I know this is still in the very beginning stages, but I have read through almost all the posts I could find on here and I still need some input.

I'm planning a 4 night trip to the San Juan Islands in mid-May 2006. This would give us 3 1/2 days to explore, I believe. My plan so far would be to fly into Seattle (I live in So Cal), but would spend no time there. We would rent a car in Seattle and drive to Anacortes to ferry across to the Islands. I had thought to spend all of the time on San Juan Island, but after reading the posts here, I'm rethinking that to settling down on Orcas Island or even splitting the time between Orcas and Lopez or San Juan. (Not sure if I like the idea of splitting up time, though)

We are looking to perhaps do some light hiking, nature observing, poking around in shops or galleries or museums or whatever looks interesting, maybe wandering along the beach, might do some fishing (not going out on the ocean but lake or from the shore), photography opportunities, reading, star gazing.

I had thought to leave the Islands on Friday, drive to Seattle, and catch a late afternoon flight back home.

My questions:

1. I've read the drive between Seattle Anacortes is approximately 2 hours. Is this correct?

2. If we spend all of our nights on Orcas, is it reasonable to day trip to San Juan? (We would probably take the car, is that feasible?)

3. Any thoughts on which island to stay on, or if we should split up our time between two?

4. Would there be enough to keep us busy for that amount of time? Would we be a "fit" for the Islands?

5. Would we be going early enough in the season to escape the tourist rush? Are most places open at that time?

6. Is it crazy to try to catch a flight out of Seattle on Friday afternoon, or should I try to squeeze in an extra night in Seattle and catch an early morning flight out the next day? (B/F has a commitment on Saturday, so he will have to be home then)

I know this is long, but any and all help is appreciated!!

I spent a few days at the Friday Harbor House and loved it. Very nice hotel with an outstanding restaurant. We drove all around the island, did some light hikes and biking and never ran out of things to do.

1. Yes, depending on traffic. Seattle airport to Anacortes is a half hour more. Allow plenty of time at Anacortes for lineups for the ferry.

2. Easily doable.

3. Different strokes. I think San Juan and Lopez would be my preferences, day trip to Orcas. More places to go (car needed) on SJ and Orcas, Lopez more a bike-and-picnic sort of place.

4. Probably. Small rural towns. SJ might offer more distractions if you need 'em.

5. Yes and yes.

6. Yes, crazy. Spend the night and take a morning plane.

I work in Anacortes, so I should be able to answer a few of your questions:
Anacortes is 1.5 to 2 hours from Seattle. Depending on when you arrive in Seattle you might hit some traffic in the Seattle area which can really slow you down, but once you're past Everett, no more traffic. The exit to take off I-5 is exit 230 (Hwy 20 W).
Mid May can still pretty cool here and sometimes windy so pack accordingly (real summer starts in mid July if we're lucky).
One thing I did once was to go first to the farthest island (San Juan), do whatever you want there and then skip to the next island east (Orcas) and so on. I do this because then you only have to pay for the ferry once since they only charge going west.
Yes, day trips to neighboring Islands are no problem and the ferry ride is pretty short. On San Juan, check out American Camp and the British Camp, they're at oposite ends of the island though (they're also very different).
Friday Harbor is a nice little town. there is a small winery close to town also.
My favorite is Orcas. Moran State park is nice, the views are great from the top of Mt. Constitution.
Doe Bay resort is interesting.
I don't know much about the other islands, and I think they're too residential for my taste, but I haven't been so I shoudldn't talk.
While you're going through Anacortes, a drive to the top of Mt. Erie (it's only 15 minutes from town) might be enjoyable and it would give you an idea of what the islands look like from here.
that's my 2c. I'm sure others will know more but I can answer specific questions, and if I'm still around, I'd love to meet you if you go through Anacortes. BTW, if you want to eat in Anacortes, there are a few good places, my favorite is the Rockfish grill.

Thanks for the quick replies! This really does give me a better foundation to begin planning with.

cmcfong - thanks for the referral. I will check into it.

Gardyloo - you have confirmed my fears. I've always said if one's intuition is telling you something isn't right, it probably isn't. Driving straight to SEA-TAC didn't seem quite right. I guess I'm going to have squeeze in an extra night!

greenthumbedislander - what a great resource you are! I wasn't aware of how the ferries charge. Hadn't checked that far! I don't mind a bit of more chillier weather if it means I won't have crowds of tourists to crawl over. No problem to bring along warmer clothes. I'm sure as time grows closer I'll have far more questions.

Thanks again!

oh another small detail. If you're cramped for time and want to save a few minutes on the trip to the ferry, when you come into Anacortes, take the first right (R avenue) and then make a right at 12th street and continue on instead of going down commercial avenue. this is like the local way to get through town quickly without having to stop too much. Commercial ave is also slower speed limit.

Hotel owners have told me that May is a slow month (so, great for you)-it's after the spring breaks and before the kids get out of school.
Day trips to other islands are perfectly feasible. I'd stay on Orcas and day trip to San Juan to see both sections of the National Historical Park. They are both very different but both are beautiful. If you're interested in whale watching you might consider spending some time at Lime Kiln State Park, which is a great spot from which to view whales (if they're around).
One caveat-on Orcas, public beaches are rare. Rent a house or stay at a b and b or inn that has waterfront access.