City of Anacortes

Throughout Anacortes 125-year history there have been attempts to find a name or a theme to best describe the community of Anacortes. Anacortes has been referred to as “The gateway to the San Juans,” or the “Heart of the Island” Empire,” or “The Magic City.” The community could best be described today as “The City within a Park.” Anacortes is proud to boast 12-1/2 miles of saltwater shoreline, four freshwater lakes, surrounded by and inclusive of 3000 plus acres of city-owned forestlands and city-owned parks. There are 20 different parks within the city limits of Anacortes, from a skate park, (The Ben Root Memorial Skate park), to parks with commanding views and beautiful overlooks including, Mt. Erie (160 Acres), the highest point on Fidalgo Island) and Cape Sante (37 Acres), with a remnant amphitheatre. Washington Park (220 acres) is perhaps the locals’ favorite park jutting into Rosario Strait on the western edge of Anacortes and offering territorial views and outstanding sunsets. This park has day use areas, boat launches, and 75 overnight camping sites. Picnic sites and car pullouts provide beach access along Green Point, the western shoreline of the park. A two and three tenths mile loop road on the park perimeter provides access to several shoreline areas with a premier viewpoint of Burrows Bay. Cars, joggers and walkers share this road with a few hours each day assigned to foot traffic only.