Blackie Brady Memorial Beach

Lopez Island is a quaint and friendly place boasting some 63 miles of shoreline. The third-largest of the San Juan Islands, this beautiful, 30-square-mile patch of land is busy with holidaymakers during summer, but usually a quiet and peaceful spot for the rest of the year.

There are plenty of lovely beaches worth exploring all the around the perimeter of Lopez Island, but the stretch of sand at Blackie Brady Memorial Day Park is often forgotten about. Tucked away at the southern end of the island, this small, hidden park is well worth going the extra mile to explore.

Surrounded by rocky bluffs and forest, this little beach looks out onto the calm waters of Hughes Bay. There's a delightful patch of soft sand for you and your dog to explore, and the waters are still and peaceful if you want to dip your toes in. It's usually pretty well shaded, however, so make sure you're always dressed for the conditions.

The best feature of Blackie Brady Memorial Day Park is its seclusion. Because of its location and the fact that so few people know of its existence, it's not uncommon for you and your four-legged fur kid to have the beach all to yourselves, even in the middle of summer.

You'll need to make sure that your pet stays on a leash at all times, while it's also up to you to take along some plastic bags to ensure your dog doesn't leave any mess behind. The park can be found after a drive of a little over 12 miles from the Lopez Island ferry landing, with parking available at the end of Huggins Road. There's also a picnic table available if you want to stop and enjoy a bite to eat.

If you're looking for some quiet time in the great outdoors with your dog, add this beach to your must-do list.