Historic Sites in the San Juan’s

Rosario Resort in East Sound on Orcas Island

Today the Landon team visited Rosario Resort, one of those special places found in the San Juan Islands.  The focal point of the resort is the Moran Mansion built in 1906 by former Seattle mayor and ship builder, Robert Moran.  The Resort staff continues the bygone tradition of organ concerts on the second floor of the mansion which also houses the museum.  The main floor offers window-side seating for lunch and a cozy bar.  Located downstairs is the beautiful indoor pool and spa along with an excellent gift shop. 

New Docks at Rosario Resort Marina

In years past, it has been a challenge for boaters to find moorage space in the small harbor, and the old dock configuration made it difficult to maneuver in and out of the slips.  We are happy to report that new docks have now been installed in the harbor, ready for the 2017 boating season.  The new U-shape configuration accommodates additional moorage slips with easier access and room to maneuver.  Boaters no longer have to worry about drifting into the rock walls around the harbor. 

New Breakwater and Docks at Rosario Resort

And the extended breakwater helps cut down on the wave action.  Rosario is located about mid-way along East Sound on Orcas Island where the southeast winds have a long fetch before reaching the Resort.  We found our arrival and departure at Rosario to be a less tense affair, thanks to the extended breakwater and the new dock configuration; we think other boaters will appreciate these new improvements as well.  The clouds opened up for some quick picture taking before we departed for Roche Harbor on San Juan Island, making a stop along the way at Orcas Landing.  We like visiting the well-stocked country store at Orcas Landing which carries gift items as well as groceries, including breads, chesses, and deli items.  The gift shop just up the road is also a delight; I couldn’t resist the pretty stone star fish, a nice addition for the boat (my excuse? it serves as a great paperweight!). 

The Dock at Orcas Landing

Locals and tourists alike regularly gather around the picnic tables at the Whale Watching Eclipse Charters office next to the ferry landing.  The 56ft. m/v Orca Express happened to arrive at the dock shortly after we did, readying their boat to pick up a group of tourists.  We have always found space available at the dock, but we make sure to fender well due to the ferry wash and wakes from passing boats. 

Lovely Roche Harbor Resort

After a short stop, we were off to Roche Harbor Resort, probably the biggest draw for boaters in the San Juan’s.  This historic site offers numerous things to see and do, including a visit to the old lime kilns (lime was important in the day for making cement), hiking the trails through the mine tailings on the hill above the resort (hidden and often overlooked by some visitors), a visit to the beautiful historic family Mausoleum in the forest, a walk through the Sculpture Park, or a nice meal at one of the restaurants, not to mention the historic grocery store and hotel with beautiful gardens dating back to 1886.  John S. McMillin was the founder of the Roche Harbor Lime & Cement Co. at this site, which was known at the time as the largest lime works west of the Mississippi. 

Boats of all shapes and sizes arrive at Roche Harbor Resort

With so many things to enjoy at Roche Harbor, this is a great location for a rendezvous; in fact, while we were at Roche Harbor the Grand Banks rendezvous was taking place, a large event drawing lots of people who own the popular class of Grand Banks vessels.  We were delighted to see our friends and neighbors from our earlier stays at Elliott Bay Marina; we also found old acquaintances from Bellevue in attendance; as goes the saying, the boating world is a small community of intertwined relationships.




The Historic Hotel de Haro at Roche Harbor Resort