West Sound
WEST SOUND IS AN APPETIZING OPTION ON ORCAS ISLAND
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YOU’LL FIND FOOD, FARMS, AND FUN AT WEST SOUND
Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juans, and West Sound often gets overlooked. Sure, Rosario Resort offers Old World elegance and Eastsound is the island’s bustling hub, but West Sound features the food and the farms that have earned Orcas Island its reputation in the culinary world while retaining a little more laid-back approach.
A ferry ride to Orcas requires a drive up to Anacortes, but with Kenmore Air, you’re just an hour away and then you’ll be traipsing up an island road to the Orcas Island Winery or finding a food-and-farm tour. And don’t let the casual ambience fool you, the Kingfish Inn is a culinary gem and its partnership with nearby OrcaSong farm will have you absolutely eating up the scenery of West Sound.
FLOATPLANE
Seasonal service from April to September, departing either Kenmore Air Harbor or Lake Union, arriving at the pier aboard one of Kenmore Air’s six-seat de Havilland Beavers or eight-seat Otters. If you’re seeking something more intimate, the Cessna 180 is a two to three passenger floatplane that is a most economical charter option. Sorry, no complimentary baggage storage on-site.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Kingfish Inn and Blue Heron Bed & Breakfast are located closest to the West Sound marina while Cabins on the Point and the Pebble Cove Farm are a short drive away.
ACTIVITIES
The protected bay makes West Sound a perfect place for kayaking, crabbing and clamming. The marina was built in 1950, and the fact that it doesn’t get the traffic of Friday Harbor or Roche Resort can actually be an asset as it’s less crowded.
ORCAS ISLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Orcas Island is the largest in the archipelago, Mt. Constitution is the highest point and this island’s history as the former center of Washington’s fruit-packing industry can be tasted in the stands you’ll find across the island. It’s known as the gem of the San Juan Islands for good reason with a world of adventure and beauty waiting for you.
Eastsound
IN THE MIDDLE OF EVERYTHING ON ORCAS ISLAND
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THE SHINING CENTER ON THE GEM OF THE SAN JUANS
Touch down at the airport, less than a mile from the biggest town on Orcas Island, which is the largest island in the San Juans. Eastsound pulses with local businesses, shops featuring island-crafted goods, and restaurants that specialize in island-grown produce and local seafood. There’s even an outdoor performance stage, the Village Green, in the middle of it all.
Taking the ferry requires a drive up to Anacortes before even boarding the boat, but with Kenmore Air Express, a 40-minute flight from Boeing Field puts you at the airport less than a mile from town. Eastsound sits at the northern edge of this horseshoe-shaped island, right where the eastern and western halves come together. Head to the hiker’s paradise that is Moran State Park on the western half of the island, go east to Turtleback Summit or get out on the water, see some whales, wildlife, and the lushly forested hills that earned Orcas its nickname as the gem of the San Juans.
LAND PLANE
Kenmore Air Express provides year-round service from Boeing Field with its fleet of Cessna 208 Caravans and Grand Caravans, which accommodate eight to nine passengers. The Pilatus PC-12 turboprop is the newest option in the charter fleet, offering eight seats in a roomy cabin for a quiet and cutting edge flying experience. Paid parking is available by day or week, and complimentary on-site bag storage is available.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Eastsound has the largest array of lodging options on Orcas, which is the biggest of the San Juan Islands. The Outlook Inn and Smuggler’s Villa Resort are two popular accommodations in the area, but there are a variety of Bed & Breakfasts as well. The San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau has an index of all the island’s options here.
ACTIVITIES
A vineyard, a brewery, whale-watching trips and fishing charters, they’re all available, and as for the island itself, the hills make for stunning views whether it’s reaching Turtlehead Summit or hiking up to the observation tower atop Mount Constitution, the highest point in all the San Juan Islands. Orcas was once the center of the fruit-packing industry, and the legacy can be tasted at the stands found all over the island.
Deer Harbor
A PIECE OF PROTECTED PARADISE AT DEER HARBOR
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DEER HARBOR: A HIDDEN GEM OF THE SAN JUANS
Tucked between two peninsulas, Deer Harbor is home to calm waters and one of the only sandy beaches in the island chain, making it an ideal destination. Centrally located amid the San Juan Islands, Deer Harbor is also the perfect home base for boating anywhere in the region. Enjoy the views from any of the local eating establishments that provide indoor and outdoor harbor-view dining. The biggest challenge is getting there, and Kenmore Air makes that easy with an hour-long flight.
