Boat-in-bays like this one on Sucia Island are common in Washington State’s San Juan Island chain.

There is an overlooked trail in the northwest corner Washington state where you don’t need shoes.  Indeed, you don’t even need feet to follow this trail.

But you will need a boat.

It’s called the Cascadia Marine Trail.  And it stretches from Olympia to the Canadian border – traversing some of the most beautiful waterways in the world.

Kayakers and other boaters cruise and camp along a network of bays and beaches – many of them in the delicious San Juan Islands – stopping in at some of the 55 campsites and 120 trailheads.

The trail itself isn’t a specific route, more a loose collection of islands and beaches with  million dollar view like this one on Sucia Island State Park

This photo was taken in Blind Bay, on a little island with about 10 non-motorized-boat-only campsites. A terrific view of the state ferry and Mt. Baker at no extra cost!

Many of the stops are on State Park lands which are also popular stops for day trip and overnight power boaters.  This one on Sucia Island was popular with families, and I could imagine putting the kids ashore in a tent, while the grownups occupied the boat for the night!

Like I said, there is no specific “route” you have to take, although usually certain starting points make it reasonable to island hop in a certain direction.  This outfitter in Roche Harbor on San Juan Island organizes single-day  and multi-day trips to Jones Island State Park and Stuart Island  – both of which were about 6 hours away by kayak.

Popular kayak rental locations are Annacortes, Friday Harbor, Roache Harbor on San Juan Island where you can book guided trips or simply rent boats and organize your own trip.  Be forewarned if you’re doing your own trip – the waters around the islands can be tricky and you should have experience with reading tide and currents charts, or you could end up getting pushed to the wrong island!

For more on the Cascadia Marine Trail and a map of camping locations, visit the Washington Water Trails Association.