Save time, go green and get a free companion pass to see Washington’s newest Scenic Byway by bus.
Visitors can leave their cars behind this summer and ride the island-based shuttle bus to popular recreational, cultural, historical and scenic spots along the San Juan Islands Scenic Byway.
Companion travelers can sign up to receive a free Explorer Bus Day Pass ($15 value) at http://www.visitsanjuans.com/scenicbyway. The pass can be redeemed on the shuttle bus on San Juan Island or Orcas Island.
But wait, there’s more.
New this year, day-pass holders can get a free ride back to the ferry landing the next day. And beginning June 21, the bus will include the Cattle Point area, at the south end of San Juan Island, part of the new San Juan Islands National Monument on one of its runs.
San Juan Island daily shuttle bus service began earlier this year, May 17, on San Juan Island and runs longer than before, through Sept. 15. Three different island routes originate or terminate at the Friday Harbor ferry landing. (Seewww.sanjuantransit.com for full details of schedules/pickup sites).
— Daily, May 17 to Sept. 15: Friday Harbor—Roche Harbor (includes vineyard, alpaca ranch, English Camp, sculpture park)
— Daily, June 21 to Sept. 2: Friday Harbor—Cape San Juan (includes golf course, American Camp, South Beach, Cape San Juan)
— Daily, June 14 to Sept. 2: Friday Harbor—Snug Harbor (includes Lime Kiln Point State Park, San Juan County Park, lavender farm)
Orcas Island daily shuttle bus service is available Solstice, June 21, through Labor Day, Sept. 2: Orcas Ferry Landing, West Sound, South Turtleback Trail Head, Deer Harbor, golf course, Eastsound, Rosario Resort, Moran State Park
A Byway bus pass can be used conjunction with the Washington State Ferries free walk-on passenger ticket — with purchase of one full-fare passenger ticket — offered in the print version of the Seattle Chinook Book. Find the Chinook Book at bookstores and retail outlets around Puget Sound or purchase online, http://sea.chinookbook.net/online-store/.
Wheelchairs are welcome on the bus and on the Washington State Ferries. Advance calls to make arrangements are recommended. Shuttle bus: (360) 378-8887; WSF assistance, (206) 515-3481.