No drive to the Anacortes ferry. No drive after getting off the ferry. You just glide up to the marina in your floatplane, arriving in a perfectly protected inlet whose gentle waters are ideal for kayaking. Or maybe you’d prefer to bike around the shoreline. Skippered sailboats are available out of the Deer Harbor marina, and you can get picnic provisions from the Dock Store or more upscale accommodations at the Deer Harbor Inn Restaurant.
FLOATPLANE
Fly to Deer Harbor year-round from either Kenmore Air Harbor or Lake Union, arriving at the dock aboard one of Kenmore Air’s six-passenger de Havilland Beavers or eight-seat Otters. Seeking something more intimate? Kenmore Air offers charter flights aboard the Cessna 180, which is a two to three passenger floatplane. Sorry, no complimentary baggage storage on-site.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Deer Harbor Inn offers a range of rooms from spa cottages to log-cabin lodge rooms with several large vacation homes also available. There are some truly unique options, too, like the Gnome House and Casa Crayola, each a one-of-a-kind experience while other vacation rentals available in the area.
ACTIVITIES
It’s all about the water here whether you’re relaxing on the sandy beach, paddling a kayak on the incredibly calm waters, eyes out for the abundant marine life of this protected inlet, or getting out on a boat with charters and tours available for everything from sailing to fishing to whale watching.
ORCAS ISLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Orcas Island is the largest in the archipelago, Mt. Constitution is the highest point and this island’s history as the former center of Washington’s fruit-packing industry can be tasted in the stands you’ll find across the island. It’s known as the gem of the San Juan Islands for good reason with a world of adventure and beauty waiting for you. (Video Credit Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce)
Roche Harbor
A PIECE OF HISTORY TO THIS BOATER’S PARADISE
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FLOAT AWAY TO THIS BOATER’S PARADISE
Step off your Kenmore Air floatplane and onto the dock of a boater’s paradise. Roche Harbor is located on the north end of San Juan Island, home to an incredible resort featuring 19th-Century clapboard buildings, pristine gardens, and unbeatable sunsets. Looking to be pampered: there’s a full-service spa. Want to get out on the water: This is the perfect starting point, and once you get back, there are three restaurants on-site, a shopping market, and the justifiably renowned donuts at the Lime Kiln Cafe.
The Roche Harbor Resort is luxurious, it is historic and it is absolutely unique with its brick-lined paths and expansive properties. A trip from Seattle requires almost four hours aboard a ferry and then a 20-minute drive on the island, but it’s just 60 minutes in the air aboard one of Kenmore Air’s float planes. You’ll arrive at the 377-slip marina at the site of what was once a company town for John McMillan’s lime works and is now an utterly unique Northwest vacation destination.
FLOATPLANE
Fly to Roche Harbor year-round from either Kenmore Air Harbor or Lake Union, arriving at the pier aboard one of Kenmore Air’s six-seat de Havilland Beavers or 10-seat Otters. If you’re seeking something more intimate, the Cessna 180 is a two to three passenger floatplane that is the most economical charter option. Sorry, no complimentary baggage storage on-site.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Roche Harbor Resort is a piece of Northwest history with the longest continuously operating hotel and it is a posh getaway with a full-service spa. Former President Teddy Roosevelt and the actor John Wayne. Today, your lodging choices range from a fully modern home to a quaint cottage to one of the 20 rooms in the historic Hotel de Haro. Tucked away on the west side of the island at Mitchell Bay, Snug Harbor Resort is a hidden gem, offering cabins and suites with vaulted ceilings and upscale rustic interiors.
ACTIVITIES
Orca whales draw the majority of the attention in the San Juan Islands, and deservedly so. They’re remarkable. But whether it’s minke whales, stellar sea lions, or osprey, there is so much to see and booking a wildlife tour in advance is the best way to make sure you don’t miss out. There’s a local distillery, a 20-acre sculpture park sits at Roche Harbor and again, don’t forget the donuts at the Lime Kiln Cafe.
SAN JUAN ISLANDS: QUIET SEASON
To say that it’s a quiet season for tourism implies something missing, but in the winter months on San Juan Island, quiet can be the whole point of your visit. Lush and serene. Silent and soulful. The overcast skies are like a blanket, tucking you in to a weekend of deep and lasting peace. Touch down, tune out, recharge. (Video by Rock Island Media)
FRIDAY HARBOR
AT THE HEART OF THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS
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STRAIGHT TO THE HEART OF THE SAN JUANS
The largest town in the San Juan Islands is also its economic, social, and cultural hub, home to more than 2,000 residents and 90 orca whales from April to September. Arrive on a Kenmore Air floatplane, you’ll dock at the marina and walk off the pier and into a lovely downtown with uniquely local shops, museums, and restaurants whose menus are laced with island-sourced ingredients.
