Campfire Stories: The San Juan Islands: Tales & Travel Companion

by Ilyssa Kyu (Editor), Dave Kyu (Editor)

Immerse yourself in a unique blend of literature and lore about the the San Juan Islands



Curated story collections explore the rich and diverse legacies of the San Juan Islands
Contributors include Rena Priest, Jill McCabe Johnson, Quincy Henry, June Burn, Samuel Green, Anna Odessa Linzer, and more
Local recommendations for outdoor exploration, select cultural activities, camping options, gateway towns, and more
"How to Visit Well" and "Community Resources" sections offer tips on sustainable travel while highlighting cultural, Indigenous, and conservation organizations


Expanding on the bestselling Campfire Stories volumes, which feature shareable tales from our national parks, this
new series from Ilyssa and Dave Kyu immerses readers in the storytelling endemic to America’s beloved natural spaces,
offering unique tours through diverse histories, lore, and landscapes.

Part story collection and part travel companion, each eye-catching volume begins with an anthology of "campfire stories"--from classic passages to original poetry, historical excerpts to fresh perspectives, treasured folk songs to local myths. Through the magic of storytelling, readers are deeply drawn into each distinctive terrain. These tales are then followed by a community-sourced
recommendations for outdoor activities, cultural landmarks, and historical points of interest that will enrich the reader’s
experience, as well as tips on how to best travel lightly and respectfully through these scenic and varied public lands.

208 pages, Paperback

Published August 23, 2025

Reviews

[Nancy Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whenever I'm getting ready to travel somewhere, I like to read books written by authors local to that place. This collection makes the search for reading material easy. It also includes descriptions of local sites to see and businesses to patronize, with tips on how best to support the local economy. I'll be keeping an eye out for future installments of Campfire Stories.

[Randee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book to read if you are going to (or are already on) the San Juan Islands. I picked up this copy from Darvill’s bookstore in Eastsound on Orcas Island and proceeded to read it in a day! I am a big fan of these authors and editors — they compile wonderful stories. This book is an authentic look into the San Juan Islands, both of the people who live here, the original stewards of this land, the history of the area, and the art communities. The stories are fabulous and the explore section in the back has so many hidden gems. I will definitely bring my copy with me on my return to the islands as well!

[Maureen Lafrinere · Rating 4 out of 5]

I visited San Juan Island first, then read this book. Now I want to go back to see and do many things I missed, including other islands. Excellent travel book.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a format unlike any travel guide I've read. Stories from current and former residents of the San Juan Islands about life there are interspersed among recommendations for places to visit and things to do. The stories give anyone who has never traveled to the islands or is planning to visit again fresh perspectives and ideas they might not have considered