If you want a getaway without the distractions of the big city, Lopez Island may be just what you need. The laid-back island lifestyle offers opportunities for activities such as kayaking, beachcombing, and bird watching. There is also no public transportation or moped rental. There are no mopeds or rental cars on Lopez, and there are few amenities – including a movie theater – to keep you from getting bored. There is a limited number of lodging options, and parking spots are limited.
To get a taste of island life, visit the National Park on Lopez Island. This 1,000-acre preserve is perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and whale watching. There are hammocks available at the national park, and the water is soothing. You can also rent kayaks, if you feel adventurous. There are several restaurants on Lopez Island, including the famous Ursa Minor restaurant. While it’s easy to find somewhere to eat on Lopez, some places offer picnic tables and fire pits.
Located in western Washington, Lopez Island is a quaint pastoral community. It has no incorporated town or city, but its residents are highly involved in civic affairs. Their communities organize fundraisers, community buildings, and affordable housing projects, and they also support their neighbors in need. There are plenty of celebrations and festivals on Lopez, which are sure to please any visitor. A trip to this remote Pacific Northwest island should definitely be on your bucket list!
The island has a few restaurants and cafes. Most of the time, you won’t need to leave town until late. However, if you’re hungry, you can grab some dinner at the Islander Waterfront Restaurant, which is usually a good time most nights of the week. This waterfront eatery has a fully-stocked bar, a gorgeous lawn, and excellent food. And if you’re feeling particularly hungry, you can also head to the Lopez Village Market, where you’ll find delicious deli sandwiches and freshly-made pastries.
The Lopez Center for Community and the Arts hosts a new art show called Gifts of Nature, a collaboration between two of the island’s talented artists. The exhibit will run through Aug. 26 and features work by Karen Hattman and Rick Wigre. The show includes both traditional and contemporary forms of art. For example, Hattman’s paintings incorporate a variety of art media, including oil and acrylic paints, while Wigre’s work is more experimental, and he works with clay to create his pieces.
The first permanent non-Native settler on Lopez was Hiram E. Hutchinson, who was 19 or 20 years old at the time. He used a gun to protect the Coast Salish, and he married a Tlinglit woman named Mary. The couple had a son, Millard, in 1867. Hutch’s sister came to help him run the store. He also built a school, and had a dispensary and hotel on the island.