Discover the Anacortes Beached Boat

A Day-Trip Treasure

When you’re exploring Anacortes, it’s easy to get swept away by the sparkling waters, island views, and charming downtown. However, tucked along the Guemes Channel Trail, discover the “Anacortes Beached Boat”. A hidden gem that’s equal parts history, nature, and Pacific Northwest quirk: the famous beached boat—officially known as the La Merced.

A Ship With Stories to Tell

The La Merced isn’t just any old vessel. Built in 1917 as a four-masted schooner for Standard Oil, she once carried petroleum products across the seas during the World War I era. Later, she was transformed into a floating cannery, working the Alaskan waters before finding her final resting place in 1966 at Lovric’s Boatyard on Fidalgo Island.

Rather than sail off into obscurity, the La Merced was scuttled and repurposed as a breakwater, protecting the boats in the marina from rough waters. And while her sailing days are long gone, she’s taken on a new kind of life.

Where History Meets Nature

Today, the La Merced is more than a shipwreck—it’s a forest on the water. Over the decades, trees and wildlife have taken root within her hull, turning this maritime relic into a floating ecosystem. It’s a rare sight: a schooner-turned-sanctuary where history and nature intertwine.

Because of her unique past and enduring presence, the La Merced was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

How to See It

If you’d like to experience this Anacortes landmark for yourself, the best view is from the Guemes Channel Trail, not far from the San Juan Islands ferry terminal. You can also catch a closer look from the adjacent marina parking lot, though remember—it’s an active boatyard, so be respectful of the space.

Why It’s Worth the Stop

The Anacortes Beached Boat isn’t just a landmark; it’s a reminder of how places—and vessels—can evolve over time. What once carried petroleum and canned salmon now holds trees, birds, and stories. It’s the kind of stop that adds a little wonder to your day trip, and one more reason to fall in love with the charm of Anacortes.

Whether you’re walking the trail, waiting for the ferry, or simply searching for something memorable to do in town, the La Merced is a must-see slice of PNW history.

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