The
serene environs of The Willows Inn offer breathtaking views, making
it easy to simply while away the hours taking it all in. For those
interested in a bit more activity, there is a wide range of options:
Work on the Farm
Each summer our farm features a program for Agritourism. Stay two nights at the Inn, and sign up for a fun day of working on the farm and learning about the food we grow. Check Nettles Farm for more information.
Bocce!
People
of all ages and skills have fun playing Bocce, or the French version
Boules. Rain or shine, warm or cold, you will enjoy our 10 X 60 oyster shell court.
Hot
Tub
Our
large outdoor Jacuzzi hot tub is private, yet affords a view of
the islands to the west.
Walking
and biking
A seven-mile loop provides stunning vistas of Puget Sound with
Mount Baker standing sentry and reefnetters dotting the waters
just offshore; the surrounding woods offer several trails, and
a stroll along the Inn’s (private) beach is always delightful.
The Inn offers bikes for rent to its guests, (and welcomes guests to arrive with
their own).
Whale watching
Visitors in May thru August will find Orca whales visible from the Inn’s deck and along the island’s beaches during the yearly salmon run; an amazing sight! The past few Mays and Junes we have seen orcas nearly every day. Notice that we have a closer view of the whales from our deck than do the whale watching boats, who must keep a safe distance away. Orcas routinely come within 100 yards of the beach. If you want to guarantee that you will see the whales, Outer Island Expeditions can pick up to 6 persons from our beach and visit the whales within the hour. We offer two options each day, morning and evening. During July and August it is advisable to book the trips two weeks in advance, but last minute bookings might be possible. Click here for more information.
Another whale watching option is from Bellinghm Harbor, Island Mariner Cruises. They can seat 50 customers on their vessel, Island Caper.
Boat
Trips
The Willows offers a perfect location for kayakers with its miles
of coastline and nearby islands. In addition, the Willows Inn offers
excursions to neighboring islands in Nathan Brandow's 26 foot custom excursion boat,
leaving right from our beach for picnics and exploration. Take a two hour tour of the San Jaun Islands, or get dropped off for a gourmet picnic lunch. Groups of at least four are required, as is advanced notice.
Another service is provided by Capt Charlie DeWeese, and his Sail Away Charters. He features dinner sails as well as island day sailing trips.
A trip out
to the reefnets is always fun. We have a double sea kayak for
rent to experienced kayakers. Contact
us for more information.
Birding
Enthusiasts will be happy to note the area is home to more than
165 species of water and land fowl. It’s not unusual to
spot bald eagles soaring overhead, a perrigrine falcon swooping and diving, or a family of loons near the beach. Bring binoculars or use one
of the Inn’s wide-angle, light-gathering boat binoculars.
