By Victoria 
You wouldn’t think Camano Island in Washington has much to offer, given how peaceful it is. But this beautiful island, located roughly an hour north of Seattle, is ideal for a day visit or a weekend holiday. In contrast to some of the busier islands in Puget Sound, Camano Island can be reached easily by car through a bridge from Stanwood, avoiding the need for a ferry.
The island is about 40 square miles, so there’s plenty of room for sightseeing without feeling crowded. From choosing to indulge yourself in nature, eating wonderful food, or simply relaxing by the ocean, Camano Island is an excellent destination to visit!
History Behind the Name of Camano Island in Washington
Camano island has gone through many name changes throughout the span of time. Originally inhabited by the Kikalos and Snohomish Indians, the island was known as Kal-lut-chin, which translates to “land jutting into a bay.”
As white colonizers took over the island, its name changed. Mapmakers formerly named it McDonough’s Island to honor a captain of the USS Saratoga during the War of 1812. Later, in 1847, Captain Kellett of the British Navy renamed it Camano Island in honour of the Spanish explorer, Lieutenant Don Jacinto Camano, as an attempt to restore Spanish names in the area.
Moreover, the Point Elliott Treaty of 1855 led people to call it Perry Island, while local loggers named it Crow Island. All in all, despite the many misunderstandings about the island’s name, Camano became the name that stayed.
What to Do in Camano Island?
Enjoy the State Parks and Wildlife Reserves
Camano Island is perhaps most famous for its outdoor attractions. There are a number of relaxed state parks with wooded and seaside trails perfect for basic hiking:
Iverson Spit Preserve
Iverson Spit Preserve ranks as one of Camano Island’s most popular sights. It has just over a mile of walking routes alongside the beach, the most renowned of which is Hobbit Trail. To the east, you can see the Cascade Mountains and Port Susan Bay, while to the west, are views of the grassland. However, keep in mind that this is located very close to the houses. So, be respectful and don’t camp there overnight.
Camano Island State Park
Camano Island State Park spans 244 acres and includes both, wooded walking pathways across the Pacific Northwest forest, and beaches. It’s less crowded than Cama Beach State Park to the north, so it’s a must visit in case you want to avoid crowds! If you have a Discover Pass, don’t forget to bring it to this park. Otherwise, you can pay at the kiosk in the parking lot.
English Boom Historic Park.
The English Boom Trail is a one-mile stretch of beach on Camano Island’s north coast. Since there isn’t much traffic, you are likely to enjoy incredible views of the water all to yourself.
Camano Ridge
Camano Ridge Trail is one of the more challenging hikes on Camano Island. It isn’t difficult, although there is some elevation on this forested walk between ferns and trees. It’s around 3 miles total, however there are ways to minimise the trek.
Barnum Point
Barnum Point is yet another beautiful beach not far from Iverson Spit in Camano Island in Washington. It is made up of a number of trails that you are free to follow.
Zip lining
Do you like outdoor adventures? Canopy Tours Northwest allows you to experience Camano’s woodlands via exhilarating zip lines. This exciting activity is an excellent choice for your next visit, as it provides both a rush of adrenaline and an unusual means to experience the natural beauty of the island.
Check out the Best Eateries
Camano Island and surrounding Stanwood have a surprising number of good dining alternatives. One star is Shima Japanese Restaurant, which is found on a lovely cobblestone street in Stanwood. It serves great sushi rolls with unique flavour combinations.
On Camano Island, don’t miss Cristy’s Lumpia or Tapped Camano. Cristy’s serves traditional Filipino cuisine in an off-the-beaten-path part of the island that most people will never discover. Tapped is located in Camano Commons and serves delicious seafood delicacies such as crab buns and crab cakes.
Explore Camano Commons
Camano Commons is the centre of Camano Island. It’s an arrangement of small businesses, eating spots, and stores set up around a courtyard, wonderful for socialising over a beer or ice cream. Furthermore, don’t forget to visit the main store for Camano Island Coffee and other local Pacific Northwest gifts.
Additionally, Camano Commons also offers some wonderful dining options. Tapped is located here, along with a few other restaurants that are ideal for a quick bite. Don’t miss the bakery’s almond croissants or The Baked Cafe’s burgers!
Visit Camano Island Now and Fall in Love with it!
Camano Island in Washington has a wonderful combination of untouched natural magnificence and small-town warmth. Every area of the island has something special to offer, whether you’re touring state parks, dining quietly at a nearby restaurant, or browsing the stores at Camano Commons. It’s a spot where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, while having a lot of fun. Camano Island is a place that pulls travelers back year after year, regardless of the season.
Check out Camano Island’s website to book your trip today.
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