CAMANO ISLAND, WA
Onamac is a beach community about half way down the western side of Camano Island.
Residents regularly get to watch whales come up for air, spout, and slap their tails as they travel up and down Saratoga Passage. Bald eagles and gulls feast upon shellfish and boaters catch their share, too. The beach is peaceful, yet full of activity and is a little paradise for the creatures and residents who live nearby.
Watch boats pass by or go out and catch yourself some crab, salmon, shrimp, or squid. When the tide goes out, locals come out to harvest clams. Kids can scout the beach for barnacled rocks, seashells, sea stars, jellyfish, seaweed, and driftwood. This is a great place for making memories. Children can spend hours turning over rocks to look for crabs and splash around in the placid waters during summer months.
There are four campsites near Onamac Point that can be reserved by Onamac homeowners. The sites have solid wood picnic tables and grated fire pits where you can host BBQs and bonfires with friends. The boat launch is for Onamac Maintenance Association members. Members, however, get to provide access for their guests.
Each month, members of the Onamac Maintenance Association meet to discuss water treatment, the Onamac newsletter, and beach events. Community garage sales are planned for the summertime. It’s a great way to catch up with neighbors, collect newfound treasures, and make a little extra cash. Onamac Point is also open to the community for reserving larger events, like wedding receptions.
The sunsets and sunrises reflecting off the water are jaw-dropping. Hues of gold and amber outline deep oranges that fade into pink and purple pastels. Storm clouds often leave behind double rainbows and on clear days, the Olympic mountains put on a display across Saratoga Passage. To the north, you can catch views of Mt. Baker in all its snowy glory. Homeowners in the Onamac neighborhood have the added benefit of enjoying the private Onamac beach - a place for picnics, walks and camping.