Cypress Island
By Migael Scherer
An unspoiled
getaway that
embodies much of
what the San Juan
Islands used to be:
heavily wooded,
quiet, remote.
The first time I visited Cypress Island, it took
an hour to set the anchor. The bottom was soft,
the underwater terrain suspect (at one point the
depth sounder flashed an alarming zero fathoms),
and the only chart was no help at all.
Watching us all the while was a couple on a little motor-
cruiser who’d taken what we figured was the prime anchoring
spot. They rowed over and welcomed us, commiserated on our
difficulty anchoring (they’d had trouble, too), then proceeded
to describe the island as if they had discovered it themselves.
Eyes glowing, they spoke of the trails, the birds, the beaches
and rocks. When I told them I was a writer they urged me:
“Please, don’t ruin this special place.”
In the years I’ve visited since, everyone I’ve met feels
the same about Cypress Island. It’s their secret, an unspoiled
getaway that embodies much of what the San Juan Islands
used to be: heavily wooded, quiet, remote.
Above: If you anchor in Eagle Harbor, take your time. The water is deep
off this northern headland, but it’s easy to swing too close to the rocks.
Left: To view full size map of the trails and facilities go the DNR site:
www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/eng_rms_cypress6_05.pdf
48° No r t h , Ap r i l 2009 pA g e 50
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