It’s 90 miles from Seattle to Friday Harbor, or 50 minutes aboard Kenmore Air compared to a 3-hour, 45-minute ferry ride. If you take one of our flights from Boeing Field, you’ll land at the Friday Harbor Airport, which is less than a mile from downtown. You’ll use every minute you gain whether it’s getting out on the water in a boat or kayak, getting into the water for scuba diving, or visiting the nearby alpaca farm. And we mentioned the whales, right? They’re not the only thing to see here on San Juan Island, but they’re certainly something you don’t want to miss.
FLOATPLANE
You can fly to Friday Harbor Marina from either Kenmore Air Harbor or Lake Union, arriving at the pier aboard one of Kenmore Air’s six-seat de Havilland Beavers or 10-seat Otters. If you’re seeking something more intimate, the Cessna 180 is a two to three passenger floatplane, a most economical charter option. Sorry, no complimentary baggage storage on-site.
LANDPLANE
Kenmore Air Express provides year-round service from Boeing Field with its fleet of Cessna 208 Caravans and Grand Caravans, which accommodate eight to nine passengers. The Pilatus PC-12 turboprop is the newest option in the charter fleet, offering eight seats in a roomy cabin for a quiet and cutting-edge flying experience. Paid parking is available, complimentary on-site bag storage available.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The largest town in the San Juans offers the most lodging choices on the San Juans, everything from the historic exterior and modern interior of the Birdrock Hotel to the view at the Friday Harbor House not to mention plenty of quaint B&Bs like the Juniper Lane guest house and Hillside House. The San Juan Islands visitors bureau offers a great survey of your lodging options.
Everett/Paine Field
SERVICE TO THE SAN JUANS
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THE SAN JUANS IN 25 MINUTES WITH KENMORE AIR EXPRESS
Located 30 miles north of downtown Seattle, Paine Field is the newest hub for Kenmore Air Express, our land plane service. Flights to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island and Eastsound on Orcas Island allow you to skip the ferry line and also provide convenient connections between the islands and non-stop service provided by Alaska Airlines to destinations including Anchorage, Boise, Las Vegas, Orange County, Palm Springs, Phoenix, San Diego, Spokane, and Tucson.
Voted one of America’s Best Small Airports in USA Today’s ’10 Best’ reader poll, Paine Field has also become a popular tourist destination, hosting the Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour, the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum and the Museum of Flight Restoration Center. With a dedicated Kenmore Air hangar and passenger lounge, you’ll be enjoying the executive experience before your flight even departs.
LAND PLANE
Kenmore Air Express offers year-round service to Friday Harbor Airport on San Juan Island and Eastsound Airport on Orcas Island using our fleet of modern Cessna 208 Caravans and Grand Caravans. Charter flights are also available, including the Pilatus PC-12, an eight-seat turboprop.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION/PARKING
Ridesharing services, taxis and public transit all serve Paine Field and for those choosing to drive, Kenmore Air offers 32 paid parking spaces conveniently located in front of the Kenmore Air hangars. Overflow parking is available in Paine Field’s Premium Lot 1 with the easternmost spaces located closest to our passenger terminal. Paine field currently offers daily rates of $30 and weekly rates of $180.
LOCATION
3125 100th St SW
Everett, WA 98204
(425) 388-5125
flypainefield.com
NEW FLIGHT SERVICE TO AND FROM SAN JUAN ISLANDS
Kenmore Air has a new roundtrip flight service from Everett to San Juan and Orcas Islands. (Fox13 Seattle Video Credit)
SEATTLE/BOEING FIELD
ENJOY THE EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE WITH KENMORE AIR
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THE EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE OF KENMORE AIR EXPRESS
Located just 4 miles south of downtown Seattle, Boeing Field is the hub for Kenmore Air Express, our land plane service. Daily flights to San Juan Island and Orcas Island. Charter service around the Northwest and beyond as the Pilatus PC-12, our eight-seat turboprop, has opened a new range of options for clients. This is also the origin point for our popular sight-seeing adventure, the Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens Volcano Tour.
