Angela just posted here about the joys of (and preparations for!) camping with your dog.  What if you want to head to one of Seattlites’ favorite escapes, the San Juan Islands?  Dogs are allowed to travel by ferry, but a few tips before heading out.

• Driving onto the ferry is probably your best option with a dog, although they need to stay on the car deck (and so should you – frequent car horns and ferry noises can cause anxiety for a pup who’s been left alone in the car for an hour and a half).
• If you need to walk on, dogs are allowed onto the ferry deck, but not in the passenger decks.  Be prepared to stay on the car deck for the full trip.
• Each ferry has a small, (very) informal area for passengers with dogs, usually at the front of the boat.  There are a few chairs, but be prepared to sit amongst equipment and with any other dogs that might be making the trip.
• Buying tickets: there is no extra fee to walk on with your dog, but getting your “human ticket” can be a pain, since you can’t bring Fido into the waiting room at Anacortes.  I recommend driving through to purchase your ticket in the vehicle line and then cutting off to the parking lot.

Several San Juan and Orcas hotels and camping sites are dog-friendly – be sure to check before you head out.  If you make it to Eastsound on Orcas Island, there is a great dog park in town to tire out your canine companion.  Muddy beaches abound on all islands, so be sure to bring an old towel!