Lopez is the third largest island of The San Juan's, a chain of islands spanning between Washington and Vancouver. It lies in a sort of no-man's land, cut off from the hum of nearby cities and only accessible by ferry, boat, or plane. Most of its pristine real estate, old-growth forests and rocky coastlines, is undeveloped. There are also a surprising number of State Parks and hiking trails throughout the island for deep introspection and picturesque views of waterways and distant mountain ranges – both the Olympic and Cascade Mountain Ranges can be seen from the coast on a clear day.
The Lopez population is made up of an eccentric community of sustainable farmers and wealthy professionals living with a seemingly symbiotic relationship: the professionals help to protect the island and its old growth forests and coastlines from further development, while the sustainable farmers and counter-culture population offer the care-free, nature-driven lifestyle that many of the wealthier inhabitants seek out as a sort of reprieve from their urban, corporate lives. The street names, such as Honey Bee Ln, Spirit Road, Dragon Run, Namaste Ln, and the aptly named Center Road, only add to a feeling that Lopez is a warm, welcoming community with deep-seeded values in environmental protection and sustainability.
Should your spirit feel compelled to visit Lopez, you may want to think about bypassing the ferry car fees and travel by bike. Lopez is the flattest island of the San Juans, and thus the most bike-friendly. The roads are well maintained, long, and scenic, and there are no highways or high-traffic areas to worry about. The drivers here are startlingly friendly too. Most folks will offer a wave as they putter past you along the interior roads. Check out Spencer Spit State Park or Odlin County Park for camping permits.
Pro Tip: Bring a map. Phone service is spotty on the island. It's easy to get turned around with the interior roads. If the weather is cooperating, strongly consider staying for sunset. Shark Reef Sanctuary offers some oh-so spectacular views of the ocean and Olympic National Park to the south. Bring a beverage or whatever else you might fancy (Washington is a green state, btw). No one will mind so long as you pick up after yourself and bring along some positive vibes.