Stuart Island, a country scene

A large number of boats can anchor in Reid Harbor on Stuart Island

After our internal clock adjusted to the time change from Venice to Anacortes, we repacked and loaded the boat to head out again in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.  In our opinion, these home waters are among the best cruising grounds in the world, offering spectacular scenery, a wide variety of coves and marinas, and enchanting sea life. 

Park Dock in Reid Harbor, Stuart Island

On July 8^th, we arrived in Reid Harbor on Stuart Island.  Stuart Island, one of the northern most islands of the San Juan’s, has long been a favorite of ours, with memories of our children (now grown with children of their own) hiking the trails and country roads to the adorable island school house and the attractive Turn Point Lighthouse overlooking Haro Strait. 

Happy Children buying their color books and T-shirts

Yes, children can still find the “treasure chest” at the school house, and another chest is now located at the head of the country road from the Municipal Pier in Prevost Harbor.  The treasure chests have coloring books and T-shirts for purchase; payment is mailed back in the envelope provided, based on the honor system. 

Linear-tie system; boat lines go through the rings and back to cleats on the boat

The large bays of Reid Harbor and Prevost Harbor have ample anchoring space for a large number of boats.  Buoys, a linear-tie system, and a public dock are located in both harbors with an additional Municipal Pier found in Prevost.  The trails and narrow gravel country roads can be accessed from both locations; but for a shorter walk to the school and to the lighthouse, anchor or moor in Prevost Harbor and take the dinghy ashore to the Municipal Pier, where you'll find a dinghy dock.  We took this advice and day-anchored in Prevost Harbor the following morning.  We enjoyed walking the lovely country road from the pier, turning southward for the schoolhouse, a fairly easy one-mile hike.  For those wanting to visit the lighthouse, it’s a 1.4 mile hike, continuing northwest. 

Country road leading from Prevost Harbor

Undiscovered by tour operators, Stuart Island retains its peaceful, quiet atmosphere. 

Most Island residents are farmers or commercial fishermen; and in some cases, they are involved in both professions.  Locals welcome boaters to the island and are happy to share their family history.  The island’s pioneer history began in the 1800’s, a map of the island with original homesteader locations is posted at the island cemetery near the schoolhouse. 

Stuart Island Cemetary

The Erickson and Johnson families are the most common names listed at the cemetery, dating back to 1869; Erickson family members still live on the Island.  A Civil War veteran, J.C. Douglass (1847-1911), is also buried here. 

Schoolhouse, old and new

For more Island history, don’t miss the museum in the original one-room schoolhouse (next to the modern-day schoolhouse) which displays photos and short stories about the early settlers, the Island’s school teachers and their pupils.  A second museum at Turn Point, includes artifacts and stories about the early lighthouse keepers and is open during the summer months, Tuesday-Sunday from 11am to 4:30pm.  Tours of the Keepers quarters are at 11:30am, and 1:00, 2:30, and 4:00 p.m. 

Stuart Island is one of those pleasant stops, where you can just kick-back and enjoy the beauty and solitude of island living.  It is interesting to note that Stuart Island was named by Charles Wilkes during the Wilkes Expedition (1838-1842) in honor of his clerk, Frederick D. Stuart.  

Departing Prevost Harbor, we circled around to the northwest end of the Island, passing Turn Point Lighthouse and hugging the shore to keep clear of the “special operating area” used by large commercial vessels transporting cargo. 

Making our way across Haro Strait, we arrived at Sidney B.C. to clear customs and spend the night.