The Island

Sx’wálech (Lopez Island) is part of San Juan County, where we leave-no-trace and minimize our impact on this ecologically fragile place. We are conscientious of our water usage, our trash management (we recycle everything we can and the weekly trips to the dump are quite an event!) and are diligent about fire safety. 

As guests on traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples, we honor with gratitude their stewardship over generations of the land and sea and we acknowledge our duty to care for, repair and maintain balance with the environment. We are committed to continuing to learn how to be better stewards of this precious landscape.

A largely agricultural island, Lopez features a small village with everything one needs for the simple life. We cherish our independent farmers and as consumers, we support our local food system and eat both locally and seasonally. Meats, fish, shellfish, eggs and produce are abundant and we love that our food is ethically raised and grown.

Wildlife you will come across often on Lopez: 

• Bald Eagles, hawks, owls and a cacophony of songbirds
• Pacific tree frogs
• Deer
• River otters, seals and orcas
• Townsend’s Chipmunks

This natural habitat provides many foraging and fishing opportunities including:

• Salmonberry, Blackberries, Thimble Berries, Salal 
• Mushrooms
• Stinging nettles
• Miner’s lettuce
• Nootka Rose
• Clams
• Dungeness Crab
• Spot Shrimp
• Smelt

Getting here

Lopez Island is a very deliberate destination which makes it a perfect place to come and focus on work. Once you’re here, you can really settle in.

Our island is accessed by the Washington State Ferry system from the town of Anacortes. It’s a beautiful 40-minute ferry ride but they often run late. As an alternative, a few small airlines land on Lopez, either at the airport or in the marina.  Our nearest airports are Seattle, Everett, Bellingham or Vancouver BC. We’ll help plan and execute arrivals including pick ups at airports and ferry scheduling to make it as smooth as possible.