 11:00 AM flight out of Lake Union to Friday Harbor and return on a 5:30 PM flight. This leaves time for a morning trip to the original Starbucks and an evening dinner at one of Seattle’s fantastic restaurants. If you ask me, that’s maximizing your time in Seattle!
Insider Tips
Get Lunch on the Island – Between your arrival in Friday Harbor and the departure of your San Juan Safaris whale watching tour, you’ll typically have about an hour. While this doesn’t leave you enough time to explore the island, it does give you plenty of time to grab a bite to eat. Right around the check-in booth you’ll find:
Pack Some Water & A Small Snack – No drinks or snacks are for sale aboard the boat. If you don’t bring them, you don’t have them. And, tours are 3 – 4 hours long. If you get hungry or thirsty, that’s a long time to wait. It’s best to have a little something in case you want it.
When will you be checking whale watching in the San Juan Islands off your bucket list?
Since 1904, the Friday Harbor Laboratories have been one of the most well respected biology and oceanography research destinations in the world. Located on San Juan Island, just outside of Friday Harbor, the labs enjoy access to relatively pollution free waters. Swift tideways, quiet bays and lagoons, and a diverse terrain of rock and sand make them home to an exceptionally rich collection of flora and fauna.
Throughout most of the year, the labs remain closed to the public. However, once a year the labs host an Open House. Saturday, May 14, this amazing facility will be open to the public from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to share what we do with the community,” said Friday Harbor Laboratories Advancement Coordinator Rachel Anderson.
The Open House includes a variety of activities including self-guided tours, exhibits, hands-on demos, and lectures. Best of all are the Scuba Diving Demos. “Kids and adults alike absolutely love them,” said Anderson.
This year, the diving demos will be extra special. To find out why we talked Pema Kitaeff, Friday Harbor Laboratories Diving Safety Officer.
Q: How many divers are in the water at one time?
Pema: There will be two divers in the water during each demo.
Q: During the diving demos, will there be cameras below the surface so folks can see what’s going on?
Pema: Yes. One of the divers will be swimming with a video camera hard-wired to the monitor on the dock so people can watch what the divers are seeing in real-time.
But the real exciting draw is that the divers will be wearing full-face masks equipped with-way communication. It’s like a two-way radio. It allows the divers to communicate with the surface.
Q: Awesome. Will the divers bring up specific things to show folks on the surface?
Pema: Yes. Just a few critters. We’ll allow people in the audience to ask for what they’d like to see the divers bring up. That’s one of the really exciting things about the two-way communication. The divers will be able to carry on a conversation during the dive.
11:30 AM
12:30 PM
1:30 PM
2:30 PM
Cuddle by the shore at Roche Harbor Resort.
Did you love our romantic San Juan Island getaway recommendations? We did too! And, so did our friends at Roche Harbor Resort. So, we teamed up to sweeten the pot with a 2015 Valentine’s Weekend Special!
Here’s the Deal:
Stay in a Roche Harbor Resort condo, cottage or village home for two nights anytime between February 11 – 15, 2016, and you’ll save 30%! (Plus, Roche Harbor will comp your first morning breakfast.)
Visit the Roche Harbor’s Afterglow Spa during your visit and save 20%.
Receive a 10% discount on all Kenmore Air flights between Seattle and Roche from February 11 – 15, 2016, with the promo code: Valentine.
About Roche Harbor
In the late 1800s, Roche Harbor was better known for its lime quarry and manufacturing than its picturesque location. Today, the San Juan Island destination is a symbol of relaxation.
The resort’s iconic, 1886 Hotel de Haro overlooks the marina and a lush garden. Throughout the grounds, you’ll find a collection of condos, cottages and village homes. Over 25 of the lodging options feature rooms with of 100 feet of the Salish Sea!
Few places on San Juan Island can boast of such luxury. This is an opportunity for you to sleep beside the sea. Take your coffee in the morning next to the water.
Fall in the San Juans offers a variety of fun things to do and see. These three Fall Getaway Itinerary Ideas focus on Orcas and San Juan Island. But, they only scratch the surface. Enjoy!
