Day Trip Diaries is a Cascadia Daily News travel series profiling communities within two hours’ travel of Bellingham. Do you have a suggestion for where to cover next? Send tips to cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com.
Camano Island: Quick facts
Distance from Bellingham: 1 hour (50 miles)
Population: 17,356
Notable: Beaches, short-but-scenic hikes, parks, farmstands and sunset views
Community at a glance
You may have heard Camano Island called “the island you can drive to,” or, simply, “the easy island.” That’s because the unincorporated community is accessible via a singular bridge on State Route 532 — so accessible, in fact, you might not realize you left the mainland until you check a map.
Camano’s accessibility is intertwined with its history as a vacation destination. But long before resorts went up, the island was known as kol-lut-chen (“land jutting out into the bay”) by the Coast Salish People. In the 19th century, European settlers renamed it after Spanish explorer Jacinto Caamaño, and loggers also dubbed it “Crow Island” during their 20th-century heyday.
These loggers cleared Camano of its old-growth forests by 1922, so developers pivoted to another economic opportunity: resorts and, eventually, private vacation homes. A whopping 26 fishing resorts opened and closed across the island’s 40 square miles between 1921 and 1990.
Today’s Camano still has private beaches and bountiful snowbirds — but it’s also home to parks, beaches and ample hiking trails.
The island retained its rugged edge through local advocacy and creative land use. For example, Cama Beach State Park was a fishing resort from the ‘30s to the late ‘80s, though the land was reopened to the public in 2008 as a state park. Half a century earlier, the South Camano Grange — perturbed by a lack of public parks and beachfront access — lobbied for the creation of a state park. Their efforts were successful: In July 1949, hundreds of volunteers showed up to build Camano Island State Park in just one day.
These parks, beaches, trails and winding roads are easily Camano’s main draw. Unlike other entries in this series, Camano isn’t a shopping or dining destination (though I met plenty of friendly islanders at the stores and restaurants at Terry’s Corner).
Folks come to Camano to disconnect — at least for an afternoon, or longer if possible.
Driving the length of Camano Island takes a mere half-hour. You’d also be hard-pressed to find trails longer than 5 miles. This means ambitious daytrippers can tackle multiple routes in a day — but if you ask me, Camano is best experienced with a looser itinerary. Meander along the coast, follow signs for farmstands and art galleries, and get to know the backroads as best you can.
You’re on island time, after all.
To-do list
Morning: Before hitting the beach, pick up a cup — and perhaps some beans — from Camano Island Coffee Roasters. This organic, fair-trade roastery is nestled within Camano Commons Marketplace, locally known as Terry’s Corner. Make sure to snag a pastry or swing into The Baked Cafe for a stellar breakfast sandwich.
Camano Island Coffee also makes drinks with locally roasted beans. (Despite their name, they’re not affiliated with Camano Island Coffee Roasters). The coffee shop has three locations across the island, including one at the island’s biggest grocery store, IGA Market.
Next, it’s time to hit the trails: For a shorter jaunt, try the mile-long, ADA-compliant English Boom Trail on Camano’s northern tip. Barnum Point, the island’s newest park, also features the approachable, 1.2-mile Holly and Bluff Loop. Iverson Spit Preserve gets points for boasting both a mile-long trail and some of the island’s best beaches.
Of the two state parks on Camano’s west side, Cama Beach State Park is debatably the most popular. Here you’ll find waterfront accesses, about 5 miles of interconnected trails and rustic fishing cabins harkening to the park’s resort era. Less than a mile down the road is Camano Island State Park, which is best explored via a gentle, 2.6-mile loop.
If you worked up an appetite after your hike, stop by Cama Beach Cafe within Cama Beach State Park. It’s one of the best eateries on the island, offering fantastic outdoor seating and a hearty brunch menu. (Tip: The biscuits and gravy are some of the best I’ve found outside the South.)
Afternoon: At lunchtime, visit the island’s numerous farmstands to scavenge ingredients for a picnic. The farmstand at Kristoferson Farm sells local goodies, ranging from jam and sweets to beer and wine. (If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also double-book your farmstand visit with a zipline tour.) Island Harvest Farm keeps its website updated with what’s in stock at the farmstand, and Farm Ashram sells produce from a fridge at Camano Commons.
Speaking of Camano Commons, midday is a good time to pick a spot by the green and people-watch. You’re likely to spot kids playing soccer, adults chatting over beverages and an abundance of dogs.
The green is also within walking distance of Freedom Park, which features a playground and public art. For even more outdoor art, visit Matzke Fine Art and Sculpture Park, which exhibits 150 works across 10 acres on the island’s southern side.
Visit Cactus + Co., an indoor plant store above Primal Barbeque, for one-of-a-kind souvenirs. The shop features gifts, a surprisingly wide selection of houseplants and a knowledgeable staff. Another go-to place for shopping is The Camano Shop, a lifestyle boutique tucked away in a cozy historic farmhouse.
If you need an afternoon pick-me-up, Camano Scoopz serves Lopez Island Creamery ice cream in homemade waffle cones. Another sweet treat option is Shoebox Baking Company’s “cookie shack” in the Madrona Beach neighborhood. This tiny pop-up stocks homemade cookies and cookie ice cream sandwiches on the honor system, with proceeds benefiting the Camano Island Food Bank. It’s located just a block away from owner Karen Lindsay’s home, where she also operates her cottage baking business.
And if you’re hoping to grab a local brew, late afternoon is the time to do so: Ale Spike Camano Island Brewing, the island’s sole brewery just north of Cama Beach State Park, is open from 3–7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
Evening: Since you’re on an island, you can drive somewhat aimlessly without getting lost — and golden hour is the best time to do so. There’s something magical about these winding, light-dappled roads, especially when blind corners lead to unobstructed views of the Salish Sea.
You could make a loop around the island in just over an hour, or use the opportunity to venture to Camano’s quieter, southernmost tip. There you’ll find Mabana Beach, notable for its sandy shores and idyllic sunset views.
No matter what route you take, don’t rush the journey and make stops along the way. Drive down streets with interesting-sounding names, especially if they lead toward water. If you see signs for flowers or fresh eggs, go investigate: You might find yourself at one of Camano’s many honor-system farmstands, greeted by a flock of curious turkeys. (I speak from experience here.)
If you’re still not ready to return to reality, why not stay for dinner? Blue Heron Kitchen and Bar is your best bet for nice-but-not-fussy PNW cuisine. Tapped Public House is the place to go if you’re craving burgers and locally brewed beer, while the portobello fries alone make Rockaway Bar and Grill worth a visit. And if you’re looking for something on the livelier side, Pub 282 has live music every weekend.
Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.
