Shaw Island...Rural Island Life

Shaw Island is the smallest of the 4-San Juan Islands serviced by the Washington State Ferry System. The Island is a great stop-over spot, a chance to get off the ferry or your private boat and explore. For the romantic-at-heart, there are no resorts, motels...just a few campsites at the county park.

Shaw Island does not have the same attractions that San Juan, Orcas and Lopez Islands have to offer. Most of the roads are inland crossing through groves of trees with small farms. The most scenic road is on the Southwestern shoreline offering views to Orcas Island.

The Island offers a "real" experience into rural island living. The ferry dock is the main attraction with a small shop near the ferry dock offering a limited amount of supplies.

The highlight on the Island is "The Little Red Schoolhouse" and the Shaw Island Museum. The school is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the school is still in operation. Across the street from the school is the library and museum. The museum hosts a historical collection of memorabilia depicting the island life of the early settlers.

We recommend the Island as a hop-off point, a chance to explore for a few hours before boarding the ferry onto your destination. If you're on a bicycle, spend more time, camp at the county park and explore until your hearts content.

Do you have any information about Shaw Island? Send it to us and we'll publish it.

Craig Dahl
Senior Editor

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