Explore The Pacific Northwest’s San Juan Islands
Defending the Salish Sea
June 2027
Overview
Welcome to the San Juan Islands — an archipelago nestled in the heart of the Salish Sea, where forested shorelines, surrounding kelp beds, and migrating orcas tell the story of a fragile and fiercely protected ecosystem.
Here, the stakes of environmental protection are immediate and visible. It’s why Earthjustice has fought for 30+ years to safeguard endangered Southern Resident orcas and threatened salmon populations, defend clean water from industrial pollution, and block attempts to turn this special place into a transport hub for dirty fossil fuels.
Join Earthjustice attorneys and local experts for an immersive exploration of the San Juan Islands by paddling along coastlines, witnessing marine wildlife in its natural habitat, and engaging in behind-the-scenes conversations about strategies used to protect this crucial ecosystem.
Express InterestHighlights
Kelly Balcomb
Protecting Southern Resident Orcas
The Salish Sea is one of North America’s most biologically rich inland seas.
It is also home to the threatened Southern Resident orca population, who have faced numerous threats from prior Sea World live capture, shrinking salmon populations, and toxic runoff polluting their waterways and food resources.
Earthjustice successfully secured Endangered Species Act protections for these whales in the early-2000s and continues to fight for their recovery as populations dwindle.
Peter Pearsall / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Sequoias Of The Sea
Bull kelp forests play an integral role in the Salish Sea by creating forage and refuge habitat essential for coastal marine ecosystems’ biodiversity.
Sometimes referred to as the “Sequoias of the Sea,” bull kelp also stores an incredible amount of carbon — approximately 20 times more per acre than on-land forests — and helps limit coastal waters’ acidification caused by climate change.
During your trip, you’ll have the opportunity to see, touch, and even taste, this often-overlooked ingredient of thriving coastal habitats.
Andrew Peacock / Getty Images
Immersive Coastal Adventure
Explore the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic landscapes through guided kayaking around the islands’ coastline, forage for native plants to supplement locally sourced lunches enjoyed along the shore, and embark on a full-day whale watching excursion in search of orcas, humpbacks, and other marine wildlife.
Itinerary
June 2027
5 Days, 4 Nights
(Exact dates to be announced)
DAY 1
Arrivals & Welcome
Overnight
Arrive at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and transfer to Cedarbrook Lodge, a tranquil retreat tucked into 18 acres of restored wetlands just minutes from the airport.
After checking in, join your fellow guests, Earthjustice staff, and trip leaders for a welcome reception and group introduction.
During the reception and dinner at the lodge, we’ll preview the environmental themes that will shape the coming days in the San Juan Islands and explore how Earthjustice has worked for 30+ years to protect old-growth forests, salmon streams, and obtained Endangered Species Act protections for the Southern Resident orcas you’ll see on the journey.
After dinner, pack your bags, as we head to the San Juan Islands tomorrow morning!
Stuart Westmorland / Corbis Documentary / Getty Images
DAY 2
Charter to Orcas Island
Overnight
Following breakfast at the lodge, you’ll depart for a scenic charter flight with Kenmore Air. Soaring above Puget Sound, you’ll skip the long drive through traffic and land directly at Orcas Island where you’ll spend the next three nights.
Dana Neibert / Getty Images
Upon arrival, you will enjoy a waterfront lunch at Buck Bay Shellfish Farm with conversation on how increased pollutants and toxic runoff threaten the entire ecosystem’s food chain.
In the afternoon, the group will embark on an introductory kayak excursion that provides a chance to get comfortable on the water, test your paddling skills, and receive an introduction to the coming day’s coastline exploration.
After settling into your accommodations at Doe Bay Resort or Outlook Inn, we’ll reconvene for dinner and conversations.
Stephen J Taylor / Getty Images
DAY 3
Whale Watching in the Salish Sea
Overnight
Today, we set out for a full day of whale watching with Outer Island Excursions, with the goal of spotting orcas and other marine wildlife in their native ecosystems. Be sure to pack layers as the weather can shift quickly while out on the open water.
Greg Schneider / birdphotographer.ca / Getty Images
The Salish Sea is home to two distinct orca populations: the West Coast Transient orcas, who feed on fish, seals, and other marine mammals, and the endangered Southern Resident orcas, who primarily feed on Chinook salmon.
As we scan the horizon, Earthjustice staff and onboard naturalists will discuss the numerous threats facing these orca populations, including decreasing salmon populations from the Columbia River Basin, contamination from wastewater treatment plants, nutrient pollution, and increased shipping traffic.
Upon returning to the marina, you’ll have the late afternoon to explore the quaint shops in town, wander through forested trails, or unwind in your accommodations.
Doces / Getty Images
This evening, we’ll gather for dinner in town before getting an early night’s rest in preparation for an active day of paddling tomorrow.
Olsword / Getty Images
DAY 4
Sea Kayaking
Overnight
Our final full day is devoted to an immersive sea kayaking journey along Orcas Island’s coastline with exploration of Point Doughty, Deer Harbor, and Jones Island.
Andrew Peacock / Cavan / Getty Images
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like bald eagles, minks, starfish, and egg-yolk jellyfish as you paddle through kelp forests and rocky shorelines as we learn about intertidal ecosystems and the marine biodiversity that defines the San Juan Islands.
Art Wolfe / Getty Images
We’ll pause for lunch along the way that includes locally sourced and foraged ingredients. You’ll be shocked with the freshest seaweed salad you’ve ever tried and how Turkish Towel seaweed can be turned into a delicious coconut chocolate pudding.
If weather allows for a paddle to Jones Island, you may choose to take a short hike while food is being prepared.
Following a day of paddling, you’ll return to your accommodations to refresh and relax before joining the group for a final dinner.
Together, we’ll enjoy a toast to our adventures over the past days together while sharing highlights and reflections from our shared experiences.
Grant Faint / The Image Bank / Getty Images
DAY 5
Departures
Enjoy a final breakfast on Orcas Island before we return to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) by chartered sea planes.
Those departing today can catch their flights while others who may be extending their stay will continue on with their adventures.
Trip Details
- Dates: June 2027 (exact dates to be announced)
- Group Size: 12–16 Guests
- Age Restriction: Guests must be at least 7 years old
- Package Rate: To be announced
Receive a first chance to register once dates and costs are finalized by expressing your interest. You can then officially hold your spot(s) with a refundable deposit once registrations officially open.
Contact Us
Julie Kinamore | Iconic Adventures
For more information about the trip, please contact Iconic Adventures at concierge@iconicadventures.com or (877) 941-9412.
CST#2104024
Matt Horst | Earthjustice
For Earthjustice-related questions, please contact our travel team at travel@earthjustice.org or (312) 800-8308.
CST#2142309-40
Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST42385
About Earthjustice’s Explores Travel Program
At Earthjustice, we go to court for the future of our planet. But we are more than just lawyers in a courtroom: our litigation, advocacy, and communications work lead to real change on the ground.
As a valued Justice Partner and Evergreen Council member, you’re invited to travel with us to experience firsthand how our legal wins matter profoundly for people and the environment.
Each trip is intentionally customized to explore major environmental and public health fights alongside Earthjustice attorneys, local experts, and community advocates. Pairing a behind-the-scenes look at our regional work with comfort and adventure, your experience will color the stories you tell friends and families for years to come while building relationships with the magnificent places we fight for.
Our trips are priced only to cover expenses and are not intended to help fund our organization. In partnership with renowned tour operator Iconic Adventures, we offer these trips to you as an opportunity to connect with our shared mission.
Opening photo: Aerial view of the San Juan Islands. (Bill Ross / The Image Bank / Getty Images)