Also known as King County International Airport, Boeing Field was the Seattle area’s primary passenger airport until just after World War II. Now, it serves small commercial airlines and Boeing’s 737 aircraft flight-test program. Kenmore Air provides free ground-shuttle service to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which is about 10 miles to the south. Our shuttle allows for easy connections to domestic and international flights.
LANDPLANE
Kenmore Air Express offers daily, year-round service to Friday Harbor Airport on San Juan Island and Eastsound Airport on Orcas Island using our fleet of modern Cessna 208 Caravans and Grand Caravans. Charter flights are also available, including the Pilatus PC-12, an eight-seat turboprop.
TRANSPORTATION
Kenmore Air ground shuttle is available, and we strongly recommend booking your ground shuttle in advance as day-of requests cannot always be accommodated. There is an Uber service area at Boeing Field and Kenmore Air is happy to order a local taxi on your behalf, but we accept no responsibility over reliability or arrival times as taxi waits can be unpredictable, up to 45 minutes.
PARKING
Complimentary parking is provided when you register your vehicle at check-in. Kenmore Air is happy to store your baggage on-site at no additional charge.
Seattle/Lake Union
BOARD YOUR SEAPLANE IN THE HEART OF SEATTLE
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SEAPLANE TERMINAL IN THE SHADOW OF THE SPACE NEEDLE
Kenmore Air’s Lake Union seaplane terminal offers daily service to the San Juan Islands as well as our popular Scenic Tour of Seattle. Our refurbished terminal sits in the shadow of the Space Needle in South Lake Union, which is one of Seattle’s fastest-growing — and most modern — neighborhoods. The Museum of History and Industry and Center for Wooden Boats are within easy walking distance as are several lakeside restaurants and several local hotels.
The city’s newest pro-sports venue — Climate Pledge Arena — is located just to the west, making it easy to watch the NHL’s Kraken or the WNBA’s Storm. T-Mobile Park and Lumen Field are a short ride south, hosting the Mariners, Seahawks, and the city’s two soccer franchises. Or you can stop at Seattle’s bustling downtown, which includes top hotels, hot restaurants, and great shopping opportunities.
FLOATPLANE
Terminal open daily, 7a.m.-6:30p.m. Year-round service available to the San Juan Islands using our fleet of six-passenger de Havilland Beavers and 10-passenger de Havilland Otters. Lake Union is also the departure point for the 20-minute Scenic Tour of Seattle. Charter flights are also available using our fleet of Beavers, Otters, and the two-passenger Cessna 180s, which is our most efficient option.
TRANSPORTATION
There is an Uber service area and local taxis are available. For public transportation, the South Lake Union Streetcar stops nearby and provides service to Westlake Center. At Westlake Center, you can access the Link Light Rail, which is operated by Sound Transit. The Light Rail connects to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, travel time approximately 40 minutes. Our Lake Union terminal is also accessible by Seattle Metro bus, Route No. 70.
PARKING
Limited complimentary parking is available, however, there is meter parking as well as paid lots nearby. Complimentary bag storage is available on site.
Kenmore / Lake Washington
KENMORE AIR HEADQUARTERS IS A SEAPLANE HUB ON LAKE WASHINGTON
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LAKE WASHINGTON IS HOME TO KENMORE AIR’S CENTRAL HUB
Located on the north shore of Lake Washington between Lake City and Bothell, Kenmore Air Harbor is the departure point for floatplane trips to the San Juan Islands, charter flights it is the origin point for our Scenic Tours of Lake Washington and the San Juan Islands. The 5-acre campus is not only a hub for seaplane service but the site of Kenmore Air’s state-of-the-art machine shop and parts business.
Our headquarters is bordered by the Burke-Gilman Trail, a 27-mile path favored by bikers and joggers that runs all the way to Seattle. The city of Kenmore is nearby with a number of shops locally owned and operated. Woodinville — one of the region’s top wine destinations — is a short drive away.
FLOATPLANE
Terminal open daily, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Providing daily service to our destinations in the San Juan Islands as well as our popular Scenic Tours of Lake Washington and the San Juans, using our fleet of six-passenger de Havilland Beavers, the 10-seat de Havilland Otters. Charter flights are also available using our Otters, Beavers, or two-passenger Cessna 180, which is the most economical option.
TRANSPORTATION
There is an Uber service area at Kenmore Air Harbor, which is also accessible by public bus, Sound Transit Route 522, which travels Kenmore to Seattle.
PARKING
Limited paid parking is available in July and August with complimentary parking provided from September through June. Complimentary bag storage is available on site.
