Cama Beach
Introduction
If your weekend getaway to Whidbey Island left you wanting more downtime, why not continue your adventure with an escape to Camano Island, “The Easy Island?”
Located to the east of Whidbey, smaller Camano Island is home to nearly 16,000 residents year-round. With no ferry service available across Saratoga Passage between the two islands, visitors access the coastal community via I-5, exit 212, first passing through the town of Stanwood before reaching Camano.
Still a relatively undiscovered destination, even to Washingtonians, Camano Island offers timeless beauty, simplicity, and a laid-back vibe. But don’t worry. You’ll still have plenty of venues for adventure if that’s more to your liking.
What’s your travel style for a fun escape to Camano Island, “The Easy Island?”
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Guide Matt Cunningham with AdventureTerra
AdventureTerra
To set the mood for your explorations on Camano, why not get up close and personal with an old-growth forest first before leaving Whidbey Island? AdventureTerra leads small group tree-climbing tours of 6 – 8 people that can take you 200′ off the ground into the heart of an old-growth forest.
For the last 8 years, owner/founder Leo Fischer has shared his enthusiasm for recreational tree climbing (also known as canopy climbing) in half-day tours, sunset climbs, and three-day programs. Fun and safety are top priorities, of course, but as Fischer explains, “You’ll also learn about ecology and forest prevention in addition to tree-climbing skills.”
Fischer also believes that “Tree climbing is a great way to get over a fear of heights. Our guide will climb right alongside side you every step of the way.” And if you require additional assistance, your guides will help you out with a pulley system designed to help get you to the top and back down.
For more information, visit AdventureTerra.
Canopy Tours NW
Canopy Tours NW
Now that you’ve had a taste of tree climbing, channel your inner Tarzan or Jane on a zip-lining tour with family-owned Canopy Tours NW on Camano Island. The company offers a gradual introduction to the sport with 6 zip lines, a log bridge, and short trail walks on the Kristoferson Farm. Other farm events include team building programs, dinners in the barn, crafting workshops, Fall Festival, and a Holiday Open House.
For more information, visit Canopy Tours NW.
Art Lovers
Matzke Fine Art Design and Sculpture Park
Each May the community hosts the Camano Island Art Studio Tour featuring resident artists showcasing artworks in ceramics, glass, jewelry, textiles, painting, and photography, among other mediums.
But you needn’t wait for May to view local art galleries and outdoor sculpture gardens. For instance, visitors can view harmony in art and nature with a stroll of the grounds at Matzke Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Park. Matzke carefully selects international artworks for display inside her 3,000 square foot gallery, alongside her flower gardens and walkways through towering ancient cedars that grace the 10-acre property.
For more information, visit Camano Island Art Studio Tour and Matzke Fine Art and Design.
Beachcombers
Cabins at Cama Beach State Park
If your idea of a coastal retreat includes beachcombing, quiet time, and your own rustic waterfront cabin, Cama Beach State Park is a haven of tranquility, especially in the offseason.
Originally developed as a 1930’s fishing resort, today Cama Beach State Park provides families a relaxing environment where they can walk together along the beach or hiking trails close by. Other popular activities on-site include beach cookouts, dining at the Cama Café, tours of the Center for Wooden Boats, or local history lessons through artifacts with the Park Ranger.
For an even quieter venue on your escape to Camano Island, “The Easy Island,” hike the one-mile trail to neighboring Camano Island State Park. In or on the water, spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainer, plus the possibility of wildlife and whale sightings, make this a special destination for your weekend getaway.
For more information, visit Cama Beach State Park and Camano Island State Park.
Wine & Beer Connoisseurs
Welcome at Dusty Cellars Winery
Enjoy handcrafted wines in a boutique winery setting at Dusty Cellars Winery. Plan your visit for the first weekend of the month when the winery opens its tasting room for wine tasting. Or visitors can arrange private tours for small groups with a call to the owners. With production limited to 700 cases per year, expect to find their wines exclusively at local establishments on Camano Island.
Edward Lynn Cellars Wine Tasting
Here’s an idea for any wanderboomer empty nesters: follow in the footsteps of Bill and Sandy Kintner of Edward Lynne Cellars to transform your empty nest into a vineyard. Now you’re talking! With the goal of producing quality estate wines, since beginning their venture in 2010, the Kintners have previewed white wine varietals of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. Most recently the couple has introduced red blends and varietals like Malbec and Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon to their boutique wine production.
When a beer is your beverage of choice, head to Ale Spike Camano Island Brewing. Whether your beer taste tends towards “light and refreshing” (Australian Sparkling Ale) or “bitter” (Bitter & Ugly),” the friendly, informative staff are bound to find you just the craft beer you’re looking for.
For more information, visit Dusty Cellars Winery, Edward Lynne Cellars. and Ale Spike Camano Island Brewing.
Coffee Aficionados
Camano Island Coffee Roaster
Inside the Camano Commons Marketplace, discover the secrets of what it takes to produce an ethical, fairly traded, healthy coffee with a tour of Camano Island Coffee Roaster. Not to mention the taste with flavor profiles that include cocoa, fruit, caramel, cinnamon, sugar, and nuts.
Founder Jeff Erikson is committed to producing quality certified organic, shade-grown coffee that preserves and protects the environment as well as providing a fair price for the farmers and coffee consumers.
Learn more at Camano Island Coffee Roasters.
To plan your next island weekend getaway, visit Whidbey & Camano Islands.
Wander on!
