Anacortes: A Small Town Made for Exploring
Come for the views. Stay for the walks.
Anacortes is the kind of Pacific Northwest getaway where you can spend the morning on a forest trail, the afternoon exploring a waterfront downtown, and the evening enjoying a great meal.
Set between saltwater and the forested hills of Fidalgo Island, Anacortes packs a remarkable amount into a small, walkable town. Scenic marinas, interesting shops, locally loved restaurants, lively bars, galleries and accommodations ranging from luxurious to laid-back, all providing visitors lots of reasons to linger.
And if you want to explore beyond town, Anacortes makes an ideal base. Highway 20 and the Washington State Ferries put a surprising variety of adventures within easy reach. Hop the small ferry to Guemes Island, cross Deception Pass Bridge into the southern reaches of Deception Pass State Park or head into the hills for spectacular views of islands, water and forest.
But no need to go far at all.
Anacortes rewards travelers who like to explore on foot. A stroll through downtown can lead to a waterfront park, a coffee shop, an art gallery or a great lunch. Scenic trails begin all around town, while kayaking, whale watching, cycling and mountain biking offer even more ways to get outside. Just add the welcoming community and a relaxed island-town atmosphere, and it’s easy to see why visitors often arrive planning to explore the region—and end up wanting to stay right here.
Anacortes day trip highlights—Stary active all day outside: Trails, Views and Fresh Air
Some of the area’s best adventures are only minutes from downtown. Hikers, cyclists and mountain bikers can choose from easy, beginner-friendly routes to challenging climbs in the hills above town.
Popular destinations include Mount Erie, Cap Sante Park and Washington Park, with spectacular views across the islands and surrounding waters. Just a little farther afield, Deception Pass and Sharpe Park offer even more trails, forests and dramatic coastal scenery. Or walk aboard the Guemes Island Ferry for an easy escape (in just 10 minutes) to an island with its own network of hiking and biking opportunities.
History and art lovers have plenty to explore, too, with self-guided walks that reveal the stories, people and places that have shaped Anacortes.
Keep your eyes open along the way. Trails, shorelines and waterways are beautiful places to spot orcas, seals, otters and an impressive variety of birds and waterfowl.
Anacortes Community Forest Lands: The Crown Jewel
For walkers and hikers, the Anacortes Community Forest Lands (ACFL) may be the crown jewel.
Spanning more than 2,950 acres, the ACFL offers more than 50 miles of trails winding through forests, wetlands, lakes and open meadows. It’s an extraordinary amount of accessible nature tucked into—and immediately surrounding—a small waterfront town.
A local nonprofit, Friends of the ACFL, helps care for this remarkable resource. Proudly self-described as “tree huggers,” the group also leads guided hikes and walks throughout the year, giving visitors a natural way to explore the forest with knowledgeable locals.
Friends of the ACFL hosts guided hikes and walks year-round, offering a straightforward way to explore with knowledgeable locals.
- Family hikes designed for families with young children are typically offered on the third Sunday of each month, 10am – noon.
- Senior hikes are offered on the third Thursday of each month, 10am – 12pm
- Community hikes now has staffing to lead walks on Sundays.
The ACFL is open to hikers throughout the park, with designated areas also allowing bicycles, horses and two-wheeled motorcycles. On ACFL trails, level 1 E-bikes are considered bicycles and level 2 & 3 are motorcycles (that’s per the COA Parks and Rec 2026 Forest Management Plan). Motorcycles are permitted April 1 through October 31.
City of Anacortes Parks and Recreation
City youth activities include an extensive offering of youth sports leagues, seasonal sailing program and various recreational classes. Adult activities include several recreational sports leagues and various recreational classes.
Special events include seasonal parties or celebrations, school vacation activities, special youth events and family events, including holiday events, fishing, celebrations and road runs.
For information call Anacortes Parks and Recreation at 360-293-1918 or recreation@anacorteswa.gov
The result? You can come to Anacortes for an adventure almost anywhere—and find one waiting right outside your door.