Breakfast – Doe Bay Café on Orcas Island
On the east side of Orcas Island at the edge of Doe Bay, sits the Doe Bay Café. This quaint restaurant is attached to the Bay Resort. It offers a full view of Doe Bay and the Salish Sea. From its own organic garden to its use of locally sourced proteins, the chefs are crafting dishes with the freshest ingredients. Breakfast items might include olive oil poached duck eggs or local sockeye gravlax (a Scandinavian style of dry-cured salmon) with sunny-side up eggs and whipped goat cheese.
Doe Bay Café – 107 Doe Bay Rd., Olga, WA
Explore – Poke around Eastsound on Orcas Island
Visit Eastsound’s collection of galleries and novelty shops. Stop by Darvill’s Bookstore to discover the carefully chosen selection of novels, biographies and more. If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, head to Kathryn Taylor Chocolates where the chocolates are handmade, the ingredients are predominantly local and the flavors vary widely including Douglas Fir and Blood Orange.
Darvill’s Bookstore – 296 Main St., Eastsound
Kathryn Taylor Chocolates – 109 North Beach Rd., Eastsound
Lunch – Mamie’s Café at the Ferry Landing on Orcas Island
Located at the Orcas Island Ferry Landing, Mamie’s Café is tucked within the Boardwalk on the Water. Grab lunch at their open cliff beer garden. It’s perched, just above the water. Or stay inside, where the view is still lovely, but the wind isn’t quite as crisp. Menu favorites include grilled salmon and battered halibut.
Mamie’s Café – 8292 Orcas Hill Rd., Orcas
Explore – Island Hoppin’ Brewery on Orcas Island
Head to the Island Hoppin’ Brewery tasting room where friends and owners Nate Schons, Becca Gray and Jim Parker are crafting small batch beers. Though their offerings change frequently, three constants can always be found including Kolch, a mild brew from Germany. This lower alcohol choice has the all-day drinking appeal of Pabst Blue Ribbon with a taste that should never be compared.
Island Hoppin’ Brewery – 33 Hope Lane, Eastsound
Breakfast – Rocky Bay Café in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island
This mom and pop breakfast joint may not be fancy, but they more than make up for it with friendly service and endless cups of steaming coffee. As the weather turns cooler, snag a seat next to their Amish fireplace. And, be sure to check out the installations from monthly-featured artist displayed. Their work is displayed on the Rocky Bay Café’s walls. Specials change frequently, but might include a bacon and Swiss omelet. Those who are gluten intolerant will also love their gluten free bread.
Rocky Bay Café – 225 Spring Street, Friday Harbor
Explore – Downtown Friday Harbor
Peruse Friday Harbor’s vast collection of art galleries. Check out Serendipity the Used Book Place where a small home has been transformed into a never-ending collection of used treasures. Stop by San Juan Island Cheese, the new island cheese shop where Thursday wine and cheese pairings bring together unique flavors. And, don’t forget to let out your inner kid at the Toy Box where fun is the name of the game.
Serendipity the Used Book Place – 223 A St., Friday Harbor
San Juan Island Cheese – 155 Nichols St., Friday Harbor
The Toy Box – 20 First St., Friday Harbor
Lunch – Market Chef
“Good food is life,” at the Market Chef where weekday lunches feature a variety of fresh salads, soups, and sandwiches. Daily specials have included curried tomato and vegetable soup, rock cod fish tacos, and copper river sockeye salmon sandwiches.
Market Chef – 225 “A” St., Friday Harbor
Explore – Friday Harbor’s History
Visit Friday Harbor’s Town Hall built in 1936. Wander through the San Juan Historical Museum where the island’s past is preserved. And, learn about the San Juan Islands local pods at the Whale Museum.
Dinner – Coho in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island
Sometimes restaurants with quaint settings miss the mark when it comes to the food. Coho, is not one. Located in the historic Craftsman House, chef Bill Messick is serving dishes equal to the stunning 1931 home in which he is cooking. His cuisine, Pacific Northwest with a touch of Mediterranean flair, is all about showcasing the local bounty from the San Juan Islands. Salmon, scallops, beef and pork are sourced from the Jones Family Farm on Lopez Island. Cheese comes from the nearby San Juan Island Cheese shop. A selection of local wines is available from San Juan Vineyards. This is an all local, all the time meal that won’t disappoint.
Coho Restaurant – 120 Nichols St., Friday Harbor
Breakfast – Lime Kiln Café in Roche Harbor on San Juan Island
Doughnuts at the Lime Kiln Café might just be the best in the Pacific Northwest. These cake like babies are certainly a far cry from your Krispy Kreme, national chain experience. This mom and pop joint makes theirs fresh daily in a variety of flavors, including cinnamon sugar, chocolate frosting, and maple glaze. Beyond the sugar-fried goodness, they dish up some savory options worth sitting down to enjoy. Sit bay the window for a view of the marina.
Lime Kiln Café – 248 Reuben Memorial Dr., Friday Harbor
Explore – San Juan Vineyard on San Juan Island
Head to the San Juan Vineyard where locally grown grapes are transformed into full-bodied wines. The vineyard’s tasting room, housed in one of the two remaining old schoolhouses in San Juan County, was built in 1895. At this historic setting, you can taste and learn about the island’s wine and its growing climate. Plus, be sure to say hello to Mona the camel who lives across the street. Why is there a camel in the San Juans? Because San Juan Island resident Corina King has a great affection for camels. (She spent three years in Egypt doing documentary work.) Her husband Steve was equally fascinated. So, when Mona needed a home in 2005, the couple purchased her.
San Juan Vineyard – 3136 Roche Harbor Rd., Friday Harbor
Lunch – Friday’s Crabhouse in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island
There’s something about eating seafood by the sea which just makes it taste better. During sunny days, the deck at Friday’s Crabhouse sits directly across the street from the ferry landing. It offers an unobstructed, open air view of the Friday Harbor Marina. On cooler afternoons, the water facing windows provide a warmer spot for enjoying their seafood selection of pan-fried oysters, crab packed salads, fish tacos and more.
Friday’s Crabhouse – 65 Front St., Friday Harbor
Explore – Lime Kiln State Park on San Juan Island
This 36-acre state park is considered one of the best places in the world to view whales from a land-based facility. Though not scientifically proven, it’s believed this is because the orcas like to herd fish against the cliffs on the west side of San Juan Island where they take a drastic plunge into the sea. The gem of the Lime Kiln State Park is the Lime Kiln Lighthouse. Constructed in 1919, it’s 17-mile beacon still shines today.
Lime Kiln State Park – 1567 Westside Rd., Friday Harbor
Explore some more – San Juan Island Sculpture Park
Located just outside Roche Harbor Resort, this 20-acre outdoor art gallery is home to more than 100 unique sculptures. Founded in 1998, the San Juan Island Sculpture Park introduces new works yearly. Displays are constructed out of a variety of materials including steel, rock and wood.
San Juan Island Sculpture Park – Roche Harbor Road in Roche Harbor
Dinner – McMillins in Roche Harbor on San Juan Island
Ideal for the celebratory dinner, McMillin’s at Roche Harbor has an island formal vibe. Best known for the prime rib – a 40-day-aged, dry rubbed, slow roasted affair sliced to order. Prepare yourself for two or three hours of indulging. Go slow. Order a drink or two. And, try to arrive pre-sunset. Their water facing windows overlooking the marina are the perfect place to watch the sun slip below the horizon.
McMillins – 248 Reuben Memorial Dr., Friday Harbor
While each island offers bike and moped rentals, during the winter months, they aren’t the most enjoyable forms of transportation. These warmer options will help you get from Point A to Point B without being massively exposed to the elements.
On San Juan Island
San Juan Taxi & Tour – (360) 378 – 8294
M&W Auto – (360) 378 – 2794
Friday Harbor Taxi – (360) 298 – 4434
On Orcas Island
Orcas Island Taxi – (360) 376 – 8294
New Orcas Taxi Tours, LLC – (360) 298 – 1639 and (360) 376 – 6668
Orcas Island Rental Cars & Vans – (360) 376 – 7433
On Lopez Island
Taxi – (360) 468 – 2905
Outer Island Expeditions – (360) 376 – 3711 (office) / (360) 622 – 6562 (boat)
San Juan Island Whale & Wildlife Tours (and Taxi) – (360) 298 – 0012
There are donuts. And then there are donuts from Roche Harbor Resort’s Lime Kiln Café.
Plucked from the Donut Robot Mark II, these cake-like babies are moist, with a toothsome bite you can really sink into. Coated with sugar. Dipped in chocolate. Naked as the moment they came out of the fryer. It doesn’t really matter how you get your hands on these donuts, as long as you get one before the café runs out.